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Brownsville Animal Regulation & Care Center Named 2025 National Agency of the Year

The Brownsville Animal Regulation and Care Center (BARCC) has been named the 2025 Agency of the Year by the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA). Courtesy image
The Brownsville Animal Regulation and Care Center (BARCC) has been named the 2025 Agency of the Year by the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA). Courtesy image

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The Brownsville Animal Regulation and Care Center (BARCC) has been named the 2025 Agency of the Year by the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA). The prestigious national honor recognizes BARCC’s excellence in leadership, innovation, and dedication to compassionate animal care and public safety.

BARCC, under the City’s Public Health, Wellness and Animal Services Department, is enhancing the quality of life for animals and the community daily. It promotes responsible pet ownership, provides compassionate care for homeless animals, and ensures public safety through effective animal control services.

“As a BARCC board member, I have witnessed the transformation of this organization, becoming one of the most resilient teams serving the City of Brownsville,” said Bryan L. Martinez, City Commissioner District 1. “This national recognition is a testament to the dedication of our amazing team. The unwavering support from our citizens has propelled the animal shelter to reach unprecedented milestones through community-based programs and initiatives. The work at BARCC is important for so many reasons, and I want to thank the board and staff for their dedication.”

“The Agency of the Year Award is a moment of pride for Brownsville and a testament to the vision and tireless work of our BARCC team,” said City Manager Helen Ramirez, ICMA- CM, AICP. “It reflects our City’s deep commitment to public health, animal welfare, and innovation in service. BARCC’s leadership has transformed the quality of care locally and has helped set a new benchmark for excellence across the field. Congratulations to our Dr. Rodriguez and Dr. Caldwell.”

“This award is a reflection of the passion and dedication of every team member at BARCC,” said Dr. Arturo Rodriguez, Public Health and Wellness and Animal Care Director. “This recognition motivates us to keep moving forward, building trust in the community, and delivering the high standard of care that animals and residents deserve.”

“Being named NACA’s 2025 Agency of the Year affirms our belief that compassion and professionalism can go hand in hand in animal services,” said Dr. Antonio Caldwell, Deputy Director at BARCC. “We’re grateful to Dr. Rodriguez for his continued support and the City leadership for theirs.

BARCC has made significant strides in professionalizing animal services, increasing community engagement, and implementing innovative, humane practices to improve the lives of animals in the Rio Grande Valley. Its achievements have also inspired broader systemic improvements in animal care across Texas and the nation.

This honor reinforces the City’s mission to promote public wellness and create a safe, compassionate environment for all.

Formed in 1978, NACA is the largest professional association for animal care and control professionals in the United States. The award celebrates BARCC’s commitment to setting a higher standard for animal services.

To learn more about BARCC, visit www.BrownsvilleTX.gov or follow the City of Brownsville on social media.

Laredo CBP Officers Apprehend Fugitive Sought on Warrant for Alleged Molestation of a Minor

U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, Laredo Port of Entry officers detained one male United States citizen wanted on an outstanding felony warrant for alleged molestation of a minor. Image for illustration purposes
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, Laredo Port of Entry officers detained one male United States citizen wanted on an outstanding felony warrant for alleged molestation of a minor. Image for illustration purposes

LAREDO, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, Laredo Port of Entry officers detained one male United States citizen wanted on an outstanding felony warrant for alleged molestation of a minor.

“The arrest of this individual represents a critical step in protecting our communities and ensuring that those who seek to harm minors are held accountable,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “We are proud of the collaboration between our officers and law enforcement partners that led to this significant arrest.”

The fugitive apprehension occurred on April 12 at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge. A CBP officer inspecting a commercial bus arriving from Mexico, referred bus passenger Rafael Chica Garcia, a 19-year-old male United States citizen, for a secondary inspection. After escorting the passenger to secondary, subsequent biometric verification through law enforcement databases confirmed that the subject had an outstanding felony warrant for the alleged molestation of a minor, out of the St. Charles County Adult Detention Facility in St. Charles, Missouri. Chica Garcia was turned over to the Webb County Sheriff’s Office to await criminal proceedings.

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 proven guilty in a court of law.

