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Pharr’s Economic Vision and the Rise of Oui Trend 

Roberto H. Gonzalez
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Pharr’s Economic Vision and the Rise of Oui Trend 
Hector Alvarez and Andres Gutierrez of Oui Trend stand at the forefront of a new wave in the Rio Grande Valley—championing innovation, empowering local talent, and proving that big ideas can thrive in their own backyard. Photo by Roberto Hugo González
Hector Alvarez and Andres Gutierrez of Oui Trend stand at the forefront of a new wave in the Rio Grande Valley—championing innovation, empowering local talent, and proving that big ideas can thrive in their own backyard. Photo by Roberto Hugo González

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By Roberto Hugo González

Victor Perez. Photo by Roberto Hugo González

During RGV Startup Week, held at the newly inaugurated Pharr Global Business Hub on May 1, 2025, Victor Perez, President and CEO of the Pharr Economic Development Corporation (EDC), delivered a presentation titled Pharr’s Economic Vision: A Gateway for International Business. The event highlighted Pharr’s ambition to serve as both a hub for global commerce and a launchpad for innovation in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV).

Among the event’s standout voices were Andres Gutierrez and Hector Alvarez, two young engineers and Oui Trend Marketing Agency co-founders. Their Harlingen-based company creates digital platforms, websites, and AI-driven marketing systems to help small businesses scale efficiently. “We create digital platforms and websites and do everything regarding marketing. We create automations and AI workflows, obviously to help scale businesses,” said Alvarez. “We’re seeing a big deficit in engineering in these businesses.”

The founders are focused on integrating local talent into their model, particularly engineering students from UTRGV. “We wanna advocate for using UTRGV engineers,” Alvarez said. “We would intern them and then work with local businesses to start creating software internally to keep track of metrics and automations.”

Gutierrez added, “0.9% of the industry within technology is the margin we have paid attention to. Not only do we focus on the deficiencies of companies, but we also consult with them and implement technology. Most talent is leaving because the jobs aren’t here.”

Their internship pipeline allows students to gain hands-on experience while helping local businesses modernize. “We want to focus on attacking and scaling for small businesses and providing that education and experience,” said Gutierrez. “If you want to replicate what you’ve learned, it will benefit the Rio Grande Valley.”

Alvarez emphasized the lack of awareness around software needs. “Nobody’s paying attention. They talk about manufacturing, not the tech that tracks products—QR codes, inventory systems, databases. No one’s advocating for that.”

Oui Trend operates virtually with a team of remote engineers and designers. “We have our engineers, our graphic designers, we sit ’em down on TEAM meetings and we’re like, alright guys, we gotta build this and that,” Alvarez said. “We create the plan, the documents, the guidelines. Everything’s properly branded.”

Alvarez shared his journey, “I have burned through a couple of businesses. I started at 17, but this one with Andres has been going for a year and a half. We saw so much potential.”

The duo is determined to stay the course. “Next step, support or not, awareness or not, we’re gonna continue doing what we’re doing,” said Gutierrez. “Helping small businesses and educating minds that want to grow.”

Oui Trend connects with clients through word of mouth, website, and social media. “Our clients speak about us,” Gutierrez noted.

Though for-profit, the company prioritizes community development. “The idea is to gather UTRGV students for six- to twelve-month internships. We’re also educating them,” Alvarez explained.

Gutierrez concluded, “The value we add is the opportunity people give us. Especially with AI, we stay on top of it daily. We want people to use these skills in any business, even in their families. Because we’re a consumer culture, we can’t be a producer culture. We want to start something new for the Rio Grande Valley.”

Andres Gutierrez and Hector Alvarez are exactly the kind of forward-thinking professionals the Rio Grande Valley needs. Through Oui Trend, they’re not only helping small businesses embrace digital tools and automation—they’re creating real opportunities for local engineering talent to stay and thrive in the region. Their passion for innovation, community impact, and tech education sets them apart. They’re not just building a company—they’re building a movement for a smarter, more self-sufficient Valley.

