U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Paso Del Norte international crossing in El Paso seized 12.14 pounds of fentanyl and 0.3 pounds of cocaine on April 21. The drugs were hidden in a scooter driven by an 18-year-old female U.S. citizen. USCBP image
Texas Border Business
EL PASO, TEXAS – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Paso Del Norte international crossing in El Paso seized 12.14 pounds of fentanyl and 0.3 pounds of cocaine on April 21. The drugs were hidden in a scooter driven by an 18-year-old female U.S. citizen.
“Smugglers will use any means possible in their attempts to introduce drugs into our communities,” said CBP El Paso Port Director Ray Provencio. “CBP officers remain vigilant because any one of the thousands of arriving vehicles we encounter daily could be transporting drugs.”
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The seizure was made at 8 p.m. when members of CBP’s Mobile Enforcement Team noted anomalies in the appearance of a red motor scooter with a single female rider that arrived from Mexico. CBP officers selected the vehicle for a secondary exam.
A CBP drug sniffing dog searched the conveyance and alerted to the scooter. A nonintrusive, Z-Portal scan of the vehicle also indicated anomalies in the battery compartment.
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CBP officers continued their exam and removed seven bundles from the compartment. One bundle contained cocaine, two held fentanyl pills, and the remaining four packages were filled with powdered fentanyl.
CBP officers arrested the driver. She was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations special agents to face federal charges associated with the failed smuggling attempt.
At the 2025 RSTEF Annual Awards Ceremony on March 13 at the Radisson Hotel in the Rio South Texas Region, leaders from across the educational landscape gathered to celebrate community-driven progress and transformative investments. Among the highlights of the evening was the announcement of a significant $100,000 grant awarded to Teach For America Rio Grande Valley (TFA RGV), a program working to build a sustainable pipeline of local educators and leaders in South Texas.
The announcement came from Adam Gonzalez, CEO of Rio South Texas Education and Community Development Foundation (RSTEF) and COSTEP. Gonzalez opened his remarks by reflecting on the foundation’s ongoing commitment to the community.
Four members of the RSTEF Board of Directors—Mr. James Moore, Dr. Miguel Nevarez, Mr. Walter Reyna, and Mr. Jimmy Notzon—proudly present a $100,000 grant check to Teach For America Rio Grande Valley during the 2025 RSTEF Annual Awards Ceremony. The event also recognized the solid dedication of the board, with CEO Adam Gonzalez noting, “Two of them have been with the organization for over 30 years and have served in many capacities,” emphasizing their lasting impact on education and workforce development in South Texas. Photo by Roberto Hugo González
“The foundation has always given back to the community,” Gonzalez said, highlighting that this year’s $2.9 million in awards is projected to generate a total impact of $5.8 million through matching funds. He emphasized the power of strategic support and local collaboration: “It’s a great honor to serve this organization.”
Gonzalez also praised the work of Teach For America and invited Ana D. González, Executive Director of TFA RGV, to the stage, calling the event a “one-of-a-kind” celebration that brings “energy and combustion” to educational and workforce initiatives in the Rio Grande Valley.
Ana Gonzalez delivered a meaningful speech, emphasizing the urgency and significance of educational equity in the region.
“Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Ana Gonzalez. I have the privilege of serving as executive director at Teach For America Rio Grande Valley,” she began.
“I want to begin by just recognizing our advisory board. They are true educational champions, and they are accompanying us. Tonight, our board chair, Debra Cordova, Vice Chair Juan Padron, incoming vice chair, Dr. Christian Corrales, and senior managing director for partnerships and networks, Jonathan Stevens.”
“Our vision at Teach For America is to ensure that all of our students across the Rio Grande Valley receive and have access to an excellent education. We work towards this aim by attracting top-notch talent into education during such a critical time to be an educator and developing their leadership at all levels of the education system.”
She highlighted the organization’s focus on recruiting individuals who deeply understand the region:
Specifically in our core program, we dedicate our efforts to recruit and engage college graduates and young professionals who understand what it means to grow up in South Texas, facing challenges that often arise from growing up in low-income homes and communities. But you know what? This is the best place for our students to grow up and receive an excellent education.”
“About 80% of our current pipeline is from the RGV, an increase from 66% in 2023. Our largest recruitment pipeline is with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.”
“Teaching is a really high-demand and high-wage career in South Texas… We provide direct resources to pass exam requirements and align our training to the state-required certification process… Additionally, we provide a stipend to assist with living expenses when they commit to our full-time training.”
“We provide a research-based pre-service experience, which includes actual teaching experiences with students under the supervision of a veteran mentor teacher. We have invested in more digital professional development and wellness resources… which they can access once they join our program and throughout their two-year commitment and beyond.”
“Nearly 75% of our local alumni still work in education… with 100 teachers still in classrooms, 10 mid-level leaders including assistant principals, principals, deans, instructional coaches, four school system leaders, and one elected official in the Rio Grande Valley.”
“We work with ACT RGV for teacher certification, UTRGV for recruitment, and the Region One Education Service Center for technical assistance and other projects.”
