The Pharr City Commission proudly recognizes Leah Adinari Guerra Hernandez for receiving the prestigious Golden Presidential Volunteer Service Award. Image courtesy of The City of Pharr
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The Pharr City Commission proudly recognizes Leah Adinari Guerra Hernandez for receiving the prestigious Golden Presidential Volunteer Service Award. The award is presented to individuals who meet specific service hour requirements, with the Gold level recognizing those who have demonstrated exceptional service, typically contributing over 500 hours of volunteer work in a year.
This esteemed award was presented to Leah by Regina’s Modeling Academy during the city meeting in recognition of her outstanding commitment to her community through selfless service, unwavering dedication, and exceptional leadership. As a role model to her peers, Leah consistently leads by example, inspiring other young ladies to pursue excellence. Beyond her community contributions, Leah is also a standout student at Allen and William Arnold Elementary, excelling in all subjects and earning recognition as a top AR Reader. Her impressive achievements both inside and outside the classroom are a true reflection of her character, dedication, and drive.
The City of Pharr is proud to celebrate Leah’s accomplishments and look forward to seeing the incredible impact she will continue to make. Congratulations, Leah, and keep shining bright!
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks this information. Over the past five years, labor productivity grew at an annualized rate of 1.9% percent (despite a pandemic in the timeframe), which is notably higher than the 1.5% annual rate of the previous business cycle (fourth quarter of 2007 through the fourth quarter of 2019). Image for illustration purposes
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Dr. M. Ray Perryman, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group. Courtesy Image
Labor productivity rates essentially measure the amount of gross domestic product created per hour of work. It is a crucial measure of both current and potential future economic performance. Simply stated, if you multiply the number of hours worked by the amount of output that each of those hours produces, you have defined total production. Fortunately, recent data for the United States indicates a significant uptick.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks this information. Over the past five years, labor productivity grew at an annualized rate of 1.9% percent (despite a pandemic in the timeframe), which is notably higher than the 1.5% annual rate of the previous business cycle (fourth quarter of 2007 through the fourth quarter of 2019). Even more impressive is the increase over the past couple of years, during which there was a 5% gain.
Productivity depends on many factors. From a broad perspective, infrastructure is essential. Highways, water supplies, broadband, and electricity are all crucial, and economic expansion depends on adequacy and efficiency. Education is also integral, from public schools through post-secondary options. Workers cannot be optimally productive without preparation ranging from literacy to high-quality training or higher education. Capital investment is another aspect, as employees need the right tools and systems.
Much of the recent gain may be attributed to technology. In essence, advances in manufacturing allow the same number of people to make more stuff. Moreover, AI is relieving workers in many occupations of mundane tasks (or at least expediting the process). The labor productivity index is currently higher than it has even been, and US workers are among the most productive in the world, ranking at or near the top by any measure.
In the face of long-term demographic trends, productivity increases are particularly important. The US population is growing very slowly, with most of the expansion driven by immigration. Worker shortages are an inevitable outcome, and we can expect labor challenges to persist.
Rational immigration reform would help to some extent and is desperately needed. At the same time, enhancing the productivity of existing workers is also essential. As new technology and methods inevitably displace some employees, providing retraining to facilitate the affected individuals finding different jobs is crucial (not only from an individual perspective, but also to ensure continued economic progress).
Investment in the things that enhance workers’ productive capacity is key to future prosperity. As an added benefit, these investments also tend to improve our daily lives. Looking ahead, innovation and investment will help us do more with fewer people. The US is well positioned for expansion once we get through the current chaos, and high worker productivity is one reason for our positive prospects. Stay safe!
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Dr. M. Ray Perryman is President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group (www.perrymangroup.com), which has served the needs of over 3,000 clients over the past four decades.
