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413 New Immigration Cases in the Western District of Texas

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413 New Immigration Cases in the Western District of Texas
 Acting United States Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas announced, that federal prosecutors in the district filed 413 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from May 23 through May 29. Image for illustration purposes
 Acting United States Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas announced, that federal prosecutors in the district filed 413 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from May 23 through May 29. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Texas

SAN ANTONIO – Acting United States Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas announced, that federal prosecutors in the district filed 413 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from May 23 through May 29.

These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and an estimated population of 7.6 million people. The district includes three of the five largest cities in Texas—San Antonio, Austin and El Paso—and shares 660 miles of common border with the Republic of Mexico.

These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Romanian Citizen Pleads Guilty to ‘Swatting’ Numerous Members of Congress, Churches, and Former U.S. President

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Romanian Citizen Pleads Guilty to ‘Swatting’ Numerous Members of Congress, Churches, and Former U.S. President
Leader of Online Swatting Ring Admits to Targeting over 75 Public Officials, Four Religious Institutions, and Multiple Journalists in Nationwide Bomb Threat Spree. Image for illustration purposes
Leader of Online Swatting Ring Admits to Targeting over 75 Public Officials, Four Religious Institutions, and Multiple Journalists in Nationwide Bomb Threat Spree. Image for illustration purposes

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U.S. Department of Justice

Thomasz Szabo, also known as Plank, Jonah, and Cypher, 26, of Romania, pleaded guilty to being the leader of a years-long conspiracy that targeted victims across the United States with “swatting” and bomb threats. Szabo and his co-conspirators falsely reported ongoing violent emergencies at government buildings, houses of worship, and private residences, including the homes of senior government officials.

“This defendant led a dangerous swatting criminal conspiracy, deliberately threatening dozens of government officials with violent hoaxes and targeting our nation’s security infrastructure from behind a screen overseas,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This case reflects our continued focus on protecting the American people and working with international partners to stop these threats at their source.”

“Szabo pleaded guilty to a years-long conspiracy that targeted victims with swatting and bomb threats, including to government buildings, houses of worship and homes of government officials,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Swatting endangers lives and will not be tolerated by the FBI. We are fully committed to working with our partners to bring to justice those criminals hiding behind keyboards and threatening violence.”

“This defendant’s targeted and ruthless behavior put countless people in danger, including law enforcement, public officials, and ordinary citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro for the District of Columbia. “Swatting attacks, that is, falsely reporting an ongoing threat of violence at a victims’ home address for the purpose of provoking a police response there, drain precious resources and can result in major injury or even death. Anyone who hijacks police resources for senseless crimes like these will have to answer for their actions.”  

According to court documents, Szabo was the founder and leader of an online community that, starting in late 2020, engaged in a pattern of bomb threats and “swatting” — that is, falsely reporting an ongoing threat of violence at a victims’ home address for the purpose of provoking a police response there.

As leader of the group, Szabo made false reports to U.S. law enforcement including a threat in December 2020 to commit a mass-shooting at New York City synagogues, and a threat in January 2021 to detonate explosives at the U.S. Capitol and kill the President-elect. Szabo publicized his “swatting” activity to his followers and encouraged them to engage in similar behavior.

Beginning on Dec. 24, 2023, and continuing through early January 2024, subordinate members of Szabo’s group perpetrated a spree of swatting and bomb threats that included, as its victims, at least 25 Members of Congress or family members of Members of Congress; at least six then-current or former senior U.S. Executive Branch officials, including multiple cabinet-level officials; at least 13 then-current or former senior federal law enforcement officials, including the heads of multiple federal law enforcement agencies; multiple members of the federal judiciary; at least 27 then-current or former state government officials or family members of such officials; at least four religious institutions; and multiple members of the media.

During that time period, one of those subordinates bragged to Szabo: “I did 25+ swattings today,” and “creating massive havoc in [A]merica. $500,000+ in taxpayers wasted in just two days.”

Szabo pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, and one count of threats involving explosives, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 23. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Szabo was extradited from Romania in November 2024.

