A 39-year-old Texas man has been ordered to prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute approximately 500 grams of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Image for illustration purposes
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U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 39-year-old Texas man has been ordered to prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute approximately 500 grams of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Thomas East pleaded guilty Nov. 21, 2024.
U.S. District Judge David Morales has now ordered East to serve 132 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release.
East claimed he was a minor participant and deserved a lesser sentence. At the hearing, however, Judge Morales found he had a larger role and, specifically, that he made multiple trips to get methamphetamine. In addition, he stood to gain from the conspiracy by receiving some of the methamphetamine to sell on his own.
The investigation began in February 2024 when authorities discovered East and his co-conspirator, Diana Contreras, were making trips to San Antonio to acquire large amounts of methamphetamine.
On one of those occasions, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop and discovered nearly 500 grams of methamphetamine along with a firearm. Contreras and East admitted they agreed to take the trip to San Antonio to get the narcotics. Contreras planned to sell the drugs in and around the Alice area, while East planned to take smaller portions to sell on his own.
East has been in custody since where he will remain pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Contreras, 37, also from Alice, had pleaded guilty and was previously sentenced to 156 months in federal prison.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Griffith prosecuted the case.
Adrian Alberto Cano Gomez, an alleged member of the National Liberation Army (Ejército de Liberación Nacional aka ELN), was extradited from Colombia and is now in Houston. Image for illustration purposes
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U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas
HOUSTON – A 45-year-old Colombian national will make his initial appearance in U.S. federal court on charges of narco-terrorism and distributing kilogram quantities of cocaine from Colombia, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Adrian Alberto Cano Gomez, an alleged member of the National Liberation Army (Ejército de Liberación Nacional aka ELN), was extradited from Colombia and is now in Houston. He will make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena Hanovice Palermo April 25 at 2 p.m.
The now unsealed indictment, returned March 23, 2023, alleges ELN is a Colombian guerrilla group officially designated as a foreign terrorist organization Oct. 8, 1997. It allegedly continues to operate as one of the largest narco-terrorism organizations in the world.
Cano Gomez is charged with international cocaine distribution conspiracy. He is also charged with distribution of a controlled substance and knowing or intending to provide anything of pecuniary value to a person or organization that engages in terrorism or terrorist activity (narco-terrorism).
“This is not a routine drug case, nor is the ELN the typical drug trafficking organization,” said Ganjei. “Rather, this terror group has used American communities to fund its violent activities and destroyed countless lives in the process. This extradition is a big step towards this office’s goal of dismantling the narcotics-to-terrorism pipeline, and a clear demonstration that no matter where you are, no matter who you are, you are not beyond the reach of the American justice system.”
“The extradition of suspected narco-terrorists like Cano Gomez to the United States is another example of how FBI Houston’s reach extends beyond geographic borders,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams of the FBI. “For years, Cano Gomez has allegedly been a liaison of international drug trafficking for the ELN-drugs that are smuggled into the United States and make their way onto our streets. His arrest and extradition are a giant step into disrupting the drug trafficking operations and mass violence carried out at the hands of his foreign terrorist organization.”
“For over a decade, this ELN foreign terrorist organization allegedly profited off American communities by trafficking in cocaine and devastating countless lives,” said acting Special Agent in Charge William Kimbell of the Houston division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). “Gomez, who is an alleged ELN member believed to have facilitated cocaine distribution from Colombia, is now on American soil to face justice.”
According to the indictment, Cano Gomez and others were involved in an ongoing 16-year conspiracy to distribute cocaine from Colombia to the United States knowing or intending to provide pecuniary support to the ELN.
In November 2021, Cano Gomez and others allegedly participated in distributing approximately 15 kilograms of cocaine in Colombia, knowing it would be imported into the United States.
Colombian authorities took him into custody at the request of the United States in March 2024.
The indictment remains sealed as to those charged but not as yet in custody.
The Houston Field Offices of the FBI and DEA conducted the investigation with assistance of U.S. Marshals Service as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). FBI and DEA agents in Bogota provided substantial support as did the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) multi-agency Special Operations Division, including assigned attorneys from the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section (NDDS) and National Security Division, as well as the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, Criminal Division’s NDDS’ Office of Judicial Attaché in Bogotá, Colombia, with the cooperation of Colombian authorities and international partners including the Colombian Army, Colombian National Police, National Prosecutor’s Office and Technical Body of Investigation.
