Governor Greg Abbott held a roundtable and press conference at Crime Stoppers of Houston to highlight Texas’ deadly and broken bail system to ensure dangerous criminals are kept behind bars. Photo: Office of The Governor
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HOUSTON – Governor Greg Abbott held a roundtable and press conference at Crime Stoppers of Houston to highlight Texas’ deadly and broken bail system to ensure dangerous criminals are kept behind bars.
“Activist judges are protecting dangerous criminals instead of the innocent people they victimize,” said Governor Abbott. “Since 2019, in the greater Houston area alone, there are over 200 cases of dangerous criminals being let out on low-cash or no-cash bonds only for them to assault or kill another innocent Texan. This is not a right versus left issue. This is a public safety issue. Too many judges grant repeat offenders two, three, even 16 chances that they do not deserve. State Representatives must fix that by passing a constitutional amendment. Lawmakers must choose: support the safety of citizens they represent, or the criminals who kill them.”
Photo: Office of The Governor
The Governor was joined at the roundtable and press conference by Crime Stoppers of Houston CEO Rania Mankarious and dozens of bail reform advocates, families of victims, and local law enforcement officials.
“Every name shared today represents a life lost and a family forever changed,” said Crime Stoppers of Houston CEO Rania Mankarious. “These tragedies demand action. Bond reform isn’t partisan—it’s about public safety. We’re grateful to Governor Abbott for bringing us together, and Crime Stoppers of Houston remains committed to working with all partners to prioritize safety and accountability.”
Photo: Office of The Governor
During the press conference, Governor Abbott shared a brutal story from Representative Ana Hernandez’s house district where a career criminal with 16 unique mug shots—released on a personal recognizance (PR) bond—murdered his wife in front of her own children. The Governor also mentioned the case of Austin Collette, who pleaded guilty to murder and was awaiting sentencing when Judge Hilary Unger released him on bond. Collette then shot and killed his 21-year-old girlfriend in Representative Jolanda Jones’ district. The Governor pointed to Judge Unger as an example of those contributing to what he described as Texas’ broken and dangerous bail system—one that is endangering the lives of innocent Texans. Governor Abbott called on Texas legislators, including Representative Hernandez, Representative Jones, Representative Alma Allen, and Representative Armando Walle, to support tougher bail policies.
Photo: Office of The Governor
During the roundtable discussion, the Governor heard solemn stories from the families of victims, including:
Rosalie Cook who was stabbed to death by a repeat offender who was arrested 67 times in Harris County and was out on the streets on two felony PR bonds at the time of the murder. Rosalie is survived by her son, Chuck Cook.
Shaniqua Banks who was murdered in front of her three-year-old son by a defendant who was charged with a felony while on parole for a violent offense and given a PR bond at the time of the murder. Shaniqua is survived by her daughter, Lisa Calloway.
Samuel Olson who was murdered with a blunt object by a criminal who was out on a felony PR bond for assault and who hid his body for days. Five-year-old Samuel is survived by his mother, Sarah Olson, and grandmother, Tanya Olson.
Martha Medina who was run over and murdered by a repeat offender with multiple felony convictions and out on a $150,000 bond for capital murder at the time of Martha’s murder. Martha is survived by her mother, Lourdes Medina.
Ramon Ramos who was murdered on Christmas Eve by a defendant out on multiple bonds and had multiple felony warrants in Harris and Fort Bend counties at the time of the murder. Ramon is survived by his sister, Marisol Ramos.
Additionally, the Governor underscored the need to reform Texas’ deadly and broken bail system. He urged the Texas Legislature to support legislation for a constitutional amendment to:
Require judges to automatically deny bail for violent crimes, including murder, rape, and human trafficking, unless there is clear and convincing evidence that the defendant will appear in court and not endanger the community.
Require judges who release violent criminals on easy bail to explain their decisions to the public in writing.
Allow prosecutors to have the right to appeal a judge’s questionable bond decisions.
In his 2025 State of the State Address earlier this year, Governor Abbott declared bail reform as an emergency item this legislative session.
Evidence revealed Castellano had picked up the firearms from a federal firearms licensed dealer with a friend and previously convicted felon. Image for illustration purposes
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U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas
HOUSTON – A federal jury has convicted a 49-year-old Houston man of making a false statement in the purchase of firearms and purchasing firearms knowing they were to be exported to Mexico.
The jury deliberated for less than 20 minutes before finding John Castellano guilty following a three-day trial.