The U.S. Secret Service Washington Field Office and Criminal Investigative Division, the FBI’s Washington and Minneapolis Field Offices, and the U.S. Capitol Police are investigating the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance in securing Szabo’s arrest and extradition and assisted with securing evidence from abroad, including through mutual legal assistance requests. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Secret Service’s Bucharest Resident Office, Miami Field Office, Syracuse Resident Office, Springfield Resident Office; the FBI’s Legat Office in Bucharest; and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Western District of Washington, the District of South Dakota, the Middle District of Florida, the Southern District of Florida, the Southern District of Illinois, and the Northern District of New York. The Romanian authorities’ assistance was critical to the successful investigation of the case and extradition of Szabo.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance provided by the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

Updated June 2, 2025

Former FAA Contractor Pleads Guilty to Illegally Acting as an Agent of the Iranian Government

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Former FAA Contractor Pleads Guilty to Illegally Acting as an Agent of the Iranian Government
Former Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) contractor Abouzar Rahmati, 42, a naturalized U.S. citizen and resident of Great Falls, Virginia, pleaded guilty to conspiring to act and acting as an agent of the Iranian government in the United States without prior notification to the Attorney General. Image for illustration purposes
Former Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) contractor Abouzar Rahmati, 42, a naturalized U.S. citizen and resident of Great Falls, Virginia, pleaded guilty to conspiring to act and acting as an agent of the Iranian government in the United States without prior notification to the Attorney General. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

U.S. Department of Justice

Former Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) contractor Abouzar Rahmati, 42, a naturalized U.S. citizen and resident of Great Falls, Virginia, pleaded guilty to conspiring to act and acting as an agent of the Iranian government in the United States without prior notification to the Attorney General.

According to court documents, from at least December 2017 through June 2024, Rahmati worked with Iranian government officials and intelligence operatives to act on their behalf in the United States, including by meeting with Iranian intelligence officers in Iran, communicating with Iranian intelligence officers and government officials using a cover story to hide his conduct, obtaining employment with an FAA contractor with access to sensitive non-public information about the U.S. aviation sector, and obtaining open-source and non-public materials about the U.S. solar energy industry and providing it to Iranian intelligence officers.

In August 2017, Rahmati offered his services to the Iranian government through a senior Iranian government official who previously worked in Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security and with whom Rahmati had previously attended university. Four months later, in December 2017, Rahmati traveled to Iran, where he met with Iranian intelligence operatives and government officials and agreed to obtain information about the U.S. solar energy industry, to provide that information to Iranian officials, and to conduct future communications under a cover story based on purported discussions about research with fellow academics.

Upon returning to the United States in early 2018, Rahmati obtained various private and open-source materials related to the U.S. solar energy industry and provided them to an official from the office of Iran’s Vice President for Science and Technology in response to tasking from Iranian government officials.

In response to tasking from Iranian officials, and in furtherance of his role as an agent of the Government of Iran, Rahmati exploited his employment as an FAA contractor, working for U.S. COMPANY 1, by downloading at least 172 GB of U.S. COMPANY 1 files, which included sensitive access-controlled FAA documents related to the National Aerospace System (NAS), NAS Airport Surveillance Radar systems, and radio frequency data. Rahmati stored those files on removable media, which he took to Iran, where he provided sensitive documents to the Government of Iran in April 2022.

Also in April 2022, in response to tasking from Iranian government officials, Rahmati sent additional information relating to solar energy, solar panels, the FAA, U.S. airports, and U.S. air traffic control towers to his brother, who lived in Iran, so that he would provide those files to Iranian intelligence on Rahmati’s behalf.

Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 26. Rahmati faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison for acting as an agent of a foreign government without prior notification to the Attorney General, and up to five years in prison for conspiracy. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Sue Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. for the District of Columbia, and Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division made the announcement.

The FBI’s Washington Field Office is investigating the case, with significant assistance from the FAA’s Office of Counterintelligence and Technical Operations.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Tortorice and Kimberly Paschall for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorneys Beau Barnes and Alexander Wharton of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case, with significant assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. 