McAllen Public Utility Honored with Multiple Prestigious Awards at the Texas Water Annual Conference

McAllen Public Utility (MPU) proudly brought home multiple statewide honors from the 2025 Texas Water Conference. Texas Water, which is sponsored by both the Texas American Water Works Association (Texas AWWA) and the Water Environment Association of Texas (WEAT), is widely recognized as the premier water and wastewater conference in the Southwest Region of the United States. Image courtesy of The City of McAllen
McAllen Public Utility (MPU) proudly brought home multiple statewide honors from the 2025 Texas Water Conference. Texas Water, which is sponsored by both the Texas American Water Works Association (Texas AWWA) and the Water Environment Association of Texas (WEAT), is widely recognized as the premier water and wastewater conference in the Southwest Region of the United States. Image courtesy of The City of McAllen

McALLEN, Texas – McAllen Public Utility (MPU) proudly brought home multiple statewide honors from the 2025 Texas Water Conference. Texas Water, which is sponsored by both the Texas American Water Works Association (Texas AWWA) and the Water Environment Association of Texas (WEAT), is widely recognized as the premier water and wastewater conference in the Southwest Region of the United States. The awards highlight the utility’s unwavering commitment to professional development, public education, operational excellence, and industry leadership. The recognitions underscore the innovative and dedicated work by MPU staff at all levels and reflect the organization’s deep-rooted culture of service, stewardship, and technical excellence.

Image courtesy of The City of McAllen

“We are honored and humbled to be recognized by WEAT and TAWWA with these prestigious awards,” said Mark Vega, P.E., General Manager of McAllen Public Utility. “These accolades belong to the incredible MPU team whose passion for service, education, and operational excellence strengthens our organization and benefits the community every day. These awards show what we’ve always believed — that what we do truly matters, and our people are what make MPU exceptional.”

Image courtesy of The City of McAllen

WEAT Exemplary Employer (Public Sector) Award

MPU was recognized with the 2025 WEAT Exemplary Employer Award, celebrating its support for employee involvement in both WEAT and the Water Environment Federation (WEF), particularly among young professionals. MPU’s intentional support includes sponsoring memberships for staff, encouraging active participation in industry events, and promoting leadership opportunities.

Today, more than half of MPU’s water and wastewater operators are active WEAT members, with the organization setting an ambitious goal of reaching 100% membership by the end of 2025. This commitment fosters professional development, continuous learning, and deeper engagement with peers across Texas, ultimately enhancing utility operations and service to the public.

TAWWA and WEAT Watermark Award for Communications Excellence: McAllen Public Utility Water Education Camps

The Watermark Award was awarded to MPU’s Water Education Team — Katia Falcon and Yesenia Tijerina — for their outstanding community outreach and education through the MPU Water Education Camps. These camps, hosted throughout 2024, offered local youth a hands-on, STEAM-focused curriculum centered on water science, conservation, and careers in the water utility sector.

Held at the MPU Water Education Classroom, the camps provided an inclusive environment for exploration, creativity, and environmental awareness. Through engaging experiments, facility tours, and real-world applications, campers developed a lifelong respect for water and the natural environment. The camps are not only fun and educational but serve as an important pipeline for future professionals in water-related careers.

WEAT Outstanding Operator of the Year Award: Daniel Lara

MPU’s own Daniel Lara, an “A” Licensed Operator at the North Wastewater Treatment Plant, was named the 2025 WEAT Outstanding Operator of the Year. With a career spanning 36 years, Lara’s leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to reclaimed water production have been instrumental to the plant’s efficiency and success.

Managing the 15-million-gallon-per-day plant, Lara ensures regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and mentorship to new operators. His dedication to excellence and his role in mentoring the next generation of operators embody the core values of WEAT and the water industry.

Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers (5S): Michael Gonzalez

MPU’s Michael Gonzalez was inducted into the exclusive Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers (5S), an honor reserved for individuals who have provided “outstanding, meritorious service above and beyond the call of duty.” Induction into this society reflects Gonzalez’s commitment to growing the water industry by recruiting and mentoring new WEAT members and promoting professional involvement.

This award symbolizes his exceptional leadership and deep-rooted commitment to advancing the water profession across Texas.

These honors reflect McAllen Public Utility’s holistic approach to service: one that values technical expertise, community engagement, employee development, and environmental responsibility. MPU thanks WEAT and TAWWA for their recognition and remains committed to its mission of delivering safe, reliable, and sustainable water services for all McAllen residents.

These honorees will be recognized at the McAllen Public Utility Board meeting of April 15, 2025.

WEAT is a professional organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing Texas’s water resources, with a membership of about 4,200 professionals made up of scientists, engineers, utility managers, operators, and regulators who work to protect and enhance Texas’s water resources. WEAT aims to be the leading organization for wastewater operators’ education in Texas. 

CBP Officers Make Huge 119 Pound Meth Seizure at Ysleta port

Methamphetamine bundles in spare tire compartment. USCBP image
Methamphetamine bundles in spare tire compartment. USCBP image

EL PASO, TEXAS – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Ysleta international crossing in El Paso seized 119.3 pounds methamphetamine April 11. The drugs were hidden in a car being driven by a 32-year-old Mexican man.

“This seizure represents the dedication of CBP employees who work hard every day to stop the flow of drugs from entering our communities,” said CBP Ysleta Port Director Arnie Gomez.