The operation, dubbed Operation Selva Roja, is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Casey N. MacDonald and Anibal Alaniz of the Southern District of Texas are 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
Kirsten Cohoon, Presiding Judge of the Sixth Administrative Judicial Region Image: txdistrictjudges.org
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AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Kirsten Cohoon as Presiding Judge of the Sixth Administrative Judicial Region for a term set to expire four years from the date of qualification.
Kirsten Cohoon of Boerne is judge of the 451st Judicial District Court in Kendall County. Cohoon is the place seven director of the State Bar of Texas Judicial Section and secretary of the Texas Association of District Judges. She is a board member on the Boerne Education Foundation and a volunteer at Currey Creek Baptist Church. Cohoon received a Bachelor of Science from Texas Christian University and a Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law.
This appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.
The smuggler, John Henry Romero, a Mexican Mafia gang member from Rio Bravo, Mexico, crashed into a private ranch fence and continued evading through the property before bailing out of the vehicle. With assistance from Border Patrol, he was located and arrested. Photo: Texas DPS
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AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas National Guard continue to work together with the Trump Administration to secure the border; stop the smuggling of drugs, weapons, and people into Texas; and prevent, detect, and interdict transnational criminal activity between ports of entry.
Since the launch of Operation Lone Star, the multi-agency effort has led to over 532,800 illegal immigrant apprehensions and more than 52,900 criminal arrests, with more than 44,800 felony charges. In the fight against the fentanyl crisis, Texas law enforcement has seized over 671 million lethal doses of fentanyl—enough to kill every man, woman, and child in the United States, Mexico, and Canada combined during this border mission.
Operation Lone Star continues working to undo the damage done by the Biden Administration. Every individual who is apprehended or arrested and every ounce of drugs seized would have otherwise made their way into communities across Texas and the nation due to open border policies.
On Sunday, Governor Abbott took to X, formally known as Twitter, to report that illegal border crossings have slowed to a crawl as a result of President Donald Trump’s strong border policies.
Operation Lone Star personnel continue working with our federal partners to secure the southern border to keep America safe.
Earlier this month, DPS captured another fugitive from Texas’ 10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrants List.
Carlos Venegas Ortiz, 46, a criminal illegal immigrant from Mexico, who was wanted out of Tarrant County since October 2024 for continuous sexual abuse of a young child, was taken into custody at an apartment complex in Haltom City on Wednesday, April 9. Working in coordination with Special Agents from DPS’ Criminal Investigations Division, Haltom City Police Department Officers, along with members of the U.S. Marshals North Texas Fugitive Task Force, located and arrested Ortiz.
Last summer, Governor Abbott launched Texas’ 10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrants List to locate and arrest repeat offenders who have entered the country illegally and are wanted for dangerous crimes committed in Texas.
Read more on capture of this criminal illegal immigrant here.
DPS Arrests Mexican Mafia Gang Member, Four Illegal Immigrants
Photo: Texas DPS
Last week, DPS troopers were led on a high-speed pursuit by a smuggler driving a red Dodge Ram on IH-35 in Webb County.
The smuggler, John Henry Romero, a Mexican Mafia gang member from Rio Bravo, Mexico, crashed into a private ranch fence and continued evading through the property before bailing out of the vehicle. With assistance from Border Patrol, he was located and arrested.
Four illegal immigrants from Mexico, including a 15-year-old, were also apprehended. Romero is charged with three counts of smuggling of persons, one count of smuggling of persons under 18, evading arrest, reckless driving, and criminal mischief. DPS troopers referred the four illegal immigrants to Border Patrol.
Last Thursday, a human smuggler driving a red Chevy Tahoe led DPS troopers on a high-speed pursuit on IH-35 in Webb County. The smuggler, Carlos Alejandro Hernandez Briones, from Laredo, crashed into two vehicles during the pursuit. Briones and two illegal immigrants eventually bailed out of the vehicle and jumped into the Rio Grande River. DPS troopers deployed a rescue grab line to prevent Briones from drowning as the two illegal immigrants swam back across to Mexico.