Father & Son Indicted for Providing Material Support to Mexican Cartel

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Father & Son Indicted for Providing Material Support to Mexican Cartel
The superseding indictment, returned May 22, alleges Maxwell Sterling Jensen, 25, Draper, Utah, and James Lael Jensen, 68, Sandy, Utah, conspired to provide material support to the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) in the form of U.S. currency. The Secretary of State designated CJNG as a foreign terrorist organization Feb. 20. Image: Public Domain
The superseding indictment, returned May 22, alleges Maxwell Sterling Jensen, 25, Draper, Utah, and James Lael Jensen, 68, Sandy, Utah, conspired to provide material support to the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) in the form of U.S. currency. The Secretary of State designated CJNG as a foreign terrorist organization Feb. 20. Image: Public Domain

Texas Border Business

U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Two family members with ties to South Texas have been charged with allegedly conspiring to materially support a Mexican cartel previously designated as a foreign terrorist organization, conspiracy to commit money laundering and related smuggling charges.

The superseding indictment, returned May 22, alleges Maxwell Sterling Jensen, 25, Draper, Utah, and James Lael Jensen, 68, Sandy, Utah, conspired to provide material support to the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) in the form of U.S. currency. The Secretary of State designated CJNG as a foreign terrorist organization Feb. 20. 

“This case underscores the more aggressive and innovative approach the Southern District of Texas is taking towards combatting the scourge of drug cartels,” said Ganjei. “This strategy focuses not just on the traffickers and trigger-pullers directly employed by the cartels, but also targeting their confederates and enablers. Whether you are handing the cartel a gun, providing a car or safehouse for smugglers, or putting money in the cartel’s pocket, you will be held to account.”

The Jensens allegedly operated Arroyo Terminals, an enterprise based in Rio Hondo.

Both are also charged with allegedly conspiring to conduct financial transactions to conceal and disguise the nature and source of the proceeds of illegally smuggled goods, crude oil. They also aided and abetted the fraudulent entry of approximately 2,881 shipments of the oil in violation of the Tariff Act, according to the charges.  

“Cases like this highlight the often-dangerous relationships between alleged unscrupulous U.S. businesses and terrorist organizations,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) San Antonio. “Through strong collaborations and relentless investigative work, we and our partners exposed a possible large-scale operation that allegedly attempted to move millions in illicit crude oil and launder the proceeds. HSI remains committed to protecting our economy and holding offenders accountable.”

“What began as a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) drug trafficking investigation evolved into a multifaceted case involving an alleged complex criminal operation generating millions of dollars from crude oil – the largest funding source for Mexican drug cartels,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge William Kimbell of DEA – Houston. “Given the charges have profound implications for both the United States and Mexico, we will continue to explore all leads and identify any believed to be involved. The collaboration with federal law enforcement, prosecutors, and state agencies proved critical to unraveling these alleged crimes and will continue until such operations are destroyed.”

“It is a top priority of the FBI to eliminate foreign terrorist organizations by depriving them of the funding they need to operate and by seizing their most valued assets,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp of the San Antonio Field Office. “Together with our law enforcement partners, we will use every resource and capability at our disposal to ensure violent cartels and anyone who corruptly facilitates their operations are held accountable to the American people and unable to establish a foothold in our communities.”

“Our commitment to taking down drug cartels and organized crime leverages IRS Criminal Investigation’s (CI) specialty in forensic accounting that identifies the alleged money trail and shuts down the flow of cash, just like we did in this case,” said acting Special Agent in Charge Lucy Tan, of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Houston Field Office. “Some of our best special agents are using their law enforcement expertise to build unshakeable cases to ensure criminals are taken off the streets and their ill-gotten gains are returned to the American people.”

At the time of the initial arrests, authorities seized four tank barges containing crude oil, three commercial tanker trucks, an Arroyo Terminal pickup truck and one personal vehicle. The Arroyo Terminal property in Rio Hondo, crude oil contained Arroyo Terminal storage tanks and additional real properties are also sought for forfeiture. The superseding indictment also contains notice that the United States will seek a $300 million money judgment upon conviction. 

The conspiracies to provide material support and to commit money laundering both carry a possible prison term of up to 20 years. If convicted of aiding and abetting the smuggling of goods into the United States and doing so by means of false statements, both men could also face up to 10 and five years, respectively. James Jensen also faces one count of money laundering spending which carries an additional 10 years in prison, upon conviction.  