On or about Dec. 16, 2019, Castellano lied to a federal firearms licensed dealer. He falsely claimed he was purchasing two Barretta .50 caliber rifles for himself, each valued at approximately $8,000 each. In reality, they were intended for others and ultimately destined for Mexico.
The jury heard evidence that Castellano purchased the rifles with approximately $17,000 in cash from Jacinto Zuniga.
Evidence revealed Castellano had picked up the firearms from a federal firearms licensed dealer with a friend and previously convicted felon.
The jury also heard he was attempting to obtain additional Barrett .50 caliber rifles before authorities’ interdiction.
Experts provided testimony regarding the regulations and various licensing requirements necessary for exporting firearms to Mexico. The jury also had the opportunity to view the Barrett .50-caliber rifles Castellano had straw purchased.
The defense attempted to convince the jury that the accusations were false and that he was wrongfully accused. Castellano took the stand and told the jury the incriminating text messages between him and the codefendant were lies, and that he was just making up a fictional story.
They did not believe those claims and found Castellano guilty as charged.
U.S. District Judge Ewing Werlein presided over the trial and set sentencing for July 25. At that time, Castellano faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Castellano was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
Zuniga, 44, Houston, previously pleaded guilty for his role in the scheme.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with the assistance of Houston Police Department, Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations and Department of State. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Smith and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill Stotts are prosecuting the case.
Armando Jose Flores Jr. pleaded guilty July 10, 2024, to receipt of child pornography. Image for illustration purposes
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U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas
McALLEN, Texas – A 41-year-old Mercedes resident has been sentenced for downloading child sexual abuse material (CSAM) using a peer-to-peer program.
Armando Jose Flores Jr. pleaded guilty July 10, 2024, to receipt of child pornography.
U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now sentenced Flores to 121 months in federal prison. At the hearing, the court heard additional information including information detailing how Flores downloaded and stored 90 GB of CSAM across five devices. The material included over 4,500 images/videos which contained bondage, bestiality and infants/toddlers. Flores will also serve five years on supervised release following the completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Flores will also be ordered to register as a sex offender. Restitution will be determined at a later date.
On Jan. 9, 2024, law enforcement identified a computer making videos of CSAM available for download through a peer-to-peer file-sharing program. Several videos were downloaded and found to depict prepubescent children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The computer’s IP address was registered to an address belonging to Flores in Mercedes.
In February 2024, authorities executed a federal search warrant at his residence and seized four electronic devices. Each contained CSAM downloaded between approximately May 1, 2022, and Oct. 31, 2022.
Flores admitted to using a peer-to-peer file-sharing program on his computer to download and receive material that contained child pornography at his home. He stated he had been accessing child pornography through peer-to-peer networks for multiple years.
He will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
FBI conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexa D. Parcell is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.
STISD represents as the only ‘A’ district in the Rio Grande Valley and one of only two in Region One. Image for illustration purposes
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MERCEDES, Texas – After a two-year delay, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) has released the 2023 A-F accountability ratings for school systems and campuses throughout the state.
South Texas Independent School District (STISD) is the only district in the Rio Grande Valley to receive an A rating overall, and one of only two districts in the Region One area, sharing the honor with United ISD in Laredo.
The district received A ratings in all areas evaluated, with an overall scaled score of 94, and the Postsecondary Readiness Distinction Designation, the only one available at the district level. STISD has received this designation every year since it became available, a total of eight times.
Six of the district’s seven middle and high school campuses also earned A ratings overall, including: South Texas ISD Health Professions in Mercedes (Health Professions), South Texas ISD Medical Professions in Olmito (Medical Professions), South Texas ISD Preparatory Academy in Edinburg (Preparatory Academy), South Texas ISD Rising Scholars Academy in San Benito (Rising Scholars), South Texas ISD Science Academy in Mercedes (Science Academy), and South Texas ISD World Scholars in Edinburg (World Scholars). The district’s newest campus, South Texas ISD Virtual Academy (Virtual Academy), earned a B rating.
In addition to receiving A ratings, five of the STISD campuses also received all distinction designations for which they were eligible, including Health Professions, Preparatory Academy, Rising Scholars, Science Academy, and World Scholars.
According to TEA, the entity is prevented from sharing more recent school ratings from the 2023-24 school year due to a separate, ongoing lawsuit. School performance ratings from the 2024-25 school year are scheduled to be issued in August 2025.
