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Texas Arrests Wanted Human Smuggler, Seizes $400,000 Worth Of Cocaine 

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Texas Arrests Wanted Human Smuggler, Seizes $400,000 Worth Of Cocaine 
On Wednesday, Governor Abbott shared photos on X, formerly known as Twitter, showing Texas National Guard soldiers continuing to install razor wire barriers near Eagle Pass. Photo: Office of The Governor
On Wednesday, Governor Abbott shared photos on X, formerly known as Twitter, showing Texas National Guard soldiers continuing to install razor wire barriers near Eagle Pass. Photo: Office of The Governor

Texas Border Business

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas National Guard continue to work together with the Trump Administration to secure the border; stop the smuggling of drugs, weapons, and people into Texas; and prevent, detect, and interdict transnational criminal activity between ports of entry.  

Since the launch of Operation Lone Star, the multi-agency effort has led to over 533,100 illegal immigrant apprehensions and more than 53,400 criminal arrests, with more than 45,100 felony charges. In the fight against the fentanyl crisis, Texas law enforcement has seized over 691 million lethal doses of fentanyl—enough to kill every man, woman, and child in the United States, Mexico, and Canada combined during this border mission.

Operation Lone Star continues working to undo the damage done by the Biden Administration. Every individual who is apprehended or arrested and every ounce of drugs seized would have otherwise made their way into communities across Texas and the nation due to open border policies.     

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS FROM OPERATION LONE STAR:

Governor Abbott: Texas National Guard Installs More Razor Wire Barriers In Eagle Pass

On Wednesday, Governor Abbott shared photos on X, formerly known as Twitter, showing Texas National Guard soldiers continuing to install razor wire barriers near Eagle Pass.

Texas remains engaged, working closely with the Trump Administration to stop illegal immigration and keep America safe.

Governor Abbott: Operation Lone Star Personnel Turn Back Illegal Immigrant

Earlier this week, Governor Abbott took to X to highlight Texas National Guard soldiers successfully turning back an illegal immigrant attempting to cross into Texas.

Since President Donald J. Trump took office, illegal border crossings have decreased by 99.99%. Texas will continue to partner with the federal government to secure the border.

Governor Abbott: Texas Partners With Border Patrol For Vehicle Inspections

On Monday, Governor Abbott showcased on X the critical work that Texas National Guard soldiers are doing alongside Border Patrol agents to secure the border.

Earlier this year, hundreds of Texas National Guard soldiers were deputized to assist Border Patrol to secure the southern border and stop illegal immigration and human smuggling.

WATCH: Texan Helps DPS Apprehend Smuggler During Webb County High-Speed Pursuit

Photo: Texas DPS

Last week, a smuggler in a black Cadillac CT6 led DPS troopers on a high-speed pursuit on US-83 in Webb County. Attempting to flee the troopers, the smuggler, Angel Munoz, from Laredo, and six illegal immigrants bailed out of the vehicle and began evading on foot. During the foot pursuit, a private citizen assisted one of the DPS troopers in apprehending Munoz.

Munoz was arrested by DPS and charged with six counts of smuggling of persons and evading arrest. Six illegal immigrants, from Mexico, were located and referred to Border Patrol.

DPS Arrests Wanted Human Smuggler, Apprehends Four Illegal Immigrants In Webb County

Photo: Texas DPS

Last month, a smuggler in a Lincoln MKZ led DPS troopers on a high-speed pursuit on IH-35 in Webb County. The smuggler, Jason Espinoza, crashed into a vehicle and absconded by swimming across the Rio Grande River into Mexico. Four illegal immigrants who were inside Espinoza’s vehicle were referred to Border Patrol.

Twelve days later, on April 24, Espinoza was arrested at the Laredo port of entry attempting to cross back into the United States. He had four active warrants for smuggling of persons, evading arrest, reckless driving, and failure to stop and render aid. 

DPS Seizes $400,000 Worth Of Cocaine During Traffic Stop In Webb County

Photo: Texas DPS

Yesterday, DPS conducted a traffic stop on a red Chevrolet pickup in Webb County. With assistance from a Laredo Police Department K-9, a probable cause search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of 15 kilograms of cocaine. The male driver was arrested and charged with delivery or manufacture of a controlled substance. The cocaine has an estimated street value of nearly $400,000.