“This is important in our community because, like our goal’s mission, we are stronger when we all work together to support our local efforts—ensuring that our community and our students have the skills, knowledge, and access to economic opportunities, enabling them to pursue meaningful careers and live prosperous lives right here in South Texas.”
“Through this $100,000 grant, we will remove barriers to entry into the teaching profession for talented residents in our region and equip them not just with a certification, but also the training to have a successful career. On behalf of our team, students, and community, thank you to the board of directors and everyone involved in supporting this vital work. We are honored to be your partners today and for future generations.”
Governor Greg Abbott held a productive and engaging call with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The Governor and Secretary discussed the booming Texas economy, ongoing trade talks, and progress being made on tax cuts in the U.S. Congress. Images for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott held a productive and engaging call with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The Governor and Secretary discussed the booming Texas economy, ongoing trade talks, and progress being made on tax cuts in the U.S. Congress.
Secretary Bessent lauded the strong Texas economy, pointing to its diverse industry sectors, low taxes, and business-friendly climate as key drivers that make the state a national economic powerhouse. Governor Abbott addressed the Texas energy industry, noting that the state leads the country in energy production and ranks among the top states for liquified natural gas (LNG) exports. Governor Abbott and Secretary Bessent also discussed the ongoing trade negotiations between the U.S. and other countries, including Mexico—Texas’ largest and most important trading partner. The Governor highlighted that Texas is the top exporting state in the nation for 23 years in a row, a leader in driving the state and nation’s economic growth.
Additionally, Governor Abbott and Secretary Bessent discussed progress on federal tax cut legislation in Congress. The Secretary noted that the Administration is working with Congress to move the tax bill through the legislative process and to swiftly get it to President Donald Trump for signature.
The McAllen Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the two remaining females suspected of passing forged checks at local banks. The McAllen Police Department asks residents and businesses to immediately report these individuals and similar activity to police. Courtesy images
Texas Border Business
The McAllen Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the two remaining females suspected of passing forged checks at local banks. The McAllen Police Department asks residents and businesses to immediately report these individuals and similar activity to police.
McAllen Police Officers investigate reports taken on April 10, 2025 from different banking locations in McAllen, TX. The persons depicted in the images are the suspects in these investigations. Each individual female suspect entered a banking location and passed a fraudulent check. These suspects may be working in concert or combination and may have attempted this activity in other cities.
If you know the whereabouts of the persons depicted or where they may be located, you are urged to call McAllen Crime Stoppers at 956-687-8477. You may remain anonymous. Information that leads to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward. Tips may also be submitted anonymously through the smart phone app “P3 Tips.”
Kaitlyn Nicole Robinson. (image caught on surveillance camera) Courtesy image
Texas Border Business
The McAllen Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a person suspected of passing forged checks. The McAllen Police Department asks residents and businesses to immediately report this individual to police.
McAllen Police Officers investigate reports occurring on April 10, 2025 at two separate banking institutions in McAllen, TX. The person in the image is the suspect in these investigations and is identified as Kaitlyn Nicole Robinson. It is suspected that Kaitlyn Nicole Robinson used fictitious information to pass the checks and it is believed she may be travelling under an alias.
Kaitlyn Nicole Robinson is wanted on four (4) felony warrants. The warrants include charges of Forgery of a check – State Jail Felony, Theft of funds – State Jail Felony, Forgery of a check – State Jail Felony, and Theft of funds – State Jail Felony.
Kaitlyn Nicole Robinson is described as a White female, 38 years of age, 5’ 07” in height, 125 pounds, brown hair, brown eyes, and has a last known address in Chicago, Illinois.
Anyone with information about these crimes or of the person depicted is urged to call McAllen Crime Stoppers at 956-687-TIPS (956-687-8477). You may remain anonymous. Information that leads to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward. Tips may also be submitted anonymously through the smart phone app “P3 Tips.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the El Paso port of entry recently seized a shipment of counterfeit designer jewelry with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $9,222,800, had the goods been genuine. USCBP image
Texas Border Business
EL PASO, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the El Paso port of entry recently seized a shipment of counterfeit designer jewelry with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $9,222,800, had the goods been genuine.
The consignment shipment was intercepted on April 9, originating from China, and destined for a residence in El Paso. The package contained 1,708 jewelry items such as rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces, which resembled the well-known luxury brand Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” line. CBP worked with the trademark holder to confirm that the goods were not a legitimate product, and the seizure was authorized April 21.
“CBP officers inspect arriving international parcels for a variety of reasons to include protecting American consumers from potential safety violations and rooting out counterfeit goods that may be supporting an underground economy that thrives on deception and exploitation. Buying counterfeit luxury jewelry may seem like a bargain, but it may also be fueling criminal enterprises involved in money laundering, forced labor, and even organized crime,” said CBP El Paso Director of Field Operations Hector Mancha. “Counterfeit goods are generally poor-quality products that cost U.S. businesses billions of dollars a year while robbing our country of jobs and tax revenues.”
CBP seized the shipment which was manifested as accessories and bracelets worth $15,480. The investigation is ongoing.
CBP recommends consumers keep the following helpful hints in mind when shopping for discounts:
Purchase goods directly from the trademark holder, original manufacturer, or from authorized retailers.