STISD is comprised of four magnet high schools – South Texas ISD Health Professions in Mercedes, South Texas ISD Medical Professions in Olmito, South Texas ISD Science Academy in Mercedes, and South Texas ISD World Scholars in Edinburg – as well as two middle schools – South Texas ISD Preparatory Academy in Edinburg and South Texas ISD Rising Scholars Academy in San Benito, and one stand-alone virtual campus, South Texas ISD Virtual Academy, which serves students in grades 6-
12. All campuses are tuition-free and serve students from Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy Counties. For more information, call 1-800-21STUDY or visit www.stisd.net.
Angel Valdez, a 19-year-old Corpus Christi resident, was convicted April 28 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas of distributing child sexual abuse materials following a multi-national investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Corpus Christi Police Department, and law enforcement authorities in Australia. Image for illustration purposes
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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Angel Valdez, a 19-year-old Corpus Christi resident, was convicted April 28 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas of distributing child sexual abuse materials following a multi-national investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Corpus Christi Police Department, and law enforcement authorities in Australia.
Valdez came to the attention of authorities in December 2023 after he posted a comment to social media supporting the work of an individual who had recently been sentenced to prison in Australia for animal cruelty.
Australian authorities launched an investigation and began conversations with Valdez in an undercover capacity. During those communications, Valdez spoke about his interest in animal cruelty and his interest in child sexual abuse materials. On Feb. 14, 2024, Valdez sent a video of child sexual abuse materials depicting a prepubescent girl being forced to perform sex acts on an adult female.
Authorities executed a search warrant at Valdez’ residence in Corpus Christi June 28, 2024, and discovered a laptop containing child sexual abuse materials. Following the discovery, Valdez admitted that he had participated in the online conversations and distributed the video containing a minor being sexually abused.
“As a direct result of multi-national cooperation between Homeland Security Investigations special agents, officers from the Corpus Christi Police Department and our law enforcement partners in Australia, we have successfully removed a dangerous predator from the local community who preyed on two of our most innocent and vulnerable populations – children and animals,” said ICE HSI Houston Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz. “Vile criminals like this individual will find no refuge, as law enforcement agencies across the globe stand united in their commitment to pursue justice relentlessly and remove dangerous threats from our society.”
Valdez is scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 12. At that time, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Overman is prosecuting the case.
For more news and information on ICE’s efforts to investigate child exploitation in Southeast Texas follow us on X @HSIHouston.
Within the enclosed space of an aircraft, personal space is often limited, creating an environment that can make it easier for criminals to sexually assault fellow passengers. Image for illustration purposes
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Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Within the enclosed space of an aircraft, personal space is often limited, creating an environment that can make it easier for criminals to sexually assault fellow passengers.
Sexual assault aboard aircraft—which usually takes the form of unwanted touching—is a federal crime that can land offenders in prison.
In 2024, the FBI investigated 104 sexual assault aboard aircraft cases. The number of incidents, however, could be higher, as additional incidents may have gone unreported.
Learning more about this type of crime and what to do if you are assaulted or witness an assault can help bring justice to victims—and prevent future cases of abuse.
The Q&A below includes insight from subject matter experts FBI Special Agent Greg Tarbert and Federal Air Marshal and FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force Officer David DArcangelis. Tarbert and DArcangelis are both airport liaisons working with FBI Tampa to enforce federal laws at Orlando International Airport.
Courtesy image
Q&A
Q: What is the FBI’s jurisdiction in investigating crimes on aircraft? A: The special aircraft jurisdiction of the federal government covers any aircraft—from commercial to military—that is in flight and will land in the U.S. or its next destination will be in the U.S.
Tarbert explained, “We investigate crimes that violate Title 49 or Title 18 while in the air. When the aircraft doors have been closed, that’s when the special aircraft jurisdiction starts. And when the aircraft arrives at its destination and the doors open, that’s the end of our jurisdiction. This applies to domestic as well as international airlines—as long as the aircraft is going to be landing somewhere in the U.S., then we have authority when it lands.”
The FBI has airport liaison agents (ALA) assigned to the nearly 450 U.S. aviation facilities that have passenger screening operations regulated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). In larger airports, multi-agency task forces, like the Joint Terrorism Task Force, are on location to further assist in investigating criminal matters, such as sexual assault, as well as national security matters, such as terrorism and espionage.
Q: What is the role of U.S. air marshals? A: Air marshals’ primary focus is security when the aircraft is in-flight or when the door is closed, per special aircraft jurisdiction. Once the aircraft touches ground, air marshals closely coordinate with the FBI and other law enforcement who are waiting when the aircraft door opens.
