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Dept. of Education Finds University of Pennsylvania Violated Title IX 

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Dept. of Education Finds University of Pennsylvania Violated Title IX 
The U.S. Department of Education’s (ED) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced its finding that the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) violated Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Image: PunxsutawneyPhilPennsylvania, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
The U.S. Department of Education’s (ED) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced its finding that the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) violated Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Image: PunxsutawneyPhilPennsylvania, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

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The U.S. Department of Education’s (ED) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced its finding that the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) violated Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. OCR notified UPenn President J. Larry Jameson that the University’s policies and practices violated Title IX by denying women equal opportunities by permitting males to compete in women’s intercollegiate athletics and to occupy women-only intimate facilities. 

OCR issued a proposed Resolution Agreement to UPenn to resolve the Title IX violations detailed in the noncompliance finding. UPenn has 10 days to voluntarily resolve these violations or risk a referral to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for enforcement proceedings. 

“Little girls who look up to Riley Gaines and Paula Scanlan can find hope in today’s action – the Trump Administration will not allow male athletes to invade female private spaces or compete in female categories,” said Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor. “UPenn has a choice to make: do the right thing for its female students and come into full compliance with Title IX immediately or continue to advance an extremist political project that violates federal antidiscrimination law and puts UPenn’s federal funding at risk.” 

ED’s proposed Resolution Agreement requires UPenn to take the following actions: 

(i) Issue a statement to the University community stating that the University will comply with Title IX in all of its athletic programs; 

(ii) Restore to all female athletes all individual athletic records, titles, honors, awards or similar recognition for Division I swimming competitions misappropriated by male athletes competing in female categories; and 

(iii) Send a letter to each female athlete whose individual recognition is restored expressing an apology on behalf of the University for allowing her educational experience in athletics to be marred by sex discrimination. 

Background: 

OCR launched its directed investigation of UPenn under its authority pursuant to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Title IX and its implementing regulation prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.   

Alligator Safely Relocated from Canal Area in McAllen

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Alligator Safely Relocated from Canal Area in McAllen
The City of McAllen would like to inform the public that the alligator spotted yesterday afternoon near the canal at 2nd Street and Pecan Boulevard has been safely located and relocated by professionals. Image for illustration purposes
The City of McAllen would like to inform the public that the alligator spotted yesterday afternoon near the canal at 2nd Street and Pecan Boulevard has been safely located and relocated by professionals. Image for illustration purposes

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The City of McAllen would like to inform the public that the alligator spotted yesterday afternoon near the canal at 2nd Street and Pecan Boulevard has been safely located and relocated by professionals.

City officials thank the community for their vigilance and cooperation, and especially extend gratitude to McAllen Animal Care, McAllen Police Department, and other responding personnel who worked quickly and effectively to resolve the situation. Their swift action helped ensure the safety of both residents and the animal.

“We’re proud of the coordination and professionalism of our response teams,” said Mcallen City Manager Isaac J. Tawil. “Thanks to their efforts, this situation was handled safely and efficiently, without harm to the public or the animal.”

The City of McAllen reminds residents to always report unusual wildlife sightings to McAllen Animal Care at (956) 681-1919 and to never approach wild animals

Cornyn Statement on New Agreement with Mexico to Secure Water for South Texas

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Cornyn Statement on New Agreement with Mexico to Secure Water for South Texas
“South Texas has been devastated by Mexico’s repeated refusal to deliver the water it has owed the United States for far too long, and I commend the Trump administration for securing this critical deal for Mexico to finally send water to the region.” - Senator Cornyn
“South Texas has been devastated by Mexico’s repeated refusal to deliver the water it has owed the United States for far too long, and I commend the Trump administration for securing this critical deal for Mexico to finally send water to the region.” – Senator Cornyn

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WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau announced they have brokered a new agreement on the Treaty Relating to the Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande that secures water for farmers and ranchers in Texas:

“South Texas has been devastated by Mexico’s repeated refusal to deliver the water it has owed the United States for far too long, and I commend the Trump administration for securing this critical deal for Mexico to finally send water to the region.”

“This new agreement will bring substantial amounts of acre-feet of water to the U.S., and I thank President Trump, Secretary Rubio, Secretary Rollins, and Deputy Secretary Landau for their leadership after years of the Biden administration sitting on its hands and letting Texans suffer.”

