“This apprehension of a wanted person by our CBP officers is a testament to their commitment to keep our communities safe,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Brownsville Port of Entry detained a fugitive at the Gateway International Bridge who had an outstanding warrant for failure to appear stemming from an original felony charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
“This apprehension of a wanted person by our CBP officers is a testament to their commitment to keep our communities safe,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry.
On Friday, April 25, CBP officers at the Gateway International Bridge referred pedestrian Yasser Ismail Abu Awwad Martínez, 23, a Mexican citizen, for secondary inspection. During the secondary examination, CBP officers–utilizing biometric verification and federal law enforcement databases–verified his identity and confirmed he was the subject of an outstanding felony warrant for failure to appear issued by the Cameron County Sheriff’s Office in Olmito, Texas. Further records queries indicated Abu Awwad Martínez was arrested on Dec. 31, 2023, by the San Benito Police Department and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
CBP officers turned Abu Awwad Martínez over to the custody of Cameron County Sheriff’s Office.
The National Crime Information Center is a centralized automated database designed to share information among law enforcement agencies including outstanding warrants for a wide range of offenses. Based on information from NCIC, CBP officers have made previous arrests of individuals wanted for homicide, escape, money laundering, robbery, narcotics distribution, sexual child abuse, fraud, larceny, and military desertion. Criminal charges are merely allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
South Texas College is celebrating its first graduating cohort of Valley Promise scholars this spring, and most recently, hosted a stole ceremony to honor this historic achievement. STC image
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By Amanda Sotelo
South Texas College is celebrating its first graduating cohort of Valley Promise scholars this spring, and most recently, hosted a stole ceremony to honor this historic achievement.
The Valley Promise Program, powered by STC, was introduced one year ago as a last-dollar initiative to cover a student’s remaining tuition after all financial aid and scholarships are applied, which ultimately leads to a free education.
For Kenya Alvarez, one of 45 Valley Promise scholars graduating next month and honored with a stole to wear proudly as she graduates, the Valley Promise Program meant that she could continue her education and pursue her goal of becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
“We’re not a wealthy family. We live paycheck-to-paycheck and paying for a higher education is out of our means,” said the 19-year-old Mission native. “But the Valley Promise Program changed that. This meant that we didn’t have to stress financially over how we were going to pay for college, and that has made all the difference.”
In May, Alvarez will earn her associate degree in Business Administration and she credits that to Valley Promise.
“I really am thankful for everything STC has done for me and other students,” she added. “We’ve been given a chance to make our dreams a reality.”
In a ceremony that is expected to become a new tradition for the Valley Promise Program, STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D., congratulated Alvarez and her peers for their achievements.
“This is a significant event and is a testament to your present and future achievements,” he said. “Our students are our No. 1 priority and we’re grateful that we can provide this unique opportunity to support our students and their dreams. The Valley Promise Program will continue to grow, and our goal, within the next five years, is that every student will have access to a free higher education here at South Texas College.”
That message resonated with Electrician Technology student Hector Garcia Jr., 19, who is also graduating this May and is proud to be a Valley Promise scholar.
I first heard about the Valley Promise Program on a campus tour, and I immediately knew it was a program of hope for students like me,” said Garcia. “I’m excited to be distinguished with a stole. I’m excited I get to wear it, and I hope other students see it and get excited about the program too. I am Valley Promise.”
STC Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Matt Hebbard, Ed.D., said it was only last year that the Valley Promise Program was a vision among the STC administration and Board of Trustees to help students transition from high school to college and to break down financial barriers.
To date, the Valley Promise Program has served nearly 600 students.
“To be celebrating our first graduating cohort is monumental,” said Hebbard. “Our students have done the hard work to get where they are, we’ve simply given them the resources they need. Promise programs are growing nationwide, there are more than 400 programs that promote free college and we’re doing that right here at STC. Now we’re transforming lives and communities because we believe in our students and their families. We’re going to the next level.”