Q: What are common factors across sexual assault aboard aircraft cases? A: Sexual assaults typically occur on long commercial flights, and offenders tend to be male, seated directly next to the victim, and under the influence of alcohol or drugs. They may try to conceal their activities, for instance, by using a blanket to cover the victim or taking advantage of a darkened cabin.
Victims are typically solo female passengers or unaccompanied minors, although flight crew members can also become the targets of sexual predatory behavior. Usually, victims are sitting in a middle or window seat when they are attacked. “It’s kind of a closed-off area where a potential assaulter or attacker can target victims with fewer witnesses,” said DArcangelis.
Report incidents and tips
If you’ve been the victim of one of these crimes or have witnessed one take place, report it to your flight crew. You can also contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or tips.fbi.gov.
A flight can give an appearance of being safe and secure and almost even an intimate setting that affords an attacker a sense of power or a sense of closeness that is not actually there. But these are all strangers.
FBI Special Agent Greg Tarbert
Q: What should you do if you’re being attacked? A: If someone is attacking you on the flight, Tarbert explains that the first thing you should do “is to make noise, make a ruckus, and tell the person to stop—and then notify the flight crew as quickly as possible to hopefully get reassigned to a new seat and to explain what happened so the flight crew can notify law enforcement on the ground to meet the aircraft when it lands.”
Offenders may take advantage of the fact that some victims might not report an incident because they are embarrassed, don’t want to cause a scene, or try to convince themselves the assault was accidental.
“If you need a reason to get out of your seat and find a flight attendant, you can use the excuse of going to the restroom to get up and talk to them. Or you can hit the flight attendant call button and when they come over you could say something like, ‘Hey, can I come back and get a water’ or ‘I would like to get another snack, and I’ll pay for it,'” said Tarbert.
Q: What should you do if you witness an attack? A: Notify the flight crew as soon as possible.
Q: Why is it important to promptly notify the flight crew if you’ve been attacked or witness an attack? A: Timely notification to law enforcement is key—crime aboard aircraft is more difficult to investigate once days, or even hours, have passed following the incident since witnesses depart and recollections fade. The more advance notice the flight crew has, the more information they can provide to law enforcement to assist upon landing.
“The ultimate authority on a flight is the flight crew and captain,” said Tarbert. “Their job is maintaining the safety and security of the flight until the aircraft lands. They’re the ones who are going to coordinate a response with law enforcement.”
The flight crew can share information such as passenger flight manifests and seat numbers, incident timelines, and timezones in which the incident occurred, all of which can assist in the investigation.
With timely notification, FBI agents and other law enforcement can also be on scene when the plane lands to conduct interviews, take subjects into custody, and offer victim services.
This is important because gathering all parties relevant to an investigation can be challenging. “For many passengers, when they land, they’re just focused on getting to their destination and often don’t stick around at the gate,” said DArcangelis. Flight crew members also face time constraints to avoid delaying their next flight.
Trends: Sexual assault on aircraft
20% of incidents involved a minor victim.
38% of incidents resulted in a federal charge or conviction.
67% of incidents involved alcohol or drugs.
Incidents typically occur on long-haul commercial flights, although they may happen on shorter flights as well.
Offendersare typically male, seated directly next to the victim, and often under the influence of alcohol or drugs. An offender may try to conceal their activities by using a blanket to cover the victim or taking advantage of a darkened cabin.
Victims are typically a female traveling alone or an unaccompanied minor, although flight crew can also become the targets of sexual predatory behavior. The victim is typically sitting in the middle or window seat.
Q: How can you protect yourself while aboard an aircraft? A: Always be aware of your surroundings and the people sitting around you while you’re on a plane.
“A flight can give an appearance of being safe and secure and almost even an intimate setting that affords an attacker a sense of power or a sense of closeness that is not actually there. But these are all strangers,” said Tarbert.
“There’s very little expectation of privacy on a plane, but you can still work on maintaining your personal space,” he continued. “The person next to you might be trying to test how you respond to them. They might brush your leg, they might brush your shoulder, they might brush other parts of you just to see how you respond.
“It’s important to maintain a low threshold of what you might find creepy. If you find something to be creepy, then you should tell the flight attendant and look for a new seat because you’re in too close of a space.”
Additional tips:
Be mindful of seating arrangements when traveling alone.
Make sure that your armrest is down to help maintain some personal space.
Be aware that many assaults happen during red-eye flights when the lights are dim and passengers may be asleep.
If possible, avoid prescription sleep pills that could make you less aware of what’s going on.