Texas National Guard Soldiers Train To Improve Tactical Readiness

Photo: Texas Military Department

Last week, more than 100 Texas National Guard soldiers participated in hands-on tactical training at South Texas College Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence.

This training provides soldiers critical experience in both simulation-based scenarios and weapon retention techniques to improve readiness and enhance tactical response capabilities. By reinforcing tactical proficiency, soldiers are better prepared to respond quickly and effectively to emerging homeland and border threats.

WATCH: Texas National Guard Works Alongside Border Patrol To Secure The Border

Photo: Texas Military Department

Texas National Guard soldiers continue to partner with Border Patrol agents by providing crucial manpower and support to secure the Texas-Mexico border.

Working out in Hidalgo County last week, Specialist Joshua Rendon with Task Force East details the coordinated efforts with Border Patrol agents to arrest criminals and stop illegal immigration attempts, from intelligence and information sharing to training and teaming up in the field.

“Being out on the field, sweating and putting in the work, doing what we have to chase people and detain people,” said Spc. Rendon. “I’m very confident in my ability and my training that I’ve received to deal with such situations. We’re out here, protecting the peace, doing what we can and upholding justice. You know what you’re doing out here is a good cause. You know what you’re doing out here is putting away bad people, putting away people who don’t follow the law.”

Jim and Kathy Collins Honored as Border Texans of the Year

Roberto H. Gonzalez
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Jim and Kathy Collins Honored as Border Texans of the Year
Jim and Kathy Collins. Photo by Roberto Hugo González
Jim and Kathy Collins. Photo by Roberto Hugo González

Texas Border Business

By Roberto Hugo González

May 8, 2025—The 2025 Border Texan of the Year Gala was held on Thursday, May 8, in McAllen, Texas. It served as the official opening event for MXLAN, a festival that celebrates the culture, creativity, and spirit of South Texas. This year’s honorees, Jim and Kathy Collins, were recognized for their decades of leadership, philanthropy, and service across the Rio Grande Valley.

Jim and Kathy Collins are flanked by past Border Texan honorees, from left to right: Dr. Guy Bailey, U.S. District Judge Ricardo Hinojosa, former Senator Eddie Lucio Jr., and John David Franz. Photo by Roberto Hugo González

The event brought together elected officials, civic leaders, and community members to honor the couple and support regional nonprofits. Proceeds from the gala benefited the Performing & Cultural Arts Foundation, Vannie Cook Cancer Foundation, Quinta Mazatlán, South Texas College Foundation, and the UTRGV Foundation. More than $100,000 was raised to support local initiatives.

The evening began with an invocation by Sister Norma Pimentel, followed by a welcome address from McAllen City Manager Isaac Tawil. Tawil described the honorees as “trailblazers” and emphasized their impact on economic development, education, and cultural enrichment in South Texas. He also noted that this year’s gala marked a new chapter by aligning the event with the MXLAN Festival, highlighting the region’s cultural legacy under the theme: “They are the roots, we are the flowers.”

Family and friends gather around Jim and Kathy Collins to celebrate their recognition as 2025 Border Texans of the Year.Photo by Roberto Hugo González

John David Franz, co-chair of the Border Texan Committee and a former honoree himself, shared the historical origins of the Border Texan of the Year recognition, tracing it back to the 1976 Fiesta Fronteriza celebration in Hidalgo, Texas. He honored the late Joe Vera—one of the event’s founders and a longtime public servant—whose vision helped shape both Border Fest and the Border Texan of the Year tradition. A scholarship in Vera’s memory was announced during the evening.

McAllen City Commissioner Victor Haddad presented a formal proclamation declaring May 8, 2025, as “Jim and Kathy Collins Day” in the City of McAllen. The proclamation cited the couple’s contributions to regional institutions and their leadership through the James W. and Kathleen C. Collins Family Foundation.

Additional recognitions included video messages from U.S. Senator John Cornyn and McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos. Both praised the Collinses’ dedication to service, education, and economic advancement in South Texas. Ruben Villarreal, representing Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz, presented a U.S. flag that had been flown over the Capitol in their honor.