“I will continue working alongside President Trump and his administration to push Mexico for consistent, annual deliveries to live up to its obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty and ensure our South Texas agriculture community has the resources needed to thrive.” 

Background:

Sen. Cornyn has led the charge in Congress to boost Texas’ water supply and ensure Mexico fulfills its treaty obligations to provide annual deliveries of water to South Texas farmers and ranchers. He partnered with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to successfully secure more than $280 million in emergency assistance for Rio Grande Valley farmers and producers affected by the water shortage and led a request earlier this year to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio asking for renewed efforts to push Mexico to comply with the 1944 Water Treaty while also securing Secretary Rubio’s commitment to hold Mexico accountable for delays.

Last year, Sens. Cornyn and Cruz raised alarms after a Rio Grande sugarcane mill closed due to acute water shortages, cosponsored a resolution supporting diplomacy, and sent a letter to then-U.S. Secretary of State Blinken urging the Department to engage on Mexico’s violation of the intent of the treaty. Senator Cornyn also led a letter to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on State and Foreign Operations urging them to withhold designated funds from Mexico until they enter into an agreement with the U.S. to balance the deficit of the water deliveries, which the House Appropriations Committee included in their funding bill.

Under the Treaty Relating to the Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande, Mexico is obligated to deliver an average of 350,000-acre feet of water annually over a five-year cycle as its contribution to the Rio Grande’s water supply. However, Mexico has consistently delayed fulfilling its water obligation until the end of the five-year cycle, which hinders South Texas farmers’ ability to plan for and grow crops as well as ranchers’ ability to provide water to livestock. The current cycle ends in October and so far, Mexico has paid less than 500,000 acre-feet of water—about a quarter of what it owes, according to IBWC data.

De La Cruz Secures Water for South Texans

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De La Cruz Secures Water for South Texans
"Today's announcement is a win for South Texas communities. Since coming to Congress, I have worked tirelessly to deliver the water Texans are owed under the 1944 Water Treaty. Image for illustration purposes
“Today’s announcement is a win for South Texas communities. Since coming to Congress, I have worked tirelessly to deliver the water Texans are owed under the 1944 Water Treaty. Image for illustration purposes

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WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) released the following statement on the Trump Administration’s announcement that the Government of Mexico will make immediate deliveries on the water South Texans are owed under the 1944 Water Treaty.

“Today’s announcement is a win for South Texas communities. Since coming to Congress, I have worked tirelessly to deliver the water Texans are owed under the 1944 Water Treaty. After two years of being told nothing could be done, we finally have a President and an Administration that has shown strength and delivered. Thank you President Trump, Secretary Brooke Rollins, and Secretary Marco Rubio for your leadership on this issue. This is a positive step in the right direction and I look forward to continuing to deliver wins for South Texas agriculture.” – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

Background:

Since entering Congress, Rep. De La Cruz has been a tireless leader in securing the water Texans are owed and prioritized holding the Government of Mexico accountable for the over one million acre-feet of water they owe the U.S. under the 1944 Water Treaty.

Highlights of her work include:

  • May 4, 2023: Rep. De La Cruz led a bipartisan and bicameral letter to the Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, requesting for the Department to immediately engage with the International Boundary and Water Commission (IWBC) to ensure Mexico provides for immediate releases of water.
  • October 24, 2023: Rep. De La Cruz sent a letter to the Mexican Secretary of Foreign Affairs and the Mexican Ambassador to the United States, imploring Mexico to honor its 1944 water treaty with the United States.
  • November 28, 2023: Rep. De La Cruz’s bipartisan resolution, H.Res. 683, expressing support for the diplomatic relations required to encourage the Government of Mexico to fulfill its water deliveries under the 1944 Water Treaty.
  • December 1, 2023: Rep. De La Cruz sent a letter to Ambassador Moctezuma requesting that Mexico take immediate action on making water deliveries from their reserves to the United States.
  • January 31, 2024: Rep. De La Cruz sent a letter to Ambassador Moctezuma calling for the immediate release of water from Chihuahua.
  • February 23, 2024: Rep De La Cruz sent a letter to Secretary Blinken and Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack urging them to engage Mexico on this issue in order to achieve compliance with the terms of the treaty to secure water.
  • February 28, 2024: Rep. De La Cruz introduced H.R. 7468 to ensure that United States diplomats and officials of the U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission are able to advance efforts seeking compliance by the United Mexican States with the 1944 Treaty on Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande.
  • May 8, 2024: Rep. De La Cruz sent a letter to Secretary Blinken requesting information and an update on discussions regarding the status of water deliveries from Mexico.
  • May 10, 2024: Rep De La Cruz introduced H.R. 8344, the Texas Agricultural Producers Assistance Act to address the significant economic losses suffered by Texas agricultural producers due to Mexico’s failure to comply with water delivery obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty between the United States and Mexico. This critical legislation was included in the Farm Bill which passed out of the House Agriculture Committee with bipartisan support.
  • July 8th, 2024: Rep. De La Cruz sent a letter to Mexican President-Elect Claudia Sheinbaum requesting a meeting to address water deliveries owed to the United States.
  • August 6th, 2024: Rep. De La Cruz announced the formation of the South Texas Water Working Group, a collaborative effort aimed at addressing and resolving the water challenges faced by South Texas communities.
  • October 11th, 2024: Rep. De La Cruz introduced H.R. 9960, the Water Delivery Transparency Act to mandate the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) to host public forums, create an online portal for stakeholder input, and issue public reports detailing how this input will influence future treaty updates.
  • December 19, 2024: Rep. De La Cruz led a letter to President Trump requesting that he hold Mexico accountable for its water deliveries under the 1944 Water Treaty. Every Republican member of the Texas Congressional Delegation co-signed this letter.
  • December 20, 2024: Rep. De La Cruz secured language in the end-of-year Continuing Resolution granting the Secretary of Agriculture authority to provide block grants for economic relief to agricultural producers in South Texas.
  • January 28, 2025: Rep. De La Cruz introduced H.Res. 71 to condemn the Government of Mexico for failing to fulfill its water deliveries on an annual basis to the United States under the treaty between the United States and Mexico regarding the utilization of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande.
  • February 5, 2025: Rep. De La Cruz sent a letter to Secretary Rubio requesting that he hold Mexico accountable for the water they owe the United States as part of their trade negotiations.
  • February 27, 2025: Rep. De La Cruz met with President Trump to advocate for holding Mexico accountable for owed water deliveries under the 1944 Water Treaty.
  • March 19, 2025: De La Cruz announced alongside U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins and Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) that $280 million of aid funds will be deployed by the USDA to South Texas farmers.

CBP Officers Seize More Than $1 Million In Cocaine at Pharr International Bridge

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CBP Officers Seize More Than $1 Million In Cocaine at Pharr International Bridge
Packages containing 76 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Pharr International Bridge. USCBP image
Packages containing 76 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Pharr International Bridge. USCBP image

Texas Border Business

PHARR, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility, intercepted $1,017,300 in alleged cocaine concealed within a commercial vehicle. 

“Our CBP officers use all available tools and resources to find and identify narcotics at our international crossings,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.

On April 25, CBP officers assigned to the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility encountered a commercial tractor trailer making entry from Mexico. A CBP officer referred the vehicle for further inspection, which included utilizing nonintrusive inspection equipment and a canine team. Physical inspection led to the discovery of 30 packages of alleged cocaine with a combined weight of 76.19 pounds (34.56 kg) concealed within the vehicle.

CBP OFO seized the narcotics and commercial tractor trailer. Homeland Security Investigations initiated a criminal investigation.

Social Security Administration Introduces Secure Digital Access to Social Security Numbers

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Social Security Administration Introduces Secure Digital Access to Social Security Numbers
The digital SSN feature will allow account holders to conveniently display their SSN, when needed, for reasons other than handling Social Security matters. Image for illustration purposes
The digital SSN feature will allow account holders to conveniently display their SSN, when needed, for reasons other than handling Social Security matters. Image for illustration purposes

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The Social Security Administration (SSA) is taking steps to provide a significant enhancement for my Social Security account holders, by introducing secure digital access to their Social Security number (SSN). This innovative feature is designed to provide the American public with a modernized, secure, and accessible alternative to the traditional physical SSN card.

SSA is committed to improving service delivery while safeguarding Personal Identifiable Information (PII). 

The digital SSN feature will allow account holders to conveniently display their SSN, when needed, for reasons other than handling Social Security matters. This enhancement will provide individuals who have forgotten their SSN or misplaced their SSN cards a simple solution allowing them to securely view their SSN online through the my Social Security portal. This will reduce their need for an in-person visit and/or having to wait to receive their SSN card through the mail. They will be able to access it via my Social Security on their mobile devices. This digital feature not only streamlines the process for those who need their SSN but also reinforces our dedication to protecting sensitive information. By providing a secure digital option, SSA aims to reduce the risk of lost or stolen cards and enhance the overall user experience.