Limit your alcohol intake. Drinking on board planes intensifies the effects of alcohol due to the lower oxygen levels in the cabin.
When traveling with children, whether a single family or a large sports team, work with the airlines, gate agents, or flight attendants to try to seat everyone together.
If your child will be flying as an unaccompanied minor, work with the airline to try to reserve an aisle seat for the child and ensure the flight attendants offer additional care and attention.
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). 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 990 defendants with criminal violations of U.S. immigration laws.
The Southern District of Texas filed 237 cases in immigration and security-related matters. As part of those cases, 124 face allegations of illegally reentering the country with the majority having felony convictions such as narcotics, firearms or sexual offenses, prior immigration crimes and more. A total of 106 people face charges of illegally entering the country, five cases involve various instances of human smuggling with the remainder relating to assault of an officer or other immigration-related crimes. As part of the cases filed this week, Carlos Verduco-Muniz faces charges of assault on a federal officer. He allegedly punched a Texas Military Department Specialist in the face during a pursuit to apprehend him near Rio Grande City. The charges allege he is a citizen and national of Mexico who was illegally present in the United States at the time of the assault.
The Western District of Texas filed 344 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases. Among the new cases, Henry Cruz-Lemas, an illegal alien and a Honduran national previously convicted of aggravated kidnapping in September 2011 and sentenced to five years in prison. Cruz-Lemas was arrested on April 18 during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE ERO) investigation in San Antonio. He is charged with one count of illegal reentry of an alien. Jose Angel Escarcega-Briones, an illegal alien from Mexico, was found approximately four miles west of the Tornillo Port of Entry. Border Patrol Agents determined that he did not have immigration documents allowing him to be in the United States legally and that he has previously been removed from the United States five times. He has three prior convictions for illegal reentry as well as a federal drug trafficking conviction.
The District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 232 defendants. Specifically, the United States filed 110 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 110 aliens for illegally entering the United States. In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States filed nine cases against 11 individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona. The United States also charged one individual with failing to register, as required by law.
The Southern District of California filed 134 border-related cases this week, including charges of transportation of illegal aliens, bringing in aliens for financial gain, reentering the U.S. after deportation, deported alien found in the United States, and importation of controlled substances.
The Central District of California filed criminal charges against 32 defendants who allegedly illegally re-entered the United States after being removed. Many of the defendants charged were previously convicted of felonies before they were removed from the United States, offenses that include committing lewd and lascivious acts on a child under the age of 14 years. The crime of being found in the United States following removal carries a base penalty of up to two years in federal prison. Defendants who were removed after being convicted of a felony face a maximum 10-year penalty and defendants removed after being convicted of an aggravated felony face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
The District of New Mexico announced its immigration enforcement statistics for this week. 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. In the one-week period ending April 25, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office brought the following criminal charges in New Mexico: 67 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326), 10 individuals were charged this week with Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324), and 55 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325).
We are grateful for the hard work of our border prosecutors in bringing these cases and helping to make our border safe again.
Congresswoman De La Cruz comments on the recent victory on securing Texas Water. Courtesy image
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WASHINGTON, DC – On President Trump’s 100th day in office, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) held a press conference with local officials, including Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez, and South Texas agriculture leaders, including Dale Murden. De La Cruz praised the Trump Administration’s announcement to ensure the Mexican Government makes water deliveries and shared her continued work to ensure Mexico delivers water to South Texas.
De La Cruz holds press conference to celebrate major steps toward securing the water Texas agriculture is owed by the Mexican Government with Texas farmers (from Left to Right Tommy Jendrusch of Jendrusch Farms, Mike Davis of Tex Mex Sales, Russon Holbrook of South Tex Organics, Sam Ruiz of Mid Valley Agriculture, Tommy Hanka of Tommy Hanka Farms, Dennis Holbrook of South Tex Organics, Jud Flowers of Lone Star Citrus Growers, Bret Erickson of Little Bear Produce, Dante Galeazzi of Texas International Produce Association). Courtesy image
De La Cruz’s remarks as prepared are below.
“This announcement is a victory for our community, our farmers, and our families.
I am deeply grateful to our local business leaders, our city officials, and to President Trump and his administration for working with me on such a vital issue for South Texas families.
For more than 80 years, long before I arrived in Congress, this community faced a crisis of water.
That’s why one of the first resolutions I passed in the House strongly supported diplomatic pressure to ensure the Mexican government fulfills its water obligations every single year.
And before President Trump even took office, I sent a letter, with many members of the Texas delegation, urging him to hold the Mexican government accountable.