Judge Cortez Thanks Federal Officials for Supporting Disaster Declaration Request After South Texas Flooding

Roberto H. Gonzalez
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Judge Cortez Thanks Federal Officials for Supporting Disaster Declaration Request After South Texas Flooding
“I wish to thank Senator Ted Cruz and Congressman Vicente Gonzalez, who, along with Senator John Cornyn and Governor Greg Abbott, have asked President Trump to declare a disaster so that more federal aid can help those in our community affected by last month’s floods. We look forward to the President’s response.” -- Judge Cortez
“I wish to thank Senator Ted Cruz and Congressman Vicente Gonzalez, who, along with Senator John Cornyn and Governor Greg Abbott, have asked President Trump to declare a disaster so that more federal aid can help those in our community affected by last month’s floods. We look forward to the President’s response.” — Judge Cortez

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By Roberto Hugo González

As of early May 2025, the federal disaster declaration was pending, with local, state, and federal officials continuing to advocate for the necessary support to aid the affected communities in South Texas.

In late March 2025, the Rio Grande Valley experienced severe flooding due to unprecedented rainfall, with some areas receiving up to 20 inches of rain between March 26 and 28. The heavy rainfall led to significant damage across Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy counties, prompting local and state officials to seek federal disaster assistance. 

On May 6, 2025, Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez issued a local disaster declaration in response to the flooding. In a statement, Judge Cortez acknowledged the support from federal and state officials:

“I wish to thank Senator Ted Cruz and Congressman Vicente Gonzalez, who, along with Senator John Cornyn and Governor Greg Abbott, have asked President Trump to declare a disaster so that more federal aid can help those in our community affected by last month’s floods. We look forward to the President’s response.”

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz formally requested federal disaster funding for the affected South Texas counties. In his communication, Senator Cruz emphasized the need for federal assistance to aid recovery efforts for the communities impacted by the severe storms and flooding. 

Senator John Cornyn also supported the call for federal disaster relief. He sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump urging the swift deployment of additional federal disaster relief resources to South Texas, aligning with Governor Greg Abbott’s request following the severe flooding in the region. 

Congressman Vicente Gonzalez also advocated for a federal disaster declaration. In a letter dated April 29, 2025, he urged President Trump to issue a disaster declaration for South Texas, highlighting the extensive damage caused by the flooding and the need for federal assistance to support recovery efforts. 

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz also expressed support for additional disaster relief for South Texas. In her letter to President Trump, she acknowledged the state’s request for an emergency disaster declaration. She emphasized the importance of federal support in addressing the damage caused by the severe weather conditions. 

Local officials, including those from Edinburg, Alamo, Weslaco, and other cities, declared states of disaster in the aftermath of the flooding. These declarations aimed to facilitate access to emergency assistance and funding for recovery efforts. 

As of early May 2025, the federal disaster declaration was pending, with local, state, and federal officials continuing to advocate for the necessary support to aid the affected communities in South Texas.

New Federal Identification Requirements Take Effect Nationwide, May 7th

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New Federal Identification Requirements Take Effect Nationwide, May 7th
In Texas, driver’s licenses and ID cards issued since October 10, 2016, that display a gold star in the upper right corner meet REAL ID compliance standards. Images courtesy of the Office of Congresswoman Monica de la Cruz. Bgd for illustration purposes
In Texas, driver’s licenses and ID cards issued since October 10, 2016, that display a gold star in the upper right corner meet REAL ID compliance standards. Images courtesy of the Office of Congresswoman Monica de la Cruz. Bgd for illustration purposes

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Texas Border Business

“Texans Must Ensure Compliance for Air Travel and Federal Access,” Congresswoman Monica de la Cruz

Starting Wednesday, May 7, 2025, U.S. residents aged 18 and older must present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, or an alternative acceptable form of identification, to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities. This enforcement marks the implementation of the REAL ID Act, a federal law passed in 2005 to establish minimum security standards for state-issued identification documents. 

In Texas, driver’s licenses and ID cards issued since October 10, 2016, that display a gold star in the upper right corner meet REAL ID compliance standards. Individuals possessing these cards do not need to take further action. However, those with licenses or IDs lacking the gold star will need to obtain a compliant card to use their identification for federal purposes, such as air travel or entering federal buildings. 

For those without a REAL ID-compliant card, alternative forms of identification accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) include a valid U.S. passport, U.S. military ID, or an Enhanced Driver’s License (available in select states). Travelers presenting non-compliant IDs may be subject to additional screening procedures at TSA checkpoints and could experience delays.  