“We are proud to offer this new digital solution to our account holders,” said Lee Dudek, Acting Commissioner. “This enhancement reflects our commitment to providing better service to the public while ensuring that their personal information remains secure. We believe that this modern approach will meet the needs of our constituents in a more efficient manner.”

SSA encourages all account holders to take advantage of this new feature, which will be available starting early this summer. For more information on how to create a my Social Security account, please visit https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/.

Together, we are working to create a more accessible and secure future for all Social Security beneficiaries.

Founder & Former CEO of Biscayne Capital Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for $130M Fraud Scheme

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Founder & Former CEO of Biscayne Capital Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for $130M Fraud Scheme
Roberto Gustavo Cortes Ripalda (Cortes), 58, the co-founder, co-owner, and CEO of international advisory firm Biscayne Capital, was sentenced in Brooklyn, New York to 10 years in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Cortes pleaded guilty to the charge in September 2023. Image for illustration purposes
Roberto Gustavo Cortes Ripalda (Cortes), 58, the co-founder, co-owner, and CEO of international advisory firm Biscayne Capital, was sentenced in Brooklyn, New York to 10 years in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Cortes pleaded guilty to the charge in September 2023. Image for illustration purposes

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U.S. Department of Justice

Roberto Gustavo Cortes Ripalda (Cortes), 58, the co-founder, co-owner, and CEO of international advisory firm Biscayne Capital, was sentenced in Brooklyn, New York to 10 years in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Cortes pleaded guilty to the charge in September 2023. Cortes was also ordered to pay $3.4 million in forfeiture and $103million in restitution to over 110 victims.

“For more than five years, Roberto Cortes and his co-conspirators ran Biscayne Capital as a Ponzi scheme, lying to investors — including the defendant’s own friends and family members — and ultimately causing more than $155 million in investor losses,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The sentence will hold Cortes accountable for his years of lies and deception. Thank you to our partners for their hard work and collaboration to achieve this result.”   

“Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of Roberto Cortes’s criminal conduct in orchestrating a years-long scheme with his co-conspirators to prop up a failing business while defrauding Biscayne Capital investors and clients around the globe,” said U.S. Attorney John J. Durham for the Eastern District of New York. “Using illegal Ponzi payments to their victims, Cortes and his co-conspirators were able to disguise and perpetuate this scheme for years until Biscayne Capital finally collapsed under the defendants’ lies. Today’s sentence demonstrates our Office’s commitment to holding accountable investment professionals who abuse the trust of their clients for personal profit.”

“Regardless of the complexity of the investigation, IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agents and our law enforcement partners will utilize their skills and unique authorities to hold bad actors like the defendant accountable,” stated IRS-CI Executive Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter.  “This was a brazen scheme of staggering proportions. Mr. Cortes and his co-conspirators prioritized their own greed, stealing $155 million from investors. Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that we remain vigilant and will vigorously pursue those who attempt to enrich themselves through fraudulent means.”

According to court filings, Cortes and his co-defendant Ernesto Heraclito Weisson Pazmino (Weisson) founded Biscayne Capital in 2005 to support the financing of South Bay, their real estate development business focused on acquiring and demolishing properties to build luxury homes. After South Bay began experiencing financial trouble in 2007, Cortes and Weisson recruited investors to inject funds into South Bay’s operations. Rather than using those investor funds to fund South Bay’s real estate development projects, Cortes, Weisson, and their co-conspirators used the bulk of the funds to pay outstanding interest and principal debt obligations to other investors.

Cortes and his co-conspirators took numerous steps to perpetuate and conceal the scheme, including distributing investment documents with false and misleading information, deceiving investors about the purpose, risk, return, and security of their investments, and creating and sending fake account statements to unsuspecting clients to conceal the scheme.  By the time the Biscayne Capital/South Bay Ponzi scheme collapsed and Biscayne Capital went into liquidation, Biscayne Capital clients had lost over $155 million.

IRS-CI investigated the case.

Bank Integrity Unit Deputy Chief Randall Warden and Trial Attorney Morgan Cohen of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Drew Rolle and Benjamin Weintraub for the Eastern District of New York are prosecuting the case. Trial Attorney Brandon Burkart of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section assisted with the investigation.