Dr. Guy Bailey and Vall LaMantia introduced the honorees. LaMantia reflected on her lifelong friendship with Kathy Collins, describing her as a devoted mother, volunteer, and community leader. Dr. Bailey highlighted Jim Collins’s business leadership and service on numerous boards, noting his involvement in banking, conservation, and higher education.

Both honorees expressed gratitude to their family, professional colleagues, and the community in their remarks. Jim Collins thanked supporters and recognized the late Joe Vera for his contributions. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in building a strong region and praised institutions like UTRGV and South Texas College for their role in shaping the future of the Valley.

Kathy Collins echoed those sentiments, celebrating the spirit of unity and service in the Rio Grande Valley. She thanked family members and mentors and acknowledged the significance of opening MXLAN as part of their recognition.

The evening concluded with closing remarks from John David Franz, who described the celebration as a reflection of the generosity and unity that define South Texas. He thanked attendees for their support and paid final tribute to the honorees and Joe Vera’s memory.

STC Graduate Balances Deployment, Parenthood And Earning A Degree

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STC Graduate Balances Deployment, Parenthood And Earning A Degree
Peter Puente has embraced many titles over the past few years: father, husband, service member and now, college graduate. He is set to graduate this week from South Texas College with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Leadership (BASOL), a milestone that caps off a resilient journey. STC Image
Peter Puente has embraced many titles over the past few years: father, husband, service member and now, college graduate. He is set to graduate this week from South Texas College with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Leadership (BASOL), a milestone that caps off a resilient journey. STC Image

Texas Border Business

By Veronica Salinas

Peter Puente has embraced many titles over the past few years: father, husband, service member and now, college graduate.

Puente has been a proud member of the Air Force Reserves for over 7 years and is set to graduate this week from South Texas College with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Leadership (BASOL), a milestone that caps off a resilient journey.

Puente began his academic career at STC with an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice, which he completed in spring 2024. Motivated to continue advancing his education and leadership skills, he enrolled in the BASOL program shortly after. 

“My wife is the one who inspired me to go back to school,” he said. “She reminded me that education isn’t just about books or degrees, it’s about setting an example, about showing our child what it means to never give up. This isn’t just my achievement. This degree belongs to them as well. They are my why.”

In the middle of his educational journey, life took an unexpected turn. In late spring 2024, his unit was activated and deployed to Saudi Arabia for seven months, leaving behind his wife, one-year-old daughter and two-week-old son. 

Rather than putting his education on hold, he committed to continuing his coursework remotely, relying on the flexibility of STC’s online campus. Thousands of miles from home, under the pressures of deployment and recently welcoming a new addition to his family, Puente never abandoned his studies.

“It was very challenging,” he admitted. “There were days that felt never-ending, 10-hour shifts that left me mentally and physically drained. But the discipline I learned in the military taught me how to stay focused, how to persevere even when I was exhausted and how to keep pushing forward no matter how tough things got. There were nights I’d come back, barely able to keep my eyes open, but I still had to study, write papers and prepare for exams. It wasn’t easy, but I reminded myself of the bigger picture. I knew what I was working toward.”

Puente gives credit to his wife, who was one of the main reasons he was able to get through his deployment. However, he would also like thank the STC Child Development Center at the Mid-Valley Campus for their unbelievable support towards his family while he was gone.

“I was incredibly grateful that my daughter could continue attending the Child Development Center while I was deployed. Not one time did I have to worry about my child when she was in their hands. I knew she was being well taken care of by the kind and nurturing staff. My son is now also enrolled alongside his big sister.”

After graduation, Puente plans to dedicate his life to shaping young minds as a Social Studies teacher for students in grades fourth through eighth. For Puente, this isn’t just a career choice, it’s a calling born out of a deep love for community and the belief that every child deserves a teacher who sees their potential.

“After going through life and facing a range of personal experiences, some challenging, some transformative, I’ve come to realize that my true purpose is to help others. Those experiences opened my eyes to the importance of compassion, patience and service. When I thought about where I could make the most impact, I was immediately drawn to working with youth.”

His story reflects the strength and determination of so many students who are parents and service members who balance family life, higher education and military responsibilities. 

As Puente prepares to cross the stage at commencement, he does so as a symbol of perseverance, leadership and love for his country, his family and his future.