To obtain a REAL ID in Texas, applicants must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office and provide the following documentation: 

• An original or certified copy of a birth certificate or an unexpired U.S. passport

• Social Security card 

• Two documents proving Texas residency (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement)

• Proof of lawful status in the U.S. 

Individuals who have changed their names must also provide legal documentation of the name change. 

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz has emphasized the importance of complying with the new requirements and has offered assistance to constituents navigating the process. Her district offices in McAllen and Seguin are available to provide guidance and support. Constituents can also submit requests for casework assistance through her official website.

For more information on obtaining a REAL ID in Texas, including eligibility for online renewal and a checklist of required documents, residents can visit the Texas Department of Public Safety’s website at www.texas.gov/driver-services/texas-real-id/.

McAllen Native Trains Aboard USS Gridley

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McAllen Native Trains Aboard USS Gridley
Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Ashley Garcia, from McAllen, Texas, demonstrates how to manually take blood pressure as part of stretcher bearer training aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) in the Philippine Sea. Courtesy images
Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Ashley Garcia, from McAllen, Texas, demonstrates how to manually take blood pressure as part of stretcher bearer training aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) in the Philippine Sea. Courtesy images

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Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Ashley Garcia, from McAllen, Texas, demonstrates how to manually take blood pressure as part of stretcher bearer training aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) in the Philippine Sea, May 1, 2025. Gridley, assigned to the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, is underway in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations on a scheduled deployment, demonstrating the U.S. Navy’s unwavering commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Timothy Meyer)

Unloaded Firearm Recovered from Student at Edinburg North High School

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Unloaded Firearm Recovered from Student at Edinburg North High School
On the morning of May 6, 2025, an unloaded firearm was discovered in a student’s backpack at Edinburg North High School in Edinburg, Texas. The incident was prompted by an anonymous tip received by the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) police officers and school administrators. The student was immediately detained, and the Edinburg Police Department proceeded with an arrest. Image: ECSID.edu
On the morning of May 6, 2025, an unloaded firearm was discovered in a student’s backpack at Edinburg North High School in Edinburg, Texas. The incident was prompted by an anonymous tip received by the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) police officers and school administrators. The student was immediately detained, and the Edinburg Police Department proceeded with an arrest. Image: ECSID.edu

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Texas Border Business

On the morning of May 6, 2025, an unloaded firearm was discovered in a student’s backpack at Edinburg North High School in Edinburg, Texas. The incident was prompted by an anonymous tip received by the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) police officers and school administrators. The student was immediately detained, and the Edinburg Police Department proceeded with an arrest.  

According to a news release from Edinburg CISD, there was no threat to students or staff during the incident. All individuals on campus remained safe and secure. The district followed established safety protocols and plans to review and reinforce these procedures. As a precaution, additional safety measures will remain in place for the near future.  

Edinburg CISD encourages families and students to report concerns in person or anonymously to help maintain campus safety. Individuals can contact the district at (956) 289-2300 for further information.

Edinburg Police Investigate Auto-Pedestrian Crash Involving Student

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Edinburg Police Investigate Auto-Pedestrian Crash Involving Student
The driver, 69-year-old Dennis Bullard of Edinburg, has been taken into custody and will be charged with collision involving serious bodily injury and unlawful carrying of a weapon. Courtesy image. Bgd for illustration purposes
The driver, 69-year-old Dennis Bullard of Edinburg, has been taken into custody and will be charged with collision involving serious bodily injury and unlawful carrying of a weapon. Courtesy image. Bgd for illustration purposes

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EDINBURG, Texas – At approximately 10:01 a.m. on Tuesday, May 6, the Edinburg Police Department responded to an auto-pedestrian accident at the intersection of North McColl Road and West Schunior Road.

Preliminary investigation indicates that a 13-year-old female student was struck by a gray SUV traveling southbound as she attempted to cross the street on her way to B.L. Garza Middle School. A witness at the scene rendered immediate aid and transported the student to the school, where staff promptly contacted emergency services. The student was then taken to a local hospital and is currently being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Thanks to a second witness who provided the vehicle’s license plate number, officers were able to swiftly locate and identify the suspect. The driver, 69-year-old Dennis Bullard of Edinburg, has been taken into custody and will be charged with collision involving serious bodily injury and unlawful carrying of a weapon. 