Five additional illegal immigrants were located inside the Tahoe and referred to Border Patrol. Briones was arrested and charged with five counts of smuggling of persons, evading arrest, and reckless driving.
While working Operation Lone Star, DPS K-9s Shark and Bona and their handlers, along with DPS’ Border Mounted Patrol Unit, assisted Border Patrol in the apprehension of 19 illegal immigrants in South Texas between April 11 and April 16.
K-9s Shark and Bona tracked the illegal immigrants through thick brush in Maverick, Dimmit, and Webb counties. This collaboration between DPS’ K-9 and Border Mounted Patrol units and the Border Patrol highlights the importance of state and federal law enforcement partnering to secure the border.
Monthafter month, K-9 Bona and her handler continue to track down illegal immigrants along the border and assist in their apprehension to protect our state and the nation. Earlier this month, K-9 Bona and her handler also tracked down a group of illegal immigrants over nearly two miles in Webb County.
DPS Special Agents Seize Three Bundles Of Narcotics
Photo: Texas DPS
On April 13, DPS Special Agents responded to the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry in El Paso regarding three subjects believed to be attempting to smuggle narcotics into the United States via internal concealment. One subject voluntarily consented to be medically examined while DPS obtained body cavity search warrants for the other two subjects.
After a thorough search, a total of three bundles of M-30 fentanyl pills, fentanyl powder, and methamphetamine were recovered. Special Agents arrested one female subject for the manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance.
Texas National Guard Provides Manpower, Support To Border Patrol
Photo: Texas Military Department
Texas National Guard continues to bolster border security efforts by providing crucial manpower and support to Border Patrol agents, joining them on ride-alongs to enhance surveillance and response capabilities along the Texas-Mexico border.
During these ride-alongs, Texas National Guard soldiers work side-by-side with Border Patrol agents, observing operations, relaying critical information, and assisting with apprehensions. Their presence enhances the agents’ ability to cover more ground and respond quickly to incidents in remote or high-traffic areas.
As the border mission continues to evolve, Texas National Guard soldiers expanded role under Title 8 highlights the importance of interagency cooperation when addressing complex security challenges. By working alongside Border Patrol, Texas National Guard soldiers enhance operational effectiveness and reinforce a unified commitment to national securit
Texas National Guard soldiers train every day to combat illegal activity along the border. It is vital for soldiers to assess a wide range of skills, including physical fitness, to prevent, detect, and interdict transnational criminal activity between ports of entry.
“I train every day regardless of the best warrior competition to be as lethal as I can in combat,” said Private First Class Jacob Carruth. “What motivates me everyday is to be the best version of myself and to pursue that every single day. I encourage someone who is thinking about competing to find their why.”
The Best Warrior Competition is an annual U.S. Army event that tests the skills, knowledge, and physical capabilities of soldiers.
Ahead of President Trump’s 100th day in office next week, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) authored the following op-ed in the Houston Chronicle highlighting Congress and President Trump’s accomplishments during his second term so far, including swiftly confirming his Cabinet and passing a budget that unlocks the process to extend the Trump tax cuts for Texans and all Americans. Images: Public Domian. Bgd for illustration purposes
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AUSTIN – Ahead of President Trump’s 100th day in office next week, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) authored the following op-ed in the Houston Chronicle highlighting Congress and President Trump’s accomplishments during his second term so far, including swiftly confirming his Cabinet and passing a budget that unlocks the process to extend the Trump tax cuts for Texans and all Americans.
I’ve worked hand-in-glove with President Trump to accomplish his agenda during his first 100 days
On Nov. 5, Americans went to the polls to elect President Donald Trump for a second term by a decisive margin. The message was clear: Americans were ready to turn the page on the last four years of failed policies under Democratic leadership.
The question then became: could the new Republican majority hit the ground running, deliver on his ambitious agenda, and put the Senate back to work? As we near the end of President Trump’s first 100 days, the answer is a resounding yes.
The first step in delivering on this mandate was giving President Trump his team by confirming his Cabinet. The Senate provides an important role in giving advice and consent to the President’s nominees for important positions across the executive branch. So this was the first major hurdle to clear, and an opportunity to deliver the president an early win.