STC’s Commencement Ceremonies will be hosted at the Bert Ogden Arena May 9 and 10. For more information, visit southtexascollege.edu/graduation.

Cornyn Introduces Bill to Address Staffing Shortages at Ports of Entry

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Cornyn Introduces Bill to Address Staffing Shortages at Ports of Entry
 U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Gary Peters (D-MI) introduced the Securing America’s Ports of Entry Act, which would strengthen border security. USCBP image for illustration purposes
 U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Gary Peters (D-MI) introduced the Securing America’s Ports of Entry Act, which would strengthen border security. USCBP image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

Senator John Cornyn

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Gary Peters (D-MI) introduced the Securing America’s Ports of Entry Act, which would strengthen border security, address personnel shortages at ports of entry, and ensure America’s airports, seaports, and land ports of entry are fully staffed by requiring U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to hire no fewer than 1,000 additional officers annually until the agency’s staffing needs are met: 

“When ports of entry aren’t sufficiently staffed, we run the risk of legitimate trade and travel grinding to a halt,” said Sen. Cornyn. “Nowhere do we feel this more acutely than in Texas where we have more ports of entry than any other state, which is why I am proud to cosponsor this legislation to ensure our ports have the personnel needed to handle the safe and legal flow of people and goods into our nation.”

Background:

Texas is home to some of the nation’s busiest border crossings, including ports of entry in Laredo, Brownsville, and El Paso. CBP continues to face an ongoing shortage of officers. In addition to requiring more CBP officers, the bill also authorizes the annual hiring of mission support staff and technicians to perform non-law enforcement functions in support of CBP. These professionals will allow CBP officers to focus their efforts on law enforcement priorities, such as preventing drug trafficking, while supporting lawful international commerce through the nation’s ports of entry. According to CBP, 86% of the fentanyl seized in fiscal year 2024 was interdicted at ports of entry. 

The bill also requires reporting on infrastructure improvements at ports of entry that would enhance drug interdiction, information on detection equipment that would help officers better identify drugs, and safety equipment to protect officers from accidental exposure to dangerous toxins. Addressing a shortage of CBP officers would also help to reduce waiting times for travelers and critical cargo coming through our ports of entry. 

DOJ Launches Investigation into EPIC City Project in Texas

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DOJ Launches Investigation into EPIC City Project in Texas
The U.S. Department of Justice has opened an investigation into the proposed EPIC City development in Josephine, Texas. The project, associated with the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC), is under federal scrutiny following concerns raised by U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX). Image for illustration purposes
The U.S. Department of Justice has opened an investigation into the proposed EPIC City development in Josephine, Texas. The project, associated with the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC), is under federal scrutiny following concerns raised by U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX). Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

Texas Border Business

The U.S. Department of Justice has opened an investigation into the proposed EPIC City development in Josephine, Texas. The project, associated with the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC), is under federal scrutiny following concerns raised by U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX).

Senator Cornyn announced the investigation in a public statement released from Washington, D.C. According to the statement, the DOJ responded to concerns Cornyn shared in April with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon.

Cornyn expressed his appreciation to DOJ officials for initiating the investigation. “I am grateful to Attorney General Bondi and the Department of Justice for hearing my concerns and opening an investigation into the proposed EPIC City development in North Texas,” he said.

Cornyn also stated that “religious discrimination and Sharia Law have no place in the Lone Star State,” and emphasized the importance of enforcing federal law in such matters.

The East Plano Islamic Center, based in Plano, Texas, had proposed creating a residential and community development project called EPIC City in the nearby city of Josephine.

Senator Cornyn is a senior member of the U.S. Senate and serves on several key committees, including Finance, Judiciary, Intelligence, Foreign Relations, and Budget.

Currently, the Department of Justice has not issued a separate public statement regarding the scope or timeline of the investigation. 

Follow the link for Senator Corny’s efforts in the matter.

Cornyn Calls on DOJ to Investigate EPIC City Following Accusations of Religious Discrimination, Sharia Law

Also, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is investigating EPIC City, the proposed development affiliated with the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) in Josephine, Texas.

In March 2025, Attorney General Paxton issued a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) to Community Capital Partners, LP (CCP), the developer of EPIC City, seeking materials relevant to potential violations of Texas consumer protection laws.  