With the exception of the money laundering charge which has the possibility of up to a $500,000 fine or twice the value of the property involved, the remaining counts carry a maximum $250,000 potential fine. 

The investigation was a joint effort among many law enforcement partners to include FBI, ICE-HSI and DEA with substantial assistance of IRS CI along with Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Marshals Service and Texas Department of Public Safety.

Operation Liquid Death involved the combined efforts of DEA, FBI, ICE-HSI and IRS CI and others and is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSA) James Sturgis and Laura Garcia are prosecuting the case. AUSAs Mary Ellen Smyth and Tyler Foster are handling seizure and forfeiture matters.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law. 

Updated May 30, 2025

Bert Ogden Auto Group Earns Buick and GMC Dealer of the Year 2024

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Bert Ogden Auto Group Earns Buick and GMC Dealer of the Year 2024
The Bert Ogden Auto Group is proud to announce that Robert C. Vackar and his wife Janet Ogden Vackar through their Buick-GMC dealership have been named Dealer of the Year 2024 by the Buick and GMC Divisions of General Motors. Image: Bert Ogden Auto Group
The Bert Ogden Auto Group is proud to announce that Robert C. Vackar and his wife Janet Ogden Vackar through their Buick-GMC dealership have been named Dealer of the Year 2024 by the Buick and GMC Divisions of General Motors. Image: Bert Ogden Auto Group

Texas Border Business

The Bert Ogden Auto Group is proud to announce that Robert C. Vackar and his wife Janet Ogden Vackar through their Buick-GMC dealership have been named Dealer of the Year 2024 by the Buick and GMC Divisions of General Motors. Mr. Vackar is the Chairman of the Board and Chief Performance Officer and Ms. Vackar is Co-Chairwoman and President of Marketing for the valley’s largest family owned and operated group of dealerships located from Mission to Lyford.

The General Motors Dealer of the Year Award honors only the top 1% of Buick and GMC dealers from across the nation, based on exceptional performance in sales, service, and customer satisfaction. Winning dealers demonstrated a long- term commitment to providing elite customer experiences and efficient business practices.

The CEO of the Bert Ogden Auto Group; Natasha del Barrio states that “achieving this honor was such a proud moment for our dealer group as a whole! Seeing Mr. Vackar receive such a distinction for living out the qualities of character, integrity and excellence in customer care that he does is such a privilege. To know him is to truly admire him; he cares about every customer, every team member, and above all this community! This award is well deserved!”

About Bert Ogden Buick/GMC:

Bob and Janet Vackar strive to continue her father, Bert Ogden’s, customer philosophy- make your customers happy and satisfied and you’ll have customers for life. Bert founded the original dealership in 1970 and together with Bob grew the business to over 25 stores. The Bert Ogden Auto Group employs over 1,200, mostly full-time employees, in three valley counties.

Information source; Bert Ogden Auto Group

Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini Passes Record-Breaking 135 Bills

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Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini Passes Record-Breaking 135 Bills
Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini presents legislation in the Senate during the 89th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature. Photo Credit: Texas Senate Media Services
Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini presents legislation in the Senate during the 89th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature. Photo Credit: Texas Senate Media Services

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AUSTIN – Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, passed a record-breaking 135 bills, more than any other legislator in Texas during the 89th Regular Legislative Session that adjourned today (June 2). Her legislation spans critical issues including public health, water infrastructure, higher education, access to justice and consumer protections.

“We worked tirelessly this session to pass meaningful legislation that improves lives across our great state,” Dean Senator Zaffirini said. “I’m grateful for the collaboration of stakeholders and constituents whose voices helped shape the Senate’s legislative agenda. Our success reflects the priorities of the families and communities we serve.” 

During the 89th Legislative Session, Dean Senator Zaffirini authored and passed the following Senate Bills (SBs): 53, 57, 60, 65, 66, 72, 387, 523, 627, 703, 705, 746, 748, 764, 766, 800, 904, 905, 916, 917, 918, 968, 1036, 1164, 1254, 1255, 1335, 1532, 1534, 1535, 1537, 1547, 1559, 1568, 1574, 1629, 1662, 1663, 1666, 1667, 1697, 1760, 1838, 1839, 1946, 2069, 2073, 2075, 2077, 2111, 2122, 2124, 2127, 2141, 2443, 2501, 2587, 2589, 3037 and 3047.