For more information on the Valley Promise Program or to submit your pledge as a Valley Promise scholar before the June 1 deadline, visit valleypromise.org.
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz formally requested federal disaster funding for four South Texas counties impacted by severe storms and flooding in March 2025. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz formally requested federal disaster funding for four South Texas counties impacted by severe storms and flooding in March 2025. In a letter addressed to President Donald J. Trump on April 28, 2025, Cruz emphasized the urgent need for federal assistance to support recovery efforts in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy counties.
Senator Cruz shared the letter publicly through a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, stating, “Yesterday, I sent a letter to the White House requesting disaster funding for flooding in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy counties. This is crucial to ensure a full recovery.”
In his letter, Cruz noted that the State of Texas, led by Governor Greg Abbott, had formally requested a major disaster declaration. Governor Abbott had previously declared a state of disaster for the affected counties due to the extensive damage caused by the storms. Cruz highlighted that the severe weather impacted critical infrastructure and posed an ongoing threat to public health and safety.
According to Cruz, state and local agencies mobilized extensively following the storms, conducting water rescues, search missions, and infrastructure assessments. Despite these efforts, he stated that the magnitude of the disaster had overwhelmed local and state resources, necessitating federal support.
Cruz urged President Trump to expedite the review of the state’s disaster request and to authorize the deployment of federal resources to the region. He also pledged assistance to federal agencies, including FEMA and the SBA, to facilitate a swift evaluation and response.
The letter reflects ongoing recovery efforts in South Texas and the coordination between local, state, and federal officials to address the aftermath of the March flooding.
Omar Quintanilla, Rolando ‘Rollie’ Rios, Tim Wilkins, and Tony Aguirre. Photo by Roberto Hugo González
Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
The McAllen Citizens League (MCL) held its third membership meeting of April 2025 with a public candidate forum for the City Commission elections for Districts 1 and 3. The event took place at the Rio Bank event venue located at 701 E. Expressway 83 in McAllen.
The meeting began with remarks by MCL President Judith Flores Saldivar, who welcomed attendees and introduced the program. In lieu of an invocation, Saldivar led a moment of silence in memory of Joe Vera, McAllen’s Assistant City Manager, who passed away the day before. Vera was recognized for decades of public service and for his leadership in organizing events like the McAllen Holiday Parade.
McAllen City Commission candidates for District 1 and District 3 — incumbent Tony Aguirre, challenger Tim Wilkins, incumbent Omar Quintanilla, and challenger Rolando ‘Rollie’ Rios — presented their visions for the city’s future during the McAllen Citizens League forum on April 17, 2025. Photo by Roberto Hugo González
Saldivar acknowledged the work of MCL officers and board members in organizing the event and introduced several dignitaries in attendance, including City Commissioners Tony Aguirre, Omar Quintanilla, Seby Haddad, former McAllen Mayor Jim Darling, and former McAllen ISD Trustee Sam Saldivar. The program was then handed over to Judge Ernie Aliseda, who introduced the forum moderator, attorney Dan Worthington.
Worthington opened by emphasizing the importance of local elections and outlined the rules for the forum. Each candidate was given 90 seconds for opening remarks, followed by alternating first-responder order to questions, with a focus on city budget priorities, growth management, traffic concerns, and drainage issues.
Antonio “Tony” Aguirre (incumbent) and challenger Timothy “Tim” Wilkins were candidates for District 1. Aguirre, who previously served 27 years on the McAllen Public Utilities Board and held roles on the City’s Audit Committee and various community boards, stressed his priorities of public safety, economic growth, parks, healthcare access, and arts support. Wilkins, a business owner with two decades of real estate management experience, emphasized smarter growth, better traffic flow, transparency, and accountability.
J. Omar Quintanilla (incumbent) and challenger Rolando “Rollie” Rios were candidates for District 3. Quintanilla, a Senior Vice President at Frost Bank and civic volunteer, focused on drainage improvements, neighborhood safety, and support for small business growth. Rios, a former La Joya ISD administrator with 33 years in education and now a real estate agent, highlighted priorities including student success, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement.