Subsequently, Paxton expanded the investigation by requesting documents from city officials in Plano, Richardson, Wylie, and Josephine, as well as from the Plano Independent School District (ISD). These requests aim to obtain communications between local officials and EPIC, EPIC City, and CCP representatives.

On March 31, 2025, Texas Governor Greg Abbott directed the Texas Rangers to initiate a criminal investigation into the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) and its affiliated entities, including the proposed EPIC City development near Josephine, Texas.

Unfair & Anticompetitive Practices in Live Ticketing

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Unfair & Anticompetitive Practices in Live Ticketing
The Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) jointly launched a public inquiry to identify unfair and anticompetitive practices and conduct in the live concert and entertainment industry. Image for illustration purposes
The Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) jointly launched a public inquiry to identify unfair and anticompetitive practices and conduct in the live concert and entertainment industry. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

U.S. Department of Justice

The Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) jointly launched a public inquiry to identify unfair and anticompetitive practices and conduct in the live concert and entertainment industry. The agencies invite members of the public to submit comments and information on harmful practices and on potential regulation or legislation to protect consumers in the industry. The Agencies will use the information in their preparation of the report and recommendations directed by President Trump’s Executive Order 14254, Combating Unfair Practices in the Live Entertainment Market.   

“Competitive live entertainment markets should deliver value to artists and fans alike,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “We will continue to closely examine this market and look for opportunities where vigorous enforcement of the antitrust laws can lead to increased competition that makes tickets more affordable for fans while offering fairer compensation for artists.”

“Many Americans feel like they are being priced out of live entertainment by scalpers, bots, and other unfair and deceptive practices,” said FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson. “Now their voices are being heard. President Trump has sent a clear message that bad actors who exploit fans and distort the marketplace will not be tolerated. The FTC is proud to help deliver on that promise and restore fair and competitive markets that benefit ordinary Americans.”

On March 31, President Trump issued Executive Order 14254, Combating Unfair Practices in the Live Entertainment Market. The Executive Order directs the Attorney General and the FTC to “ensure that competition laws are appropriately enforced in the concert and entertainment industry.” The Executive Order also directs the FTC to “rigorously enforce the Better Online Tickets Sales Act, 15 U.S.C. 45c.”

The Executive Order also directs the Attorney General, with the Secretary of the Treasury and the Chairman of the FTC, to submit a report that identifies “recommendations for regulations or legislation necessary to protect consumers” in the industry. In furtherance of this direction, the agencies will work together, along with the Secretary of the Treasury, on a joint report, with the FTC taking the lead on issues relating to the Better Online Ticket Sales Act.

The agencies therefore seek information from the public about unfair and anticompetitive conduct and practices in the live concert and entertainment industry. The agencies also encourage comments providing information on the competitive effects of current state and federal regulations and laws in the live concert and entertainment industry, including the secondary ticketing market.

The public will have 60 days to submit comments at Regulations.gov, no later than July 7, 2025. Once submitted, comments will be posted to Regulations.gov (Docket No. ATR-2025-0002). All market participants are invited to provide comments, including consumers, artists, small businesses, trade groups, industry analysts, and other entities that are impacted by anticompetitive practices in the live concert and entertainment industry.

The Justice Department, along with 40 state and district attorneys general, is also currently litigating a civil antitrust lawsuit brought last year against Live Nation Entertainment Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Ticketmaster LLC for monopolization and other unlawful conduct that thwarts competition in markets across the live entertainment industry.

Updated May 8, 2025

State Guidance on the Unsafe School Choice Option

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State Guidance on the Unsafe School Choice Option
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Elementary and Secondary Education today sent a letter to all chief state school officers providing guidance on the Unsafe School Choice Option provision. Image for illustration purposes
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Elementary and Secondary Education today sent a letter to all chief state school officers providing guidance on the Unsafe School Choice Option provision. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

U.S. Department of Education

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Elementary and Secondary Education today sent a letter to all chief state school officers providing guidance on the Unsafe School Choice Option provision. This provision of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) requires each state to establish and implement a policy designed to ensure students in persistently dangerous schools are provided with an opportunity to attend a safe public elementary or secondary school, including a public charter school. 