She also sponsored and passed the following House Bills (HBs): 47, 114, 171, 201, 272, 322, 541, 630, 705, 766, 793, 908, 1041, 1094, 1188, 1237, 1562, 1606, 1629, 1732, 1734, 1868, 1916, 1973, 2240, 2259, 2286, 2294, 2340, 2358, 2495, 2530, 2596, 2598, 2763, 2765, 2791, 2856, 3062, 3104, 3126, 3135, 3146, 3254, 3376, 3425, 3479, 3619, 3623, 3629, 3697, 3745, 3803, 3804, 3806, 3909, 4042, 4063, 4202, 4219, 4238, 4350, 4361, 4426, 4466, 4559, 4738, 4748, 4765, 4885, 4894, 4904, 5320, 5650 and 5677.

Dean Senator Zaffirini holds a state and national record of having cast more than 75,000 consecutive votes. This session Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick appointed her to the Senate Committees on Business and Commerce; Finance; State Affairs; and Natural Resources, of which she is Vice Chair. She also is his appointee to the Texas Judicial Council and the Texas Access to Justice Commission.

She made history as the first woman Dean of the Senate on Dec. 31, 2023. She succeeds 24 men who held the title since 1909, when it was first assigned to the longest-serving senator. The seventh of only 25 women who have served with 954 male senators in 89 Texas Legislatures, she and Eddie Bernice Johnson joined Cyndi Krier in 1987, marking the first time more than one woman served in the 31-member body. Today there are eight women senators.

Dean Senator Zaffirini also is the namesake of Webb County’s Justice Center, the first state courthouse named for a woman; the student success center at Texas A&M International University; a UISD elementary school; a library at Laredo College; a City of Laredo park; a state park road and soccer mini-pitch in Laredo; a patient suite at the UT Dell Seton Medical Center in Austin; four endowed scholarships; and two grant programs, including the Access to Justice Initiative at the UT Law School.

Information source: The Office of Senator Zaffirini

Killam Development: A Century-Old Legacy Reshaping Mission, Texas

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Killam Development: A Century-Old Legacy Reshaping Mission, Texas
Dr. Rolando Ortiz, COO, Killam Development. Photo by Roberto Hugo González
Dr. Rolando Ortiz, COO, Killam Development. Photo by Roberto Hugo González

Texas Border Business

By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez

In late 2019, Killam Development, a privately held, family-owned business with over a century of history in South Texas, acquired approximately 3,400 acres of land spanning Mission and McAllen from Hunt Valley Development. This acquisition marked the beginning of a major expansion effort by the Laredo-based company, setting the stage for a game-changing, multi-use master-planned development in one of the fastest-growing regions in the state.

With nearly six years of progress since the purchase, Killam’s vision is already becoming a reality. The land is being transformed into a community that reflects modern planning principles and long-term sustainability. Plans include walkable neighborhoods, green spaces, trails, residential and commercial areas, and connections to key community features like education centers and entertainment districts. The development aims to create a place where people of all ages can live, work, and play.

Dr. Rolando Ortiz and the Killam Development Team. From left to right: Susie Torres, Director of retail leasing, Abelardo Bocanegra P.E., Civil Engineer, Jacinto Hinojosa, Engineering  Technician, and Jason Luna, Engineering Technician.  Photo by Roberto Hugo González

On May 28, 2025, the Mission Economic Development Corporation (Mission EDC) hosted a Commercial and Investment Virtual Tour at the Center for Education and Economic Development (CEED). The event spotlighted four prominent developers playing a significant role in shaping Mission’s economic landscape. Killam Real Estate was represented by its Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Roland Ortiz, who offered insights into the company’s active projects and enduring commitment to the region.