The Edinburg Police Department is actively investigating this case. Anyone with additional information related to the incident is urged to contact the department at 956-289-7700.

Pax­ton Takes Legal Action Against Chi­nese Com­pa­nies Vio­lat­ing Tex­ans’ Pri­va­cy Rights

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Pax­ton Takes Legal Action Against Chi­nese Com­pa­nies Vio­lat­ing Tex­ans’ Pri­va­cy Rights
Attorney General Ken Paxton has put TP-Link, Alibaba, CapCut, and several other Chinese and Chinese Communist Party (“CCP”) aligned companies on notice that they are violating Texans’ privacy rights. logos: Public Domain. Bgd for illustration purposes

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Attorney General Ken Paxton has put TP-Link, Alibaba, CapCut, and several other Chinese and Chinese Communist Party (“CCP”) aligned companies on notice that they are violating Texans’ privacy rights. 

Pursuant to the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (“TDPSA”), Attorney General Paxton has given the CCP-affiliated companies thirty days to comply with Texas’s heightened privacy protections. The law requires companies to disclose whether they process consumer data, allow consumers to opt out of data collection, and enable consumers to delete their personal data entirely. If the companies fail to comply with the TDPSA, additional legal action will be taken. 

“I have notified several Chinese-owned companies that they must stop violating Texas’s privacy laws and protect Texans’ data from falling into the hands of the CCP. Failure to do so will be met with the full force of my office,” said Attorney General Paxton. “I will always protect our citizens’ data privacy rights and use every tool I have to hold companies accountable for acting unlawfully.”

This latest action is part of Attorney General Paxton’s nation-leading privacy and technology enforcement initiative and follows his investigation of the CCP-affiliated artificial intelligence service DeepSeek. Attorney General Paxton also banned DeepSeek on all devices owned by the Texas Attorney General’s Office. 

If you think a company is not complying with the TDPSA, you may submit a complaint to the Texas Attorney General’s Office here. 

Port of Brownsville Powers Regional Economic Growth

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Port of Brownsville Powers Regional Economic Growth
Serving diverse industries, the Port of Brownsville is a hub for international trade vital to the economies of the Rio Grande Valley and northern Mexico. Throughout fiscal year 2024, 28 million tons of cargo were transported via the port. Image courtesy of The Port of Brownsville

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As a strategic gateway for international trade, the Port of Brownsville is key to the economies of the Rio Grande Valley and northern Mexico.

Brownsville Navigation District Chairman Esteban Guerra. Courtesy image

Brownsville Navigation District Chairman Esteban Guerra, Port Director and CEO William Dietrich, and Director of Business Development & Marketing Guillermo Rico represented the port at RioPlex’s Texas Port to the Stars Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Summit, held April 10 in Houston.

RioPlex is a binational initiative aimed at consolidating sustainable economic development between the Rio Grande Valley and northern Tamaulipas.

During the summit, Chairman Guerra was named to the RioPlex Board of Directors. In his remarks to an audience of prominent business and industry leaders, he underscored the port’s critical role in transforming the economic future of the region.

“In 2023 alone, the port’s economic impact study for the state of Texas reached a record breaking $12 billion, a 400% increase from 2019,” said BND Chairman Guerra. “This is a direct reflection of our growing capacity, our strategic importance, and our commitment to driving sustainable growth with future generations in mind. As the largest land-owning public port authority in the United States, with over 40,000 acres, we are supporting economic growth for the benefit of our communities.”

As a member of the Board of Directors, Chairman Guerra will contribute to developing strategies that enhance regional infrastructure and economic growth, reinforcing the port’s role as a vital trade hub. 

The Port of Brownsville is the grantee for Foreign Trade Zone No. 62 which has ranked top three in the nation for 12 consecutive years for the value of exports. In 2023, FTZ No. 62 recorded a combined value of imports and exports totaling $10.2 billion.

The port’s handling of diverse commodities including steel, aluminum, petroleum products, wind energy components, and bulk agricultural goods, have made it a key player in North American trade and supply chains. In 2024, the port saw a record 28 million tons of cargo, according to unaudited reports. This represents an increase of 10 million tons compared to 2023.