Judicial Watch announced today that Judge Reggie B. Walton has ordered the U.S. State Department to explain its claim that the recipients of a Biden-era United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Gaza aid grant cannot be disclosed because the agency’s workers could be put at risk by Israel. Image: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons
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Judicial Watch
Washington, D.C. – Judicial Watch announced today that Judge Reggie B. Walton has ordered the U.S. State Department to explain its claim that the recipients of a Biden-era United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Gaza aid grant cannot be disclosed because the agency’s workers could be put at risk by Israel. At a court hearing on the issue Judge Walton was incredulous at the State Department’s argument, as it necessarily implied that it is the U.S. Government’s position that U.S. ally Israel would purposely target and kill innocent air workers in Gaza The order comes in a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit seeking records from USAID regarding $27 million in grants allocated to “Miscellaneous Foreign Awardees” for use in Gaza.
Judge Walton’s order calls for a supplemental explanation regarding USAID’s reliance on FOIA Exemption 6, which protects against unwarranted invasions of personal privacy, in order to hide the recipients of the Biden USAID grant made shortly after the Hamas mass murder, rape, and kidnapping of Israeli and American citizens:
[T]he defendant shall file at least one supplemental declaration explaining the defendant’s basis for asserting that its grant recipient— information about which the defendant seeks to withhold from disclosure citing Exemption 6 to the Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”), 5 U.S.C. § 552—and its affiliates could be targeted if the information requested by the plaintiff were released. Specifically, the Court requires more than a general assertion that aid workers have been targeted or harmed in the Gaza Strip in order to make a determination as to whether FOIA Exemption 6 should apply to the information at issue here, including for example, an explanation of who might target the grant recipient or its affiliates, and the kind of targeting about which the defendant is concerned. It is further ORDERED that, on May 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., the parties shall appear before the Court for a motion hearing.
“I attended the court hearing in this case today. This is incredible! The State and Justice Departments continue to cover up who in Gaza received American tax dollars from the Biden administration. The government has turned a simple FOIA case into a foreign policy scandal,” Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton said. “Were terror-linked groups funded by USAID? It sure looks that way. Moreover, why are the State and Justice Departments pushing leftist smears against Israel in federal court? Secretary Rubio and Attorney General Bondi need to ride herd and stop this cover-up justified by a sly Deep State libel of Israel.”
On October 7, 2023, Hamas—a U.S.-designated terrorist organization—invaded southwest Israel, killing over a thousand people and kidnapping hundreds of others.
All records identifying the recipients of USAID funding under the $7,000,000 grant allocation awarded on or about November 15, 2023, and associated with Federal Award Identification Number 720BHA24GR00005.
All proposals, applications, scope of work documents, or similar records related to any grant award or sub-award associated with Federal Award Identification Number 720BHA24GR00005.
USAID has produced records but refuses to disclose what organizations received the money.
On November 15, 2023, the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, a component of the USAID, issued a $7 million grant for “multisectoral response in Gaza.” The grant was awarded to “Miscellaneous Foreign Awardees.” The same day a “continuation” grant of $20 million was also issued for “multisectoral response.” USAID reported that over $282 million was obligated to the West Bank and Gaza in fiscal year 2023.
It was recently discovered that USAID provided millions of dollars in funding to extremist groups tied to designated terrorist organizations and their allies, according to a report published by Middle East Forum, a U.S. think tank.
In July 2024, the Office of the Inspector General for USAID issued a report titled “Assessment of USAID’s Oversight Policies to Prevent the Diversion of Assistance to Hamas and Other
Terrorist Organizations” in which it states:
The USAID Office of Inspector General (USAID OIG) provides independent oversight of USAID’s programs, operations, and personnel and has previously identified USAID-funded assistance to Gaza as being at high risk for diversion and misuse.
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Regarding the UN’s processes for vetting their own staff, USAID Administrator Samantha Power noted—following allegations that officials working for UNRWA [United Nations Relief and Works Agency] engaged in the October 7, 2023 attacks in Israel—“obviously the vetting is something that has to be significantly strengthened.”
Judicial Watch has also sued USAID for records regarding waste, fraud and abuse tied to aid money sent to Ukraine.
Additional State Department records uncovered in 2018 showed USAID funding for George Soros’s left-wing nonprofit organizations in Albania. The documents dealt primarily with the activities of Soros’ top operative in Albania, Andri Dobrushi, the director of Open Society Foundation-Albania, who was actively engaged in channeling funding to what Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban calls Soros’ “mercenary army.” The documents showed U.S. grant money flowing through non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that profess to promote “civil society,” while in fact attacking traditional, pro-American groups, governments and policies.