President Trump selected many eminently qualified nominees for his Cabinet, including several Texans: John Ratcliffe, Scott Turner, and Brooke Rollins. I was proud to help shepherd all three of these impressive Texans through their respective committee hearings.
While Republicans had secured a clear majority of 53 seats in the Senate, getting 50 members on the same page is never an easy task. Maneuvering in united government is sometimes even harder than in divided government. But on top of this inherent difficulty, Democrats insisted on pulling out all of the stops. They tried everything from exaggerated smear campaigns to all-night grandstanding. Some even demanded that their colleagues, “blow [the Senate] up.”
Despite the doubts of our critics, Senate Republicans set a new standard for speed. I was proud to vote for every single one of the President’s Cabinet picks, and in just 10 weeks, the Republican-led Senate completed our first task at the fastest pace in a generation. By the end of February, the Senate had confirmed 13 of the President’s nominees, whereas only six were confirmed at that point during Biden’s presidency.
Senate Republicans’ effectiveness is particularly impressive in comparison to last year’s Senate under failed Democrat leadership. In 2024, the Senate spent only 112 days in session. There were nine Mondays on regular in-session weeks when the Senate flat-out wasn’t working. Compared to the average Texan working five days per week and 260 days annually, this was nothing but a sheer insult to the taxpayer. The inevitable result of Chuck Schumer’s skeleton of a schedule was failure. He failed to pass government funding on-time, failed to renew a farm bill, and only barely passed the annual defense authorization bill that ensures our troops get paid.
Senate Republicans have dramatically improved upon this lackluster performance. We have stayed in session and voting for the longest continuous period in 15 years to complete critical pieces of the America First agenda. After we confirmed the president’s Cabinet, we passed a budget that will unlock the process to extend the Trump tax cuts, which will prevent an average $3,000 tax increase on Texas families.
I’m not new to working hand-in-glove with President Trump to accomplish his goals. During President Trump’s first term, I served as majority whip, or as I like to call it, “chief vote counter.” In this role, I was responsible for ensuring he had the votes to confirm his Cabinet, Supreme Court nominees like Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch, and a record number among recent presidents of judicial nominees to district and appeals courts across the nation. We partnered on key pieces of landmark legislation like the Trump Tax Cuts, the first comprehensive tax reform legislation in years, which contributed to the fastest wage growth in close to a decade and the lowest unemployment rate in nearly half a century.
Suffice it to say, elected Republicans are delivering on the mandate we received from the American people in an historic way, and I’m excited to be a part of what’s to come. I’ve voted for every single nominee in both his first term and his second thus far. I’ve helped the president deliver historic wins for Texans and Americans around the country.
We’ve accomplished so much in his first 100 days, and together, we’re just getting started.
With more than 22 certifications in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Lyudmyla Dickinson is sharing her knowledge of the ever-evolving technology with students at South Texas College as an Assistant Professor of Economics, and across the Rio Grande Valley through workshops and speaking events. STC image
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By Amanda Sotelo
With more than 22 certifications in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Lyudmyla Dickinson is sharing her knowledge of the ever-evolving technology with students at South Texas College as an Assistant Professor of Economics, and across the Rio Grande Valley through workshops and speaking events.
Dickinson’s most recent event was hosted at STC and organized by the Rio Grande Guardian, a leading online news media outlet in the region. The forum titled, “Smart Cities, Smarter Economy: Future of Automation for the RGV,” allowed the professor to explain how she combines economics with AI, implements it in her classroom and the positive impact it can have on the world.
“I know what is said about AI and its negative perceptions, but there really is a lot of positive that can come of it, if used responsibly,” she said. “We are not going to be able to escape AI, it is here, and it is here to stay. Therefore, we must learn to work with it and allow it to help us, instead of ruling us.”
With a passion for the technology that simulates human intelligence, Dickinson made it her personal goal to obtain as many certifications as possible in AI, ranging from short-term to year-long programs across the country and abroad in places such as Dubai, to ensure she is well informed on the subject.
“To teach, you must learn, and that is what I’m doing,” said the Ukrainian-born professor. “I’m not only in the classroom to teach, but also to learn. Everything I’m discovering, I’m sharing with the world because we are in the evolution of AI.”