“The Trump-McMahon Department of Education is committed to ensuring all children can attend a safe school in which they can focus on mastering the reading and mathematics skills necessary for success in school and beyond,” said Hayley Sanon, Acting Assistant Secretary for the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education. “In today’s guidance, we encourage states to build on the work they have done to maximize parent options for choosing the safest school setting for their children.” 

“Arkansas is proud to lead the way in compliance with the Unsafe School Choice Option to help ensure every child has the opportunity to learn in a safe environment,” said Arkansas Secretary of the Department of Education Jacob Oliva. “We look forward to furthering student safety and school choice efforts in our state by partnering with Secretary McMahon and the Trump Education Department to maximize our utilization of this provision.” 

“The Unsafe School Choice Option empowers students and families by providing additional pathways to safer educational environments, giving every child the opportunity to learn and thrive in a secure setting,” said Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction Emily Anne Gullickson. “Virginia is committed to providing all students with a safe and vibrant learning community. We appreciate Secretary McMahon and the Department for providing guidance as we work to expand education freedom in the Commonwealth.” 

Background 

Title VIII, Section 8532 of the ESEA requires states to provide options for parents of students in public elementary or secondary schools under two circumstances related to school violence and student safety.

A local educational agency (LEA) must provide a school choice option for students who:

  • Attend a public elementary or secondary school that the State has determined to be unsafe (i.e., to be persistently dangerous) based on State-determined criteria established in consultation with a representative sample of LEAs; or 
  • Become a victim of a violent criminal offense, as determined by State law, while in or on the grounds of a public elementary school or secondary school that the student attends.

Each State must establish its own definition of persistently dangerous schools. This definition can include any factors that the state finds constitute an unsafe environment. 

Read the full letter here.

Man Sentenced to Over 30 Years in Prison for Crypto-Terror Financing Scheme

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Man Sentenced to Over 30 Years in Prison for Crypto-Terror Financing Scheme
A Springfield, Virginia, man was sentenced yesterday to 364 months in prison for his efforts to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. Image for illustration purposes
A Springfield, Virginia, man was sentenced yesterday to 364 months in prison for his efforts to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

U.S. Department of Justice

A Springfield, Virginia, man was sentenced yesterday to 364 months in prison for his efforts to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization.

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, from at least October 2019 through October 2022, Mohammed Azharuddin Chhipa, 35, collected and sent money to female ISIS members in Syria to benefit ISIS in various ways, including by financing the escape of female ISIS members from prison camps and supporting ISIS fighters. Chhipa would raise funds online on various social media accounts. He would receive electronic transfers of funds and travel hundreds of miles to collect funds by hand. He would then convert the money to cryptocurrency and send it to Turkey, where it was smuggled to ISIS members in Syria.

“This defendant directly financed ISIS in its efforts to commit vile terrorist atrocities against innocent citizens in America and abroad,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This severe sentence illustrates that if you fund terrorism, we will prosecute you and put you behind bars for decades.”

“With this sentencing, this defendant will pay the price for helping finance ISIS, a brutal terrorist organization,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This is more proof that the FBI will investigate and work with our DOJ partners to hold accountable anyone who assists ISIS or other terrorist groups. Whether you are a fighter or send money, these activities are illegal and against the national security interests of the United States.”

“Those who fund and facilitate terror bear the same responsibility as those who carry out attacks,” said U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Mohammed Chhipa knowingly and persistently collected and provided a considerable amount of money to fund the violence of an organization bent on forcing their extremist ideology on others. That he did so from a nation that holds individual freedom sacrosanct is unconscionable.”

His primary co-conspirator was an ISIS member residing in Syria who was involved in raising funds for prison escapes, terrorist attacks, and ISIS fighters.

Over the course of the conspiracy, Chhipa sent over $185,000 in cryptocurrency.

In December 2024, a federal jury convicted Chhipa of one count of conspiracy to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization and four counts of providing and attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization.

The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony T. Aminoff and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda St. Cyr for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Andrew John Dixon and former Trial Attorney Andrea Broach of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section prosecuted the case.

Updated May 8, 2025

Sen. Cruz Introduces Bill Penalizing Universities that Mask Foreign Funding

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Sen. Cruz Introduces Bill Penalizing Universities that Mask Foreign Funding
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) introduced the Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act to penalize universities that take money from foreign adversaries and do not report foreign funding as required by the Higher Education Act. Image for illustration purposes
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) introduced the Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act to penalize universities that take money from foreign adversaries and do not report foreign funding as required by the Higher Education Act. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) introduced the Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act to penalize universities that take money from foreign adversaries and do not report foreign funding as required by the Higher Education Act.