CBP Uncovers Over 218 Mangos & 7kg of Nances at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge

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CBP Uncovers Over 218 Mangos & 7kg of Nances at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge
A total of 218 mangos and seven kilograms of nances seized by CBP agriculture specialists fills an inspection table at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge. USCBP image
A total of 218 mangos and seven kilograms of nances seized by CBP agriculture specialists fills an inspection table at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge. USCBP image

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LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and agriculture specialists recently discovered more than 200 mangos and seven kilograms of nances–a tropical fruit native to Central and South America–in a single enforcement action at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge.

“Our frontline CBP officers and agriculture specialists maintain strict vigilance as they conduct their examinations and they encountered a commercial quantity of prohibited fruit,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “Seizures like these reinforce CBP’s dedication to protecting American agriculture and the American public from prohibited agricultural items that could harbor plant pests and animal diseases.”

The seizure occurred on the evening of May 2 when CBP officers assigned to the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge referred a Ford F-150 pickup to secondary inspection. During examination of the vehicle, a CBP Agriculture Quarantine Inspection canine alerted officers and agriculture specialists to the vehicle and its luggage. Further examination of the vehicle and luggage revealed a commercial quantity of prohibited fruit. CBP agriculture specialists seized a total of 218 mangos and seven kilograms of nances, a tropical fruit from Central and South America resembling a yellow cherry with a pungent odor.   

A $1,000 civil penalty was issued to the driver for the undeclared commercial quantity of prohibited fruits.

CBP agriculture specialists enforce United States Department of Agriculture quarantines to prevent the entry of pests and plant & animal diseases that could damage the agriculture industry in the U.S. Attempting to bring in prohibited agricultural items could lead to traveler delays and may result in a fine ranging from $300 to $1,000.

CBP employees work diligently to fulfill CBP’s agriculture mission by excluding harmful pests and diseases from becoming established in the U.S. Read more about CBP’s agriculture mission.

Illegal Alien Caught Attempting to Export Stolen Vehicles for Cartel

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Illegal Alien Caught Attempting to Export Stolen Vehicles for Cartel
The criminal complaint alleges that on May 2, law enforcement observed a Jeep Gladiator in Cameron County that had been reported stolen from Edinburg. They attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the driver refused to yield, and a chase ensued, according to the charges. It ended as the vehicle allegedly collided near a residence in Brownsville. Image for illustration purposes
The criminal complaint alleges that on May 2, law enforcement observed a Jeep Gladiator in Cameron County that had been reported stolen from Edinburg. They attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the driver refused to yield, and a chase ensued, according to the charges. It ended as the vehicle allegedly collided near a residence in Brownsville. Image for illustration purposes

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

McALLEN, Texas – A 19-year-old Mexican national has been arrested for his alleged role in attempting to export a stolen vehicle. 

Angel David Salas-Herrera is set to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nadia S. Medrano at 10 a.m. 

The criminal complaint alleges that on May 2, law enforcement observed a Jeep Gladiator in Cameron County that had been reported stolen from Edinburg. They attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the driver refused to yield, and a chase ensued, according to the charges. It ended as the vehicle allegedly collided near a residence in Brownsville. 

Salas-Herrera was the passenger, according to the allegations. During a search of the Gladiator, law enforcement allegedly found multiple key fobs and a device utilized to program them. 

The charges allege the Gladiator was intended to be exported to Mexico for the Gulf Cartel. Law enforcement was also able to recover two additional stolen vehicles that were allegedly intended for the same purpose.  

Salas-Herrera is charged with export of stolen motor vehicles. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison. He could also be ordered to pay up to a $250,000 fine.  

This case is part of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Operation Cocina de Caldo. The FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations are conducting the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol, Texas Department of Public Safety, sheriff’s offices in Hidalgo and Cameron Counties and police departments in McAllen, Mission, Pharr, Brownsville, Edinburg and Rancho Viejo. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Roberto Lopez Jr. and Sarina DiPiazza are prosecuting the case.

The OCDETF operation 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 OCDETF and Project Safe Neighborhoods.

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

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