The seizure was made just before 1 p.m. when a 2000 Jeep Cherokee with a single occupant arrived from Mexico. The primary CBP officer selected the vehicle for a secondary exam after a low-energy portal scan identified anomalies in the appearance of the conveyance. 

A CBP drug-sniffing dog searched the car and provided a positive alert to the rear of the car. CBP officers searched the vehicle and located 110 colorful bundles in the spare tire compartment. The contents of the packages tested positive for methamphetamine. 

CBP officers arrested the driver. He was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations special agents to face 21 U.S. Code 952 – importation of controlled substance charges.

Quinta Mazatlán Monarch Festival, April 26th

Admission is free with the donation of a recyclable plastic bottle or plastic bag. For those who prefer not to bring a recyclable item, entry is available with a $5 donation at the gate. Courtesy image

McALLEN, Texas – Celebrate the incredible spring migration of monarch butterflies at the 9th Annual Monarch Fest, proudly presented by H-E-B, on Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Quinta Mazatlán, 600 Sunset Dr. in McAllen. This vibrant festival offers family-friendly fun with live music, cultural performances, arts and crafts, educational booths, and youth activities.

The community favorite Mayor’s Bug Parade takes off at 11:00 a.m. inside the park. Kids can join the Parade by dressing up as their favorite pollinator. The McHi Drumline & Color Guard, Butterfly Stilt Walkers, and more community entertainers will lead the lively parade. All youth, scout groups, and families are encouraged to wear orange or pollinator-themed costumes and be part of the fun.

Courtesy image

Guests can create take-home seed bombs to help grow pollinator-friendly plants and explore a variety of engaging experiences that celebrate pollinators and the natural world.

This year, Urban Frontier brings exciting live animal presentations featuring snakes, lizards, and tortoises—giving kids and adults alike the opportunity to enjoy interactive encounters with some amazing creatures.

Scouts can also take part in earning badges during the event. Girl Scouts will have the opportunity to complete badge work for Eco Learner, Outdoor Art Maker, Bugs, Outdoor Art Creator, and Flowers. Boy Scouts can work toward their Insect Merit Badge through nature-based experiences offered throughout the day.

Adults can enjoy the live cultural performances, a native plant sale and garden talk, guided garden tours, and shopping from over 15 local artisan and food vendors. Educational booths will line the scenic “streets of Mazatlán,” with support from organizations like American Forests, La Floresta Native Plant Nursery, Heep’s Native Plant Nursery and many City of McAllen departments, amongst many others.

Courtesy image

Admission is free with the donation of a recyclable plastic bottle or plastic bag. For those who prefer not to bring a recyclable item, entry is available with a $5 donation at the gate. Children ages 2 and under are always free. Tickets are available in advance at www.quintamazatlan.ticketleap.com.

To ensure easy access, free offsite parking with shuttle service will be provided at 1400 Wichita Avenue, near La Plaza Mall. Shuttle rides will run continuously to and from Quinta Mazatlán during event hours.

The event is proudly sponsored by presenting H-E-B. 

“We are thankful to our presenting sponsor H-E-B and the other sponsors, as well as the many educational organizations and volunteers who are a part of Monarch Festival,” said Colleen Hook, executive director of Quinta Mazatlán. “Each March and April, monarchs migrate north to find a place to lay their eggs on milkweed as they make the long journey home. With their numbers plummeting in the last few decades by as much as 90%, monarchs need native gardens.  The McAllen Monarch Festival presented by H-E-B is designed to raise awareness, educate, sell native milkweed plants, connect families to nature and offer fun activities outdoors for all ages”

Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in orange, wings, or pollinator gear and experience a day filled with fun, education, and community spirit in celebration of the monarch butterfly.

El Paso CBP Officers Intercept Woman Transporting Fentanyl and Meth

The events leading to the PDN seizure began just after midnight when a CBP canine team performed a sweep of pedestrians waiting in line to enter the U.S. The canine alerted to the presence of narcotics when passing a female border crosser who was in the line. USCBP image
The events leading to the PDN seizure began just after midnight when a CBP canine team performed a sweep of pedestrians waiting in line to enter the U.S. The canine alerted to the presence of narcotics when passing a female border crosser who was in the line. USCBP image

EL PASO, TEXAS – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Paso Del Norte international crossing in El Paso seized fentanyl and methamphetamine April 13. The drugs were hidden in the rectum and vagina of a 33-year-old female U.S. citizen pedestrian border crosser.

The smuggling case was not an isolated incident. Over the weekend, CBP officers working at the PDN and Ysleta crossings stopped a total of nine internal carriers who were transporting fentanyl and methamphetamine from Mexico to the U.S.