Other records related to the USAID’s activities in Albania showed that the Obama administration sent U.S. taxpayers’ funds to a group backed by Soros, which used the money to fund left-wing political activities in Albania, including working with the country’s socialist government to push for highly controversial judicial “reform.” The records also detailed how the Soros operation helped the State Department review grant applications from other groups for taxpayer funding.
HARLINGEN, TX – In March, Angela Burton, District Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office, announced Abygail T. Elizondo, owner of Elizondo Insurance Services, as the 2025 Small Businessperson of the Year. Six additional honorees were also recognized before National Small Business Week, which takes place May 4–10, 2025.
Abygail T. Elizondo, owner of Elizondo Insurance Services. Image by Roberto Hugo González
The Rio Grande Valley Partnership hosted a recognition luncheon on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Rancho Viejo Resort and Country Club Conference Center to celebrate these local awardees. The event included a keynote address by SBA South Central Regional Administrator and Presidential Appointee, Justin Crossie.
Crossie selected the Lower Rio Grande Valley District as one of only three district offices he visited during National Small Business Week. In his remarks, he shared his personal travel experience to the event and emphasized the region’s significance in the broader small business ecosystem.
During his address, Crossie acknowledged the long-standing national recognition of small businesses since 1964, highlighting their contributions to the U.S. economy. He cited that small businesses create two out of every three new jobs and employ nearly half of the American workforce. Specific to Texas, he noted that small businesses provide 45.1% of all jobs in the state.
Crossie outlined the SBA’s key initiatives aimed at supporting small business development. These include reducing regulatory barriers through the revitalized Office of Advocacy, expanding access to capital, and investing in workforce development. He emphasized the role of SBA’s resource partners such as Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), SCORE chapters, and lending institutions in delivering practical assistance through what he described as the “SBA toolbox.”
He referred to the “SBA toolbox” as a collection of resources available to entrepreneurs, including mentoring, financial assistance programs like the 504-loan program, and technical guidance. Crossie highlighted how these tools are available to help business owners grow, scale, and invest in their operations.
In closing, Crossie acknowledged the diverse backgrounds of small business owners, including veterans, first-generation entrepreneurs, and single parents, and reinforced the SBA’s commitment to supporting their success. He thanked the attendees and resource partners for their contributions and reaffirmed the SBA’s mission to empower American small businesses.
The event marked a key moment in the district’s National Small Business Week celebrations and provided a platform for recognizing the resilience and achievements of local entrepreneurs.
Last week, the U.S. Attorneys for Arizona, Central California, Southern California, New Mexico, Southern Texas, and Western Texas charged more than 1300 defendants with criminal violations of U.S. immigration laws. Image for illustration purposes
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US Department of Justice
Since the inauguration of President Trump, the Department of Justice is playing a critical role in Operation Take back America, a nationwide initiative to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from 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).
Last week, the U.S. Attorneys for Arizona, Central California, Southern California, New Mexico, Southern Texas, and Western Texas charged more than 1300 defendants with criminal violations of U.S. immigration laws.
The Southern District of Texas filed 256 cases in matters aimed at securing the southern border. As part of the cases, 83 face allegations of illegally reentering the country. The majority have prior felony convictions for narcotics, firearms, sexual or violent offenses, prior immigration crimes and more. A total of 160 people face charges of illegally entering the country, while 13 cases allege various instances of human smuggling with the remainder involving other immigration-related crimes.
The Western District of Texas filed 352 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases. Among the new cases, David Ysturiz-Villalobos and Yilber Gabriel Caldera-Espinoza were arrested by the San Antonio Police Department during an April 22 traffic stop. Both were identified as Venezuelan nationals unlawfully present in the United States. Ysturiz-Villalobos was in possession of a .40 caliber pistol with a loaded magazine and one chambered round. Caldera-Espinoza admitted the pistol was his. Ysturiz-Villalobos and Caldera-Espinoza are each charged with one count of illegal alien in possession of a firearm and, if convicted, face up to 10 years in federal prison.
The District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 287 defendants. Specifically, the United States filed 107 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 156 aliens for illegally entering the United States. In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States filed 21 cases against 24 individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona.