When I met with the President in the Oval Office in February, he was shocked to hear what South Texas families have endured for decades and he assured me that he would act swiftly.
Last month, I proudly stood with Secretary Rollins to announce $280 million in critical relief, funding I helped secure through the American Relief Act, that will be deployed directly to Texas farmers.
After years of being told nothing could be done, we are standing strong and delivering for our community.
And today, I am proud to announce: the Mexican government has agreed to deliver up to 420,000 acre-feet of water between now and October.
This is a major step forward, but it’s not just about agriculture.
This fight affects every South Texas family because every one of us needs water.
Texas is one of America’s largest agricultural producers. If we lose Texas fruit and vegetable crops, the consequences would be devastating – not just for South Texas, but for families across the entire country. I will never let that happen. I will continue fighting every day to protect our farmers, our families, and our future.
It is the honor of my life to serve as the Valley’s voice in Congress. This is where I was born. It’s where I grew up. And it’s where we are raising our families.
My team and I will always listen to you, and we will always fight hard to solve our problems. This is just the beginning.
The best is yet to come. God bless!”
Information Source: Office of Congresswoman De La Cruz
The World Trade Organization (WTO) recently updated its global trade forecast. The new outlook indicates that, rather than expanding by about 3% in 2025 as thought until recently, global trade is now likely to drop. Image for illustration purposes
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Dr. M. Ray Perryman, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group. Courtesy Image
We’re beginning to see the fallout from the increase in tariffs across the spectrum. Although there was a recent bump in imports as firms rushed to fill warehouses in advance of the levies, projections are indicating that trade volumes will fall this year. Lower trade is, in turn, contributing to projections for slower economic growth and higher prices than would occur otherwise. The decline in US Gross Domestic Product in the first quarter is a stark reminder of the consequences of trade disruptions.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) recently updated its global trade forecast. The new outlook indicates that, rather than expanding by about 3% in 2025 as thought until recently, global trade is now likely to drop. The big loser is North America, which is expected to be down by 1.7 percentage points.
Even with this sharply less favorable forecast, the WTO highlights notable risks that could make things worse. If tariffs persist and even ratchet up as countries reciprocate, trade could further deteriorate. Uncertainty related to trade policy is an additional concern. In fact, recent dramatic drops in cargo at US ports suggest that, unless progress is made in ending the impasse, we are rapidly approaching empty shelves and critical shortages.
Trade is an essential element of economic growth. Virtually all major empires of history were anchored by trade, and we figured out the math over 200 years ago. Exports support production processes, and access to global markets greatly enhances expansion prospects. Trillions of dollars per year in US exports benefit companies across the nation, and the dampening effect of tariffs will adversely affect domestic manufacturing. Imports of finished goods support a variety of industries ranging from logistics to retail (not to mention improving consumer choice and pricing). Moreover, they also provide key inputs to US producers, and the effects will work their way through the supply chain. When we all specialize and trade, everybody wins.
It’s no surprise that the International Monetary Fund’s most recent World Economic Outlook also calls for slowing. Forecasts have been revised downward compared to January’s projections, with tariffs and “a highly unpredictable environment” being major reasons for the change. Global growth is expected to be 2.8% in 2025 and 3.0% in 2026, down from the 3.3% for each year that had been previously projected. Intensifying downside risks are also mentioned due to the escalating trade war.
Closer to home, a recent survey of manufacturers by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas revealed the most pessimistic overall outlook since the pandemic. Texas is the epicenter of US trade and a production behemoth. The state is highly vulnerable to trade policy.
In short, this stuff matters and needs to be resolved. Stay safe!
__________________________
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.
Law enforcement has taken Alejandro Hernandez into custody in Midland. Image for illustration purposes
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U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas
LAREDO, Texas – A Laredo grand jury has indicted a 31-year-old Houston man for his role in trafficking boots made of sea turtle skin.
Law enforcement has taken Alejandro Hernandez into custody in Midland. He is making his initial appearance there before U.S. Magistrate Judge Roland Griffin.
The five-count indictment alleges Hernandez smuggled and conspired to smuggle boots into the United States, illegally sold the boots and sent them through the mail.
Hernandez allegedly operated an online store where he advertised selling custom boots made from any animal skin. He claimed the boots were genuine handmade items from Guanajuato, Mexico, according to the charges.
In October 2024, Hernandez allegedly caused sea turtle skin boots to be imported from Mexico and sent them to a customer in Houston.
If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Fish and Wildlife Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan L. Oliver is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