During opening statements, Aguirre emphasized the commitment and courage required to serve on the City Commission and spoke of the need for thorough research and collaboration on city matters. Wilkins advocated for positive pressure in leadership and invited voters to review his campaign platform online. Quintanilla detailed his years of service, listing improvements made to drainage, parks, and mobility in District 3. Rios cited his background in education leadership and emphasized a need for an educator’s perspective on the Commission.
The first round of questions addressed budget priorities in an ideal versus real-world context. Aguirre emphasized maintaining a healthy fund balance and fostering continued commercial and industrial growth to sustain the tax base. Wilkins pointed to deficiencies in city facilities and suggested public-private partnerships to revitalize areas, starting with McAllen High School. Quintanilla prioritized drainage, athletic fields, and animal services, while Rios linked economic growth to educational infrastructure, emphasizing the need to retain local talent with better job opportunities.
Candidates discussed the city’s growth trajectory, agreeing that expansion is primarily northward but also occurring industrially along Military Highway to the south. Wilkins warned against unchecked expansion without matching public services. Quintanilla cited increased commercial activity in District 3. Rios highlighted the need for equitable attention to older neighborhoods. Aguirre emphasized a structured approach to growth across all sectors — industrial, residential, and commercial.
Traffic management was another major topic. Wilkins noted strong north-south traffic corridors but weaknesses in east-west flow, advocating better signal timing during peak hours. Quintanilla acknowledged congestion challenges, especially during holiday seasons, and highlighted investments in traffic light optimization. Rios described McAllen’s road system as outdated for a growing city and called for greater planning and collaboration to improve traffic flow. Aguirre described ongoing efforts and a traffic study delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing that work on traffic issues is continuous.
Regarding drainage, candidates responded to the severe rainstorm that struck McAllen weeks prior. Rios emphasized the need for regular evaluation and maintenance of drainage infrastructure. Aguirre described recent and ongoing projects, including a major retention area in the south industrial zone. Wilkins praised the city’s existing drainage performance during the storm but advocated for future-oriented stormwater detention and retention strategies. Quintanilla outlined drainage improvements completed in District 3 since 2018 and called for continued attention to drainage needs as the city expands.
In closing remarks, Aguirre reflected on his family’s deep ties to McAllen and encouraged continued citywide momentum. Wilkins urged voters to seek accessible, service-oriented leadership and called for new energy on the Commission. Quintanilla cited improvements achieved during his tenure and reaffirmed his commitment to fiscal responsibility and quality of life projects. Rios stated his intention to represent overlooked areas of District 3, promising a focus on service, community listening, and results.
The McAllen Citizens League organized the forum to provide residents with information to help them make informed decisions in the ongoing municipal elections.
Jeremiah Yzaguirre, 46, and his wife, Maria Luisa Yzaguirre, 45, both of Harlingen, operated a business called Southwest Medical Homepatient. The business was enrolled in the Medicare program as a provider of DME and services. It claimed to provide parts and repairs for power wheelchairs among other services. Image for illustration purposes
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U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The operators of a durable medical equipment (DME) company have pleaded guilty to defrauding Medicare, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Jeremiah Yzaguirre, 46, and his wife, Maria Luisa Yzaguirre, 45, both of Harlingen, operated a business called Southwest Medical Homepatient. The business was enrolled in the Medicare program as a provider of DME and services. It claimed to provide parts and repairs for power wheelchairs among other services.
As part of their pleas, the couple admitted they received millions of dollars for parts and repairs that were never performed or provided. They both acknowledged billing Medicare approximately $736,072 for parts and repairs for one specific beneficiary, falsely claiming to have replaced expensive parts hundreds of times.
They also admitted to using the proceeds from the fraud to purchase cryptocurrency, a vehicle, electronics, miscellaneous collectibles and purses.