In 12 years as a professor at STC, Dickinson has slowly implemented AI in the classroom, utilizing it to implement creative activities for students, creating exam and essay prompts that allow students to use critical thinking and above all, teaching students how to use AI responsibly and ethically.
She has also hosted one-day, community workshops through STC and the city of Mission at the Center for Education and Economics Development (CEED) building.
Her most recent workshop focused on introducing the community to AI, how to properly write AI prompts that are productive and useful and to teach the many ways AI can help a person complete tasks such as social media posts and resumé building.
“My goal is to give people a place to explore AI, so they can begin to feel comfortable with the technology,” Dickinson said. “It takes practice, but soon it’s going to be across all schools, places of employment and it’s going to be a skill that will make a person marketable.
Over the years, Dickinson has worked in real estate and hospitality to accounting, and said she sees how AI has a space in numerous industries.
“If we’re not afraid of AI, it can guide us. We can find opportunity in allowing it to lead us into new worlds,” she said. “If we really think about it, we use it when we say, ‘Hey Siri’ or ‘Hey Google.’ It’s already all around us.”
Following in her grandfather’s footsteps, who was also a teacher, Dickinson said she is dedicated to continuing her profession in teaching to share knowledge and discussion on how to lean in to new technologies that are changing the landscape of the world.
“I encourage my students to use AI, I encourage my colleagues and our community,” said Dickinson. “It’s growing, whether we want it to or not, and if we want to stay competitive in technology, then we must be flexible and we must adapt. That is what I want to continue teaching.”
The McAllen Economic Development Corporation in partnership with the McAllen Chamber of Commerce, and the City of McAllen is proud to present the MXLAN International Economic Summit. Courtesy image
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McALLEN, Texas – The McAllen Economic Development Corporation in partnership with the McAllen Chamber of Commerce, and the City of McAllen is proud to present the MXLAN International Economic Summit, a full-day gathering of business leaders, policymakers, educators, and innovators to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies are shaping the economic future of the Rio Grande Valley and its binational partners.
Courtesy Image
Date: Friday, May 9, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM-1:30 PM Location: McAllen Convention Center, McAllen, Texas Ticket Price: $60 per attendee Sponsorship Opportunities:bcardenas@mcallenedc.org
Summit Overview
Kanye Harris, Regional Sales Manager for Delta Air Lines, will present on behalf of summit sponsors Delta and Aeroméxico, focusing on how expanded air connectivity and cargo routes are driving economic accessibility and business growth across North America.
Commissioner Bryan Daniel of the Texas Workforce Commission will deliver insights on Texas’ proactive approach to workforce readiness in an AI-integrated economy. He will be followed by Aaron Demerson, President & CEO of the Texas Economic Development Council, who will outline the state’s AI innovation strategy and the vital role local organizations play in enabling adoption.
Featured Sessions and Discussions
AI in Manufacturing and Supply Chains A panel with Bob Anderson (Alps Alpine), Erika Guerra (South Texas College), and Dr. Ahmed Bendaouia (UTRGV) will explore how AI is transforming production, efficiency, and smart logistics.
Cybersecurity and Compliance in the Age of AI Dr. Sanjeev Kumar (UTRGV) will address how AI is enhancing cybersecurity, regulatory frameworks, and risk mitigation in rapidly digitizing sectors.
Reskilling and Upskilling for the Future of Work Panelists include Dr. Lisa Masciantonio (ARM Institute), Dr. Maya Yiadom (Stanford University), Dr. Jerald Hughs (UTRGV), and Chad Wootton (Texas A&M University), discussing strategies for preparing workers for careers in AI-powered industries.
The day will close with a keynote presentation titled “To AI or Not to AI: Are You Future Ready?” by Jesús Cochegrús, a globally recognized creative technologist and international speaker. His thought-provoking address will challenge attendees to embrace innovation and consider the region’s place in a fast-evolving digital world.
Tickets are available for $60 and include full access to all sessions, panels, and networking opportunities. Sponsorship packages offering premium exposure are still available.