“We’ve been in business for over a hundred years,” Dr. Ortiz said, reflecting on the company’s legacy that began in oil and gas and has since expanded to include many real estate ventures. “We’re now in our fourth generation of family leadership. We develop residential subdivisions, build homes, construct and lease industrial warehouses, and are active in the commercial field.”

Killam Development’s investments in Hidalgo County are broad and diverse. “We’re doing a big industrial park that’s about 175 acres here in Mission,” Ortiz noted. “We’re doing another 175-acre mixed-use project called Milagro. We’ve built townhomes, developed infill residential lots, and even operate a shopping center in Sharyland Plantation.”

The company’s development strategy is grounded in a clear belief in the region’s potential. “We’re very bullish on it,” Ortiz said. “We’re in Laredo, we’re in the Valley, we’re in Hidalgo County—and we’ve been developing along the border for a long time. We’re strong believers in the border.”

Mission’s proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border and its positioning within key trade and logistics routes give it a competitive edge. Ortiz emphasized that this is one of the reasons Killam sees such value in the region. “Especially with the near-shoring that was being talked about earlier today,” he said, referring to a growing trend where companies are relocating production closer to the U.S. to improve supply chain reliability. “It’s a driving factor in growing the industrial base here, bringing more people to the region.”

Ortiz acknowledged that, like any development effort, the region faces some uncertainties. “There’s a little uncertainty right now with the tariff talk,” he said, “but I think all that will calm down. And in the long term, we believe in the continued industrial growth along the border.”

In McAllen, Killam has already completed an 80-acre industrial park. In Mission, beyond the major Milagro development, Killam continues to invest in commercial and residential growth. The company’s comprehensive, multi-sector strategy positions it as a major force in real estate development and regional economic transformation.

The company’s work is facilitated by strong local cooperation. “Mission in particular has been very good to our organization,” Ortiz said. “It’s a great place to do work. They understand the state’s economic development tools, which help engage investment.”

This kind of support from local leadership, combined with Mission’s strategic location and cross-border connectivity, gives Killam confidence in its future growth. The region’s business environment welcomes and responds to forward-thinking development initiatives.

Killam’s projects are about construction and building enduring value for communities. “We love the Rio Grande Valley,” Ortiz said. “And we’re here to stay.”

As Killam Development continues to roll out its long-term vision in Mission, its legacy of family-led enterprise, commitment to smart growth, and belief in the border region are driving real, visible change. The company’s footprint is expanding, but its focus remains deeply rooted in creating communities that serve people and strengthen South Texas’s position as a growing economic hub.

See related stories:

Their Mission Started Here: Four Developers Share Why They Chose Mission
Mission EDC Showcases Growth and Opportunity During Investment Tour

STC Breaks Ground on Building, Expanding Opportunities

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STC Breaks Ground on Building, Expanding Opportunities
It’s been a few years in the making, but this morning, South Texas College officially broke ground on what will be the STC Continuing Education and Testing Center, also known as the “Accelerator” to be located west of its Pecan campus. STC image
It’s been a few years in the making, but this morning, South Texas College officially broke ground on what will be the STC Continuing Education and Testing Center, also known as the “Accelerator” to be located west of its Pecan campus. STC image

Texas Border Business

By Amanda Sotelo

It’s been a few years in the making, but this morning, South Texas College officially broke ground on what will be the STC Continuing Education and Testing Center, also known as the “Accelerator” to be located west of its Pecan campus.

The event, attended by key city and government officials, college administrators and faculty and staff, commemorated the beginning of construction for a vision that has come to fruition. 

“I call this unique complex the “Accelerator,” because this building will help get RGV residents into the workforce, quicker with its short-term programs and credentials,” said STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D. “The programs to be offered are high-demand careers and will contribute to our region’s upward mobility. We are redefining the value and opportunities this brings to all the citizens in our area and the meaning of higher education.”

The $9 million project includes over 20,000-square-feet of classroom and testing center space. There will be two large classrooms and three medium-sized classrooms dedicated to high-demand courses such as English as a Second Language, General Educational Development (GED), Real Estate, among other customized training for employers.

Additionally, there will be other small classrooms to support community offerings and the department’s newest Massage Therapy program, which is currently under development, and three computer labs to support digital literacy and workforce readiness.   