The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the arrest and extradition from Spain and obtaining evidence in this case. The Department of Justice also thanks the Governments of the Cayman Islands, Curaçao, Ecuador, Spain and Switzerland for their valuable support.

Updated April 24, 2025

Governor Abbott Praises The Power of Prayer

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Governor Abbott Praises The Power of Prayer
Governor Greg Abbott praised the power of prayer during the Governor’s Prayer Breakfast in Round Rock in celebration of the National Day of Prayer. Photo:Office of The Governor
Governor Greg Abbott praised the power of prayer during the Governor’s Prayer Breakfast in Round Rock in celebration of the National Day of Prayer. Photo:Office of The Governor

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AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott praised the power of prayer during the Governor’s Prayer Breakfast in Round Rock in celebration of the National Day of Prayer.

Photo: Office of The Governor

“Where two or more are gathered in his name, God is with us,” said Governor Abbott. “Texas is filled with prayer warriors. I have felt and experienced from the grace of God that comes from those prayers. Because the Governor of Texas is in a wheelchair, doors and minds have been opened. Only later did I learn that my injury was my destiny. As we come together to pray on this National Day of Prayer, we are reminded that whatever challenges we face in life all we need to do is pray.”

Photo: Office of The Governor

Speaking to more than 800 faith and local leaders, Governor Abbott highlighted the strength of prayer. The Governor encouraged Texans at the prayer breakfast to pray for the men and women in law enforcement who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the line of duty.

Photo: Office of The Governor

Following his remarks, Governor Abbott presented a proclamation recognizing April 28, 2025, as A Day of Prayer in Texas. After the Governor presented the proclamation to Jim McGee, Church of Whitestone Worship Pastor Demetri Wells and Pastor Tauren Wells performed ‘Goodness of God/How Great Is Our God.’

San Antonio Woman Sent to Federal Prison for 50 Months for Cocaine Trafficking

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San Antonio Woman Sent to Federal Prison for 50 Months for Cocaine Trafficking
According to court documents, Gisselle Cabrera Rodriguez, 25, was pulled over by Bexar County Sheriff’s Office deputies on Feb. 6, 2024, for committing multiple traffic violations. A search of her vehicle resulted in the discovery of 1.2 kgs of cocaine located in the front passenger compartment. Image for illustration purposes
According to court documents, Gisselle Cabrera Rodriguez, 25, was pulled over by Bexar County Sheriff’s Office deputies on Feb. 6, 2024, for committing multiple traffic violations. A search of her vehicle resulted in the discovery of 1.2 kgs of cocaine located in the front passenger compartment. Image for illustration purposes

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

SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio woman was sentenced in federal court to 50 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kgs or more of cocaine.

According to court documents, Gisselle Cabrera Rodriguez, 25, was pulled over by Bexar County Sheriff’s Office deputies on Feb. 6, 2024, for committing multiple traffic violations. A search of her vehicle resulted in the discovery of 1.2 kgs of cocaine located in the front passenger compartment. Two cell phones were also seized in the search. Rodriguez was arrested and a federal search warrant was executed on her residence, leading to the discovery of another 2.3 kgs of cocaine packaged in two bundles. Agents also located $45,700 in cash, which was determined to be proceeds from Rodriguez’s drug trafficking activity. Rodriguez also admitted to trafficking at least five kgs of cocaine per week during the five to six months leading up to her arrest.

Rodriguez pleaded guilty to one count of a two-count indictment. In addition to the imprisonment, Rodriguez was ordered to forfeit the $45,700 located in the search warrant.

Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

The FBI investigated the case with valuable assistance from BCSO and the San Antonio Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John Fedock prosecuted the case.

239 Charged in New Cases in Securing the Southern Border, April 18th-24th

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239 Charged in New Cases in Securing the Southern Border, April 18th-24th
A total of 237 more cases have been filed in immigration and border security-related matters from April 18-24. Image for illustration purposes
A total of 237 more cases have been filed in immigration and border security-related matters from April 18-24. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

HOUSTON – A total of 237 more cases have been filed in immigration and border security-related matters from April 18-24.

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.  

These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – Homeland Security Investigations, ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations, BP, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.

The cases are 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 Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX). Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children. 

The SDTX remains one of the busiest in the nation. It represents 43 counties and more than nine million people covering 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo work directly with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state and local levels to prosecute the suspected offenders of these and other federal crimes. 

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

Updated April 25, 2025

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