Medicare was billed approximately $14 million for power wheelchairs, parts and repairs for just 37 Medicare beneficiaries between 2019 and 2023 as a result of their scheme.
“Medicare fraud is ultimately fraud against the taxpayer,” said Ganjei. “The Southern District of Texas will aggressively prosecute those who steal from their fellow citizens by defrauding public services.”
U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. will impose sentencing Aug. 4. At that time, the Yzaguirres face up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Both were permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.
The FBI, Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General (OIG), Texas Health and Human Services – OIG, Texas Attorney General – Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and Texas Department of Insurance conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Swartz and Ana Cano are prosecuting the case.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Houston arrested David Gonzalez-Gallegos, a 40-year-old criminal alien from Mexico, April 25, following his release from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Huntsville Unit state correctional facility. Gonzalez has illegally entered the U.S. at least three times and been convicted of arson, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and driving under the influence. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
HOUSTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Houston arrested David Gonzalez-Gallegos, a 40-year-old criminal alien from Mexico, April 25, following his release from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Huntsville Unit state correctional facility. Gonzalez has illegally entered the U.S. at least three times and been convicted of arson, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and driving under the influence.
“For far too long, dangerous criminal aliens like Mr. Gonzalez have been permitted to trample on our nation’s immigration laws and then go on to prey on innocent law-abiding Americans,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operation Houston Field Office Director Bret Bradford. “Thanks to the current administration’s focus on restoring integrity to our immigration system and the unbelievable support that we’ve received from our law enforcement partners, we have been able to quickly identify and remove violent illegal aliens like him from the country and enhance public safety in our local communities.”
Gonzalez illegally entered the U.S. on an unknown date and at an unknown location. He was encountered by the U.S. Border Patrol May 29, 2006, near El Paso, Texas, and returned to Mexico that same day. Gonzalez illegally reentered the U.S. on an unknown date and at an unknown location and wasn’t encountered again by U.S. immigration officials until Nov. 17, 2013, when he was arrested for arson with intent to damage a habitation or place of worship. Following Gonzalez’ conviction and sentence for arson, he was transferred into ICE custody and removed to Mexico July 20, 2015.
Gonzalez illegally entered the U.S. for a third time on an unknown date and at an unknown location and was convicted of DUI in Mississippi June 15, 2021. He was encountered by ICE officers April 29, 2022, at the Dallas County Jail following his arrest for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. On May 25, 2023, he was convicted of aggravated assault and sentenced to 3 years in prison at the Huntsville Unit. TDCJ transferred Gonzalez into ICE custody April 25, and he was taken to the Montgomery Processing Center in Conroe, Texas, where he remains pending his removal from the U.S.
“Our nation is witnessing a national revival thanks to President Trump’s fearless commitment to keeping his promises and delivering results for the American people.” – AG Ken Paxton. Images: Public Domain. Bgd for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton issued the following statement on President Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office.
“In his first 100 days, President Donald Trump has set the new standard for bold, effective leadership. He has secured our borders, reestablished our economic sovereignty, bolstered national security, restored the rule of law, reignited the American spirit, and written the first chapter in our new golden age,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Our nation is witnessing a national revival thanks to President Trump’s fearless commitment to keeping his promises and delivering results for the American people. I am proud to stand with President Trump and fight alongside him every day to continue making America great.”
The eight-student team is the first IDEA Robotics team to advance and compete at Worlds Competition. Image courtesy of IDEA Public Schools
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San Benito, Texas (April 29, 2025) – IDEA San Benito College Preparatory is excited to cheer on its Robotics Club team at the VEX V5 Robotics World Championship, set to take place May 6th through 8th at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas. This is the first time the eight-student team from IDEA will compete on this world-class scale.
Image courtesy of IDEA Public Schools
The team secured their qualification through a series of regional competitions, demonstrating exceptional skills in design, engineering and teamwork. The team will compete against more than 800 high school teams from around the world to test their robotic creations and strategic thinking. The competition will feature a variety of events, including the skills challenge and remote judging interviews, allowing teams to showcase their engineering notebooks and design process.