The Edinburg Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) announced today a major milestone in the city’s economic landscape with the official acquisition of the historic Echo Hotel property by Zoho Corporation. Image: Google Maps
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EDINBURG, Texas – The Edinburg Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) announced today a major milestone in the city’s economic landscape with the official acquisition of the historic Echo Hotel property by Zoho Corporation. The global software company, based in Austin, finalized the purchase of the site on Thursday, April 10, 2025, with plans to redevelop the property into a state-of-the-art office campus. The move signals an expansion of Zoho’s operations in the Rio Grande Valley.
The company will expand its operations to Edinburg. Zoho is widely recognized for its suite of online business applications, which are used by organizations of all sizes to manage their operations more efficiently.
“This is the kind of transformative project the EEDC works every day to help make possible,” said Raudel Garza, Executive Director of the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation. “We are thrilled to welcome a company of Zoho’s caliber to Edinburg. Their investment not only strengthens our local economy but also sets the stage for long-term innovation, workforce development, and opportunity in our community.”
The Echo Hotel property, a site with deep roots in Edinburg’s history, will be thoughtfully reimagined and will continue to reflect Zoho’s mission and commitment to education and workforce advancement.
“The plans for the Echo Hotel property are certainly exciting for our community,” said Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr. “You’re taking an older, well-known property and giving it a new purpose—one that brings jobs, technology, and innovation to our city. Zoho’s corporate culture aligns well with the spirit of our four-time All-America City, and we’re proud to welcome them to Edinburg.”
The Edinburg Economic Development Corporation has worked closely with Zoho’s leadership to support its efforts to renovate the Echo property. This project further solidifies Edinburg’s position as a destination for tech investment and high-impact development in South Texas.
Governor Greg Abbott joined U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum at the renaming ceremony of the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge to the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge. Earlier this year, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order renaming the refuge in memory of Jocelyn and her love for wildlife and nature. Photo: Office of The Governor
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ANAHUAC – Governor Greg Abbott joined U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum at the renaming ceremony of the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge to the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge. Earlier this year, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order renaming the refuge in memory of Jocelyn and her love for wildlife and nature.
Photo: Office of The Governor
“It’s honor to be here today to rename this wildlife refuge after Jocelyn Nungaray,” said Governor Abbott. “Jocelyn loved animals, and this land is full of them. A refuge from the dangers of the modern world, where they can prosper undisturbed and where we can enjoy them in their natural habitat. Thanks again to President Trump and Secretary Burgum for honoring Jocelyn with this sanctuary. May Jocelyn’s family find peace in the tranquility of the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge, a lasting tribute to a beautiful young soul taken from us too soon.”
Photo: Office of The Governor
The Governor and Secretary were joined at the renaming ceremony by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Acting Director Paul Souza, former Complex Manager of the Texas Chenier Plain Refuge Tim Cooper, Anahauc National Wildlife Refuge Manager Kristin Fritiz, and Alexis Nungaray, Jocelyn Nungaray’s mother.
Photo: Office of The Governor
In his 2025 State of the State Address, as a direct response to the violent murder of Jocelyn by illegal immigrants, Governor Abbott demanded legislation imposing the death penalty on anyone convicted of murdering a child.
A place to call home is a big part of the American Dream, and Fair Housing laws help make that dream come true. Image for illustration purposes
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This year, in recognition of April – FAIR HOUSING MONTH – the Greater McAllen Association of REALTORS® expresses their Appreciation to the Hidalgo County Commissioner’s Court, City of Edinburg, City of McAllen, and City of Weslaco for their proclamations.
A place to call home is a big part of the American Dream, and Fair Housing laws help make that dream come true. The Greater McAllen Association of REALTORS® believes in a free and open marketplace, where buyers, sellers, and REALTORS® engage in housing transactions without artificial barriers or constraints.
This April and every April, REALTORS® recognize Fair Housing Month to commemorate the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968. This landmark legislation is important today for the same reason it was fifty-seven years ago—it honors the principle that in the United States of America, no one should be denied housing because of who they are.
Fair Housing Month is a time to commit to expanding homeownership opportunities and in doing so a colorful tapestry of homeowners emerges including all races, genres, ethnicities, political perspectives, and religious affiliations, as they live together in respectful harmony and understanding.