The Southern District of California filed 124 border-related cases this week, including charges of assault on a federal officer, bringing in aliens for financial gain, reentering the U.S. after deportation, and importation of controlled substances. A sample of border-related arrests this week: On April 27, Emma Alejandra Medina, a U.S. citizen, was arrested and charged with Attempted Bringing in Aliens for Financial Gain. According to a complaint, Medina was captain of a boat that was transporting eight undocumented immigrants on San Diego Bay. On April 26, Jorge Alexandro Tellez, a U.S. citizen, was arrested and charged with attempting to cross the border in a vehicle with 286 pounds of methamphetamine concealed in all four doors, the seats, the spare tire, the tailgate, and in multiple tool bags located inside the vehicle.
The Central District of California this week criminally charged 45 defendants who allegedly illegally re-entered the United States following removal, bringing the total number of defendants charged with this crime since Jan. 20 of this year to 347, a year-over-year increase of 3,755%, the Justice Department announced today. The defendants charged were previously convicted of felonies before they were removed from the United States, offenses that include attempted burglary and forgery. Since the change in administration this year, federal prosecutors in the seven-county Central District, which includes Los Angeles, have aggressively pursued criminal illegal aliens. In comparison, federal prosecutors in 2024 charged a total of nine defendants with Title 8 United States Code § 1326 – illegal re-entry following removal. In 2023, the office charged eight such defendants.
The District of New Mexico announced its immigration enforcement statistics. These cases are prosecuted in partnership with the El Paso Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol, along with Homeland Security Investigations El Paso, and assistance from other federal, state, and county agencies. The United States Attorney’s Office brought the following criminal charges in New Mexico: 79 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326), 11 individuals were charged this week with Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324), 12 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325), and 130 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325) and 50 U.S.C. 797, violation of a military security regulation, arising from the newly established National Defense Area in New Mexico.
We are grateful for the hard work of our border prosecutors in bringing these cases and helping to make our border safe again.
For the fifth time, the Arbor Day Foundation has recognized the City of Edinburg as a 2024 Tree City USA, a testament to the city’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and urban forestry. Image for illustration purposes
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EDINBURG, Texas – For the fifth time, the Arbor Day Foundation has recognized the City of Edinburg as a 2024 Tree City USA, a testament to the city’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and urban forestry. This prestigious national honor is awarded to municipalities that demonstrate exceptional dedication to planting, nurturing, and maintaining trees for the benefit of their communities.
The Arbor Day Foundation, a global nonprofit established in 1972, continues to highlight Edinburg as a shining example of sustainable urban tree care.
Courtesy image
“We all have a role to play in shaping our future, and tree champions like Edinburg are leading the way,” said Michelle Saulnier, Vice President of Programs at the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees are critical infrastructure, building resiliency and fostering good health in our nation’s cities. We’re proud Edinburg is part of our growing network of communities creating a positive impact through trees.”
To earn Tree City USA status, communities must meet four foundational criteria: maintain a tree board or department, establish a community tree ordinance, invest at least $2 per capita in urban forestry, and host an annual Arbor Day observance.
“This designation reflects our continued commitment to making Edinburg a healthier, greener, and more vibrant place to live,” Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr. said. “Trees are not just about beautification—they play a vital role in our community’s wellbeing, from improving air quality to lowering energy costs. I’m proud of our team and residents who support sustainability efforts that will benefit future generations.”
Trees in urban areas have been proven to reduce stormwater runoff, improve mental and physical health, mitigate the urban heat island effect, and even enhance property values. By prioritizing smart tree placement and care, Edinburg continues to build a more resilient and livable environment for all.
Ingrid Gonzalez began her educational journey at South Texas College as a freshman taking dual credit classes at Rio Grande City High School, several years later she is now set to receive her bachelor’s degree in Operations Management at STC’s commencement ceremony on May 10. STC Image
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By Joey Gomez
RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas – Ingrid Gonzalez knew that higher education would be an opportunity for a better life. Now, about to graduate from South Texas College, she looks back at all the sacrifices she made to succeed and reflects on how she found a community at STC that supported her on the way to a bright future.