Educate yourself on prices of legitimate goods. If the item is priced well below fair market value, the likelihood is higher that the merchandise being considered for purchase is counterfeit. If a price seems too good to be true, then it probably is.
Stay away from web sites that do not offer customer service contact information, return policies, and legitimate phone numbers.
CBP provides basic import information about admissibility requirements and the clearance process for e-commerce goods and encourages buyers to confirm that their purchases and the importation of those purchases comply with state and federal import regulations.
The dangers of buying counterfeit products aren’t always obvious to consumers. Particularly, when shopping online, beware of counterfeit goods. Fake goods can lead to real dangers. For more information, visit The Truth Behind Counterfeits page.
Suspected intellectual property rights violations, fraud, or illegal trade activity can be reported by contacting CBP through the e-Allegations Online Trade Violations Reporting System or by calling 1-800-BE-ALERT. Violations can also be reported to the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center at https://www.iprcenter.gov/referral/ or by telephone at 1-866-IPR-2060.
Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D.invites families and Texans across the state to the Texas General Land Office’s (GLO) 2025 Coastal Roundup in South Padre, Texas on April 26, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Courtesy image
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas –Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D.invites families and Texans across the state to the Texas General Land Office’s (GLO) 2025 Coastal Roundup in South Padre, Texas on April 26, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Texas Coastal Roundup will take place at Isla Blanca Park Pavilion in South Padre Island. This event will feature educational booths, interactive exhibits, concessions, and fun kid activities. The 2025 Coastal Roundup will be in partnership with the Adopt-A-Beach Spring Coastwide clean up. If you’re in the South Padre Island area, go clean the beach with Adopt-A-Beach from 9:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. and then come over to the Roundup!
Learn more about this unique opportunity by clicking on the image below to watch Commissioner Buckingham’s special video:
2025 Texas Coastal Roundup:
Who: Texas General Land Office and collaborative coastal and wildlife organizations
What: A free, family-friendly event to learn more about how our state cares for our beautiful coastline
When: April 26, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Isla Blanca Park Pavilion Channel View Road South Padre Island, TX 78597
Read more about this free event by clicking the button below:
According to court documents, between January 2022 and February 2024, Michael Procopio, 50, coordinated the unlawful sale of prescription oxycodone pills as a leader of South Philadelphia’s notorious “10th and O Crew.” Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
U.S. Department of Justice
A South Philadelphia man was sentenced in the District of New Jersey to six years in prison for conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, a highly addictive controlled substance.
According to court documents, between January 2022 and February 2024, Michael Procopio, 50, coordinated the unlawful sale of prescription oxycodone pills as a leader of South Philadelphia’s notorious “10th and O Crew.” Procopio obtained the pills from doctors’ offices in the area. He then unlawfully distributed them through a network of intermediaries. In February 2024, during a search of Procopio’s residence pursuant to a search warrant, law enforcement found oxycodone, Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine), and other drugs stored in a safe concealed in a hollowed-out dictionary. During the execution of the search warrant, Procopio stated, “take me to jail” and “I f***ed up.”
Pursuant to the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, one gram of actual oxycodone is equivalent to 6,700 grams of converted drug weight. Procopio admitted to distributing approximately 14,925 milligrams of oxycodone, which equates to between 80 and 100 kilograms of opioids by converted drug weight.
“The defendant led a criminal ‘crew’ that diverted addictive prescription drugs to sell on the streets of Philadelphia,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The unlawful distribution of opioids ravages communities, whether it’s fentanyl from overseas or prescription oxycodone obtained from a doctor. The Department of Justice is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to eradicate the illegal sale of these dangerous drugs.”
In June 2024, Procopio pleaded guilty to conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances. Court documents show that Procopio was previously convicted of sexual assault in Pennsylvania.
Special Agent in Charge Wayne Jacobs of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Philadelphia Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New Jersey Field Division joined the announcement.
The FBI, DEA, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Paul J. Koob and Nicholas K. Peone of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
US Customs and Border Patrol Agents and Border Patrol K9 team assigned at the Falfurrias Immigration Checkpoint recently seized almost 50 lbs. of cocaine with a value of $1,593,600.00. USCBP image
Texas Border Business
FALFURRIAS, Texas – US Customs and Border Patrol Agents and Border Patrol K9 team assigned at the Falfurrias Immigration Checkpoint recently seized almost 50 lbs. of cocaine with a value of $1,593,600.00.
Packages containing nearly 64 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Hidalgo International Bridge. USCBP image
Texas Border Business
HIDALGO, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers at the Hidalgo International Bridge on Easter Sunday intercepted $850,000 in alleged cocaine concealed within a vehicle.
“Our frontline CBP officers continue to maintain strict vigilance amid heavy traffic on holidays like Easter Sunday and that dedication and effective utilization of technology and experience resulted in this significant cocaine seizure,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.
On April 20, CBP officers assigned to the Hidalgo International Bridge encountered a black GMC SUV 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 24 packages of alleged cocaine with a combined weight of 63.80 pounds (29.72 kg) concealed within the vehicle.
CBP OFO seized the narcotics and vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations arrested the driver and initiated a criminal investigation.