Sen. Cruz said, “The Chinese Communist Party expends vast resources to control what Americans see, hear, and ultimately think, as do other adversaries including Russia and Iran. Unchecked foreign funding flowing into American universities opens the door for such adversaries to influence American students and research. This bill would ensure that higher education institutions are held accountable if they fail to disclose foreign funding, as required by law. I call on my colleagues to expeditiously advance it, for the House to then pass it, and to get it to the President.”

This bill is supported by Heritage Action and FDD Action.

Ryan Walker, EVP for Heritage Action said, “The Department of Education has failed the American people for years as billions in undisclosed foreign funding poured into our higher education system. $6.5 billion has seeped into academia from adversarial nations such as China and Russia. The Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act will address the failures on foreign funds to academic institutions and force universities to be transparent as to where their endowments are coming from. Heritage Action commends Senator Ted Cruz for introducing this legislation and for his staunch commitment to upholding institutional integrity, transparency, and American values within higher education.”

Nick Stewart, Senior Director of Government Relations for FDD Action said,“FDD Action strongly supports Senator Ted Cruz’s Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act, a vital measure to safeguard American higher education from foreign interference. By imposing rigorous audits and substantial penalties, this legislation ensures transparency and accountability, deterring malign actors like China and Russia from exploiting our universities. Protecting our academic institutions from covert foreign influence is essential for national security, and we urge swift passage of this bill.”

Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX-26). 

Rep. Gill said, “American universities that receive taxpayer funding and mold the minds of our next generation of working adults should not be compromised by the foreign influence of adversarial nations and their big ticket donations. I am honored to team up with Senator Ted Cruz of Texas to combat foreign propaganda in our higher education system through this legislation.”

Read the full text of the billhere. 

BACKGROUND

The Higher Education Act requires U.S. colleges and universities to disclose foreign gifts and contracts that total $250,000 or more in a calendar year. Under this law, all U.S. institutions of higher education that receive federal funding must comply with the reporting requirement.

This bill would require the following:

  • Implement a 300% excise tax on all funds institutions receive from designated countries of concern.
  • Mandate a biennial audit of 30 universities, prioritizing institutions with large endowments and a history of misconduct.
  • Implement a 110% excise tax on unreported funds by institutions that fail to disclose funding from any foreign entity.

The taxes are cumulative, meaning an institution of higher education receiving money from an entity of concern and failing to report under section 117 is assessed a 410% excise tax.

This past month, President Trump’s administration launched an investigation into the University of California over its alleged failure to report $220 million from the Chinese government.

A $100M Investment in UT Austin’s School of Civic Leadership

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A $100M Investment in UT Austin’s School of Civic Leadership
Governor Greg Abbott lauded the $100 million investment by The University of Texas (UT) Board of Regents to the UT School of Civic Leadership that will help the school become a national leader in civic education. Photo: Office of The Governor
Governor Greg Abbott lauded the $100 million investment by The University of Texas (UT) Board of Regents to the UT School of Civic Leadership that will help the school become a national leader in civic education. Photo: Office of The Governor

Texas Border Business

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott lauded the $100 million investment by The University of Texas (UT) Board of Regents to the UT School of Civic Leadership that will help the school become a national leader in civic education.

Photo: Office of The Governor

“We need to get back on the pathway of ensuring that we’re educating our students with the leading concepts that have led to the great country we are today,” said Governor Abbott. “Today, we restore classical civics and leadership education at The University of Texas at Austin. The issues that will be the defining issues of the next century are issues that the United States dominates in, such as artificial intelligence and space. The University of Texas has laid the groundwork to ensure that it is educating the next generation that will inherit complex issues and lead the way forward to make sure Texas remains the greatest state in the greatest country in the history of the world.”

Photo: Office of The Governor

The Governor was joined at the press announcement by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, UT System Chairman Kevin Eltife, UT Interim President Jim Davis, and UT Dean of the School of Civic Leadership Justin Dyer.

Learn more about the UT School of Civic Leadership.

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