“This building represents more than just brick and mortar for STC, it is a symbol of growth, opportunity and a shared commitment to lifelong learning,” said Olvia De La Rosa, dean of Continuing Education and Workforce Development. “This will increase our classroom capacity by about 35%. I want to extend our gratitude to Dr. Solis, our Board of Trustees and everyone who has worked diligently on this project, to bring our vision to life.”

STC Trustee and Vice Chair Paul Rodriguez describes STC’s continuing education and testing departments as unique and strong components of the college.  He added that this construction project shows the college’s commitment and investment in higher education for the region.

“Our name is South Texas College, but we are still a community college that provides opportunities, workforce development, training and education to various members among our constituencies. We are elated to be commemorating this significant event,” he said. “We are proud of this upcoming facility and ultimately, we are providing our communities with what they need to continue to prosper and grow.”

The STC Continuing Education and Testing Center is set to be complete at the end of summer 2026.

STC’s Continuing Education department offers career training, industry training, community and personal enrichment and public safety training with programs such as dog grooming, commercial drivers license, education, manufacturing, safety, apprenticeships, self-help, languages and Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) training.

STC’s Testing Center offers numerous exams for students entering college including, but not limited to, Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSI), GED, TCOLE, Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI) and American College Test (ACT).

For more information on STC’s Continuing Education and Testing departments, visit southtexascollege.edu.

Information source: STC

STC & The City of Weslaco Collaborate to Provide In-Demand Training, June 3rd

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STC & The City of Weslaco Collaborate to Provide In-Demand Training, June 3rd
The 64-hour course provides a combination of hands-on and lecture training that focuses on and emphasizes safety when handling bulldozers, motor graders and excavators. Image for illustration purposes
The 64-hour course provides a combination of hands-on and lecture training that focuses on and emphasizes safety when handling bulldozers, motor graders and excavators. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

For the first time, South Texas College and the city of Weslaco have collaborated to provide city employees with customized heavy equipment operator training. 

A training site and heavy equipment are being provided by JCB Company in Donna.  

The 64-hour course provides a combination of hands-on and lecture training that focuses on and emphasizes safety when handling bulldozers, motor graders and excavators. An additional 10 hours and 14 hours, respectively, will include Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10 Construction and Forklift training.

STC CATA fosters economic growth and prosperity in Hidalgo and Starr Counties and beyond. It offers a diverse range of customized training programs tailored to meet industry needs and designed to equip employers and employees with marketable skills that ensure they are well prepared for the demands of the workforce.

Collaboration is the heart of CATA’s approach and continuously seeks to build strong partnerships with local and international businesses, educational institutions and government agencies such as the city of Weslaco.   

Those who successfully complete the course will receive certifications. 

Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 11 a.m.
                                     
WHERE: South Texas College Mid-Valley Campus
400 N. Border  
Weslaco, Texas 78596
           
WHO: STC leadership, Board of Trustees, STC Center for Advanced Training and Apprenticeships (CATA) staff, city of Weslaco Mayor Adrian Gonzalez, among other city and regional elected officials will be in attendance.  

Rio Grande Valley Drug Dealer Guilty on Methamphetamine Charges

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Rio Grande Valley Drug Dealer Guilty on Methamphetamine Charges
The investigation revealed Michael Luera was selling methamphetamine in the Rio Grande Valley area. Image for illustration purposes
The investigation revealed Michael Luera was selling methamphetamine in the Rio Grande Valley area. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas

McALLEN, Texas – A 34-year-old McAllen man has pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. 

The investigation revealed Michael Luera was selling methamphetamine in the Rio Grande Valley area.

On Dec. 12, 2024, authorities stopped him for a traffic violation shortly after he sold approximately 252 grams of the drug.  

A K-9 unit alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle, leading authorities to find an additional approximately 1,000 grams of methamphetamine. Further investigation revealed multiple bags containing a large amount of U.S. currency and a loaded firearm.

Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane accepted the plea and set sentencing for Aug. 14. At that time, Luera faces up to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million fine.

Luera has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and Texas Department of Public Safety conducted the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Cahal P. McColgan is prosecuting the case.

Updated June 2, 2025

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