Gonzalez, 20, began her journey at STC as a freshman in high school taking dual credit classes. She earned an associate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies before even earning her diploma in 2022 from Rio Grande City High School.
Fast-forward to 2025, she will now earn a bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, joining other graduates at STC’s Commencement Ceremonies on May 10 with the hopes of entering or fostering a career in medical business after graduation.
“I began here at STC as a freshman in high school and the spirit of the college, the ethos, stayed with me. People here want you to grow. They want to help you,” Gonzalez said. “The close community present at our Starr County campus allows us to feel more confident about being able to achieve our goals and it keep us motivated, even if it’s something like a simple smile or help when we most need it. That’s what I feel I’ve experience during my time here at STC.”
Born and raised in Rio Grande City, Gonzalez said she knew early on that she would have to fight the mindset of many in the community who prioritized work over a college degree. By entering college as early as possible, she said she made it a priority to determine her own future.
Also currently a student learning assistant at STC’s Center for Learning Excellence (CLE), Gonzalez said she has enjoyed her time at the college encouraging and mentoring other students to reach the next step in their academic journey.
“I knew it was going to be a sacrifice because a lot of my friends that I had known my whole life just didn’t want to go to college. But I knew it was an opportunity that I needed to take,” she said. “I knew getting an education would help me boost my career chances and help me achieve what I want to achieve faster. I had the mindset that could determine my own future and whether I succeed or fail, it was all up to me.”
With graduation around the corner, Gonzalez now said she looks ahead to combining a love for business with the medical field, which she was introduced to through an internship at a durable medical equipment (DME) company in McAllen.
Over the course of the semester, she said her degree in Operations Management has enabled her to make the most out of the internship as she gains experience in the industry.
“Getting this amazing experience has given me access to see how this type of business works, while opening doors so I can help other people in need, whether it’s with medical supplies, of they’re health provders. I credit STC for all the opportunities it has placed in my path,” Gonzalez said. “I feel like it really has been an awesome thing to able to learn and grow because of the degree I have chosen for my future career.”
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is seeking information on the 2013 murder of 51-year-old Lillian Desiree Descoteau in Harrison Co. The reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for her death is now increased to $6,000 if the tip is received before the next featured Texas Rangers cold case is announced. Anyone with information in this case is asked to please come forward. Photo: Texas DPS
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AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is seeking information on the 2013 murder of 51-year-old Lillian Desiree Descoteau in Harrison Co. The reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for her death is now increased to $6,000 if the tip is received before the next featured Texas Rangers cold case is announced. Anyone with information in this case is asked to please come forward.
Back on Oct. 7, 2013, Descoteau’s partially nude body was found by two truck drivers near the FM 450 ramp onto IH-20, just south of Hallsville, Texas. She had been sexually assaulted, beaten and strangled. Descoteau’s body was only clothed in a light blue pullover, a white bra and a shiny diamond stud earring in one ear. Before her death, Descoteau lived a transient lifestyle—living in many states across the country, including Alaska, Colorado, Ohio, Georgia, Maryland and Louisiana. Descoteau’s last known residence was Irving, Texas, where she worked as a commercial truck driver for a short time.
Funded by the Governor’s Public Safety Office, Texas Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to any person who provides information that leads to the arrest of those responsible for any Texas Rangers cold case listed on the DPS website—which provides information on more than 140 cases in an effort to garner public interest in unsolved or cold cases.
To be eligible for cash rewards for this case, tipsters MUST provide information to authorities using one of these two methods:
Call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477).
Submit a tip online through this link only andselect “Cold Cases Featured” and “Cold Case” in the type of crime and offense type sections.
As part of a DPS public awareness program, one case from the Texas Ranger Unsolved Crimes Investigation (Cold Case) Program will be featured bi-monthly in an effort to generate new investigative leads and bring attention to these cold cases. Texas Crime Stoppers rewards are increased up to $6,000 for featured cases in hopes of generating additional tips. The higher reward amount will only be paid if the tip is submitted before the next cold case is featured.
The Texas Ranger Unsolved Crimes Investigation Program was created to assist Texas law enforcement agencies investigating unsolved homicides or violent serial crimes. Since there is no statute of limitations for the offense of murder, investigators pursue these cases to a successful resolution or until no viable leads remain.