“We are honored for our team to represent IDEA Public Schools on the international stage,” said Basilio Pesina at IDEA San Benito College Preparatory. “Our students have worked so hard for this moment, and we are very excited they will get to showcase their talents.”
Image courtesy of IDEA Public Schools
The VEX Robotics World Championship is an annual event organized by the Robotics Education and Competition (REC) Foundation. It brings together thousands of students, mentors and volunteers to celebrate innovation and excellence in STEM education.
For more information on IDEA Public Schools in the Rio Grande Valley please visit ideapublicschools.org.
Carlos Gonzalez-Vargas pleaded guilty Feb. 7 to discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas
HOUSTON – A 21-year-old Honduran man illegally residing in Houston has been sentenced for his role in the armed robbery of a local Family Dollar store.
Carlos Gonzalez-Vargas pleaded guilty Feb. 7 to discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal has now ordered Gonzalez-Vargas to serve 150 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. At the hearing, the court heard he was affiliated with a gang, posted Instagram selfies with the firearm and fired the weapon at a 13-year-old child one month after the robbery. In handing down the sentence, the court noted that the mandatory minimum sentence does not adequately address the seriousness of his conduct.
On Jan. 16, 2023, Gonzalez-Vargas entered the discount store along with three others, brandished a firearm and demanded cash from the register. When the employee did not act fast enough, Gonzalez-Vargas shot her in the leg. They stole cash from the register and fled on foot. Surveillance captured Gonzalez-Vargas wearing a distinctive pair of sneakers.
Approximately one month later, Gonzalez-Vargas fired the same weapon used in the robbery during a street fight with a 13-year-old minor. Law enforcement took him into custody, at which time he was wearing the same distinctive sneakers seen in the robbery footage.
He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Houston Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart Tallichet prosecuted the case.
This case was made possible by investigative leads generated from ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballisticinformation-network-nibin.
“Mexico’s failures to uphold its water obligations have been devastating to Texas farmers and cities. I have been fighting for years to secure those deliveries, including by advancing sanctions legislation in the United States Senate and by emphasizing to both American and Mexican officials that the U.S.-Mexico relationship cannot proceed productively unless Mexico meets its obligations.” – Senator Ted Cruz
Texas Border Business
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) issued a statement following the Trump administration’s announcement of a deal with Mexico to secure shipments of water Mexico owes to the United States under the 1944 Water Treaty.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates that under the Trump administration and the Republican Congress, the United States will insist that other nations meet their obligations to Americans. It will provide critical relief to Texans and establish a basis for the further necessary work that must be done to assure Texas farmers of reliable and predictable water supplies.
“Today’s achievement could not have been accomplished without President Trump’s public stance on holding Mexico accountable, or without the tireless work of Deputy Secretary Landau, Secretary Rollins, Senator Cornyn, Congresswoman De La Cruz, and former IBWC Commissioner Giner.”
BACKGROUND
Under the 1944 Water Treaty, Mexico is obligated to deliver 350,000 acre-feet of water per years averaged over a five-year cycle. But, Mexico has not made reliable annual deliveries, leading to a devastating shortfall including in Texas and across the Southwest.
Sen. Cruz has led the push to ensure that Mexico delivers water to Texas that it is obligated to provide under the 1944 Water Treaty:
Sen. Cruz led the effort in the U.S. Senate to secure a $280 million block grant, with the help of USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins. This block grant is critical in supporting the Texas producers in the Rio Grande Valley suffering from Mexico’s failure to meeting its obligations.
Sen. Cruz championed a provision providing support for South Texas agricultural producers suffering from Mexico’s failure to meet its obligations under the 1944 Treaty on Utilization of Waters of the Colorado, Tijuana, and Rio Grande Rivers.
Sens. Cruz and John Cornyn filed an amendment creating new framework to ensure Mexican complains with Water Treaty obligations.