Tony Fabrizio of Fabrizio and Lee will serve as Lead Pollster. Fabrizio is widely recognized as an expert in public opinion and politics and one of the nation’s leading GOP pollsters and strategists. Fabrizio has served as the Chief Pollster on five Presidential campaigns, most notably President Donald Trump’s 2016 and 2024 campaigns. Fabrizo image: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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AUSTIN, Texas – Texas’ senior U.S. Senator John Cornyn is announcing his senior campaign team for his 2026 re-election campaign.
“It has been my honor to serve Texans as their U.S. Senator and we will run an aggressive campaign that clearly frames the choice for Texas Republican primary voters,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I am pleased to have a dedicated team of elite professionals running this campaign. We will accurately convey my record in the U.S. Senate and make sure that Texans understand the character and record of my opponents. It’s going to be a long, miserable 10 months for Ken Paxton.”
Rob Jesmer will continue serving Senator Cornyn as General Consultant. Jesmer is Managing Partner of FP1 and has worked with Senator Cornyn since 2007. He previously served as Executive Director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) when Sen. Cornyn served as Chairman.
Tony Fabrizio of Fabrizio and Lee will serve as Lead Pollster. Fabrizio is widely recognized as an expert in public opinion and politics and one of the nation’s leading GOP pollsters and strategists. Fabrizio has served as the Chief Pollster on five Presidential campaigns, most notably President Donald Trump’s 2016 and 2024 campaigns.
Andy Hemming will serve as Campaign Manager. He served as Senior Advisor for Governor Greg Abbott’s re-election campaign in 2022, as Director of Rapid Response in the first term of the Trump White House, as research director for the 2016 Trump campaign, as senior research advisor at the Republican National Committee, and previously worked on campaigns for Governor Rick Perry and the Abbott campaign in 2014.
Matt Mackowiak will serve as Communications Director and Senior Advisor. Mackowiak is president of Potomac Strategy Group, LLC, has helped elect five members of Congress from Texas, has served two U.S. Senators and a Governor in senior communications roles, and served as Travis County GOP chair from 2017-2025. He bundled $250,000+ for the Trump 2024 campaign.
Jahan Wilcox will serve as Senior Advisor. Wilcox served in a senior communications role in the first Trump administration at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and has worked for both Marco Rubio and Doug Burgum, both of whom now serve in the Trump Cabinet. He has also worked in senior communication roles at the Republican National Committee (RNC) and National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC). Over his career, he has advised countless winning U.S. Senate and Governor campaigns.
Vincent Harris will serve as Director of Digital Strategy. Harris is CEO of Harris Media, a conservative digital agency that has run digital campaigns for Senator Ted Cruz, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, and most recently the pro-Trump super PAC “Right for America.” The firm has offices in Texas and Florida.
Matt Wiltshire will serve as Political Director. Wiltshire has served multiple elected officials and campaigns across Texas, including as a Field Organizer for the Abbott campaign.
Packages containing 164 pounds of methamphetamine seized by CBP officers at Eagle Pass Port of Entry. USCBP image
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EAGLE PASS, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers at the Eagle Pass International Bridge, recently intercepted over $3.3 million in methamphetamine in one enforcement action.
“Frontline CBP officers at the Eagle Pass International Bridge demonstrated exceptional effort in successfully disrupting this drug smuggling attempt,” said Port Director Pete Beattie, Eagle Pass Port of Entry. “This drug bust is a prime example of the efficient targeting strategies utilized in the passenger processing environment to help combat the flow of dangerous narcotics seeping into our communities.”
On May 4, CBP officers assigned to the Eagle Pass International Bridge encountered a 2014 Kia Sorento making entry from Mexico driven by a 39-year-old female United States citizen. The vehicle was selected for inspection, which included utilization of nonintrusive inspection equipment and screening by a (canine team). After physically inspecting the vehicle, officers extracted 74 packages of alleged methamphetamine weighing 164 pounds concealed within the floorboard of the vehicle. The estimated street value of the seized narcotics is $3,324,608.
CBP OFO seized the narcotics and vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrested the driver and initiated a criminal investigation.