“This is an exceptionally dangerous practice, and anyone thinking about smuggling drugs inside their body–or at all–should strongly reconsider their choices,” said CBP El Paso Port Director Ray Provencio. “Not only are the legal consequences severe, but the results could be lethal if the packaging were to rupture inside their bodies.”

The events leading to the PDN seizure began just after midnight when a CBP canine team performed a sweep of pedestrians waiting in line to enter the U.S. The canine alerted to the presence of narcotics when passing a female border crosser who was in the line.

CBP officers selected the woman for a secondary exam and identified indicators consistent with the internal concealment of drugs. A Texas Department of Public Safety officer initiated an investigation and obtained a search warrant authorizing a medical exam. The woman was transported to an area medical center where a CT scan confirmed the presence of foreign objects concealed internally. 

The woman then removed the bundles. The contents of one package which contained a crystal substance tested positive for methamphetamine with a total weight 0.02786 kilograms. A second bundle containing blue pills tested positive for fentanyl with a total weight of 0.05212 kilograms. A third package, containing a powder, tested positive for the properties of fentanyl with a total weight of 0.03732 kilograms.

The drugs and the woman were turned over to Texas DPS for prosecution.

CBP Officers Seize Over $14 Million in Meth at Pharr International Bridge

Packages containing 1,635 pounds of methamphetamine seized by CBP officers at Pharr International Bridge. USCBP image
Packages containing 1,635 pounds of methamphetamine seized by CBP officers at Pharr International Bridge. USCBP image

PHARR, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility intercepted $14,620,900 worth of alleged methamphetamine concealed within a shipment manifested as fresh bell pepper and cucumbers.

“Our CBP officers continue to use all tools and resources to safeguard our borders by preventing these harmful narcotics from reaching America’s streets,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.

On April 11, CBP officers assigned to the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility encountered a tractor trailer making entry from Mexico. A CBP officer referred the vehicle for further inspection. After physically inspecting the vehicle, which included utilizing nonintrusive inspection equipment and a canine team, officers extracted 300 packages of alleged methamphetamine weighing 1,635.56 pounds (741.88 kg) concealed within the trailer.

CBP OFO seized the narcotics and vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations special agents initiated a criminal investigation. 

Social Security Administration Implements New Anti-Fraud Measures to Enhance Telephone Claim Processing

The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently announced the implementation of enhanced fraud prevention tools for claims filed over the telephone, further modernizing the agency’s services and strengthening program integrity. Beginning April 14, 2025, SSA will allow individuals to complete all claim types via telephone, supported by new anti-fraud capabilities designed to protect beneficiaries and streamline the customer experience. Image for illustration purposes
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently announced the implementation of enhanced fraud prevention tools for claims filed over the telephone, further modernizing the agency’s services and strengthening program integrity. Beginning April 14, 2025, SSA will allow individuals to complete all claim types via telephone, supported by new anti-fraud capabilities designed to protect beneficiaries and streamline the customer experience. Image for illustration purposes

The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently announced the implementation of enhanced fraud prevention tools for claims filed over the telephone, further modernizing the agency’s services and strengthening program integrity. Beginning April 14, 2025, SSA will allow individuals to complete all claim types via telephone, supported by new anti-fraud capabilities designed to protect beneficiaries and streamline the customer experience.

The enhanced technology enables SSA to identify suspicious activity in telephone claims by analyzing patterns and anomalies within a person’s account. If irregularities are detected, the individual will be asked to complete in-person identity proofing to continue processing their claim. These advancements allow SSA to maintain the security of its services while continuing to expand access for customers who may be unable to file online or visit an office in person. The agency will continue to conduct identity verification for all in-person claims.

“We are modernizing how we serve the public—enhancing both security and accessibility,” said Leland Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “These updates improve our ability to detect and prevent fraud while providing more flexible options for people to access their benefits.”

The updated policy reflects SSA’s broader commitment to customer service, program integrity, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources. SSA has worked around the clock to develop and deploy these improvements, driven by the return of employees to full-time in-office operations.

Surge capacity is being put in place to support higher demand starting on the 14th and last month, SSA spent $16.5 million to modernize telephone services nationwide. 

This update supports the Administration’s broader efforts to protect Social Security and ensure higher take-home pay for seniors by ending the taxation of social security. For more information on the President’s commitment to preserving Social Security, visit here.

Information source: SSA

El Paso Adopts First-Ever International Policy Agenda

"El Paso is a global gateway, and this agenda formalizes our commitment to leading on issues that matter across borders—from economic growth and infrastructure to public health and climate resilience,” said Mayor Renard Johnson. Image for illustration purposes
“El Paso is a global gateway, and this agenda formalizes our commitment to leading on issues that matter across borders—from economic growth and infrastructure to public health and climate resilience,” said Mayor Renard Johnson. Image for illustration purposes

EL PASO, Texas –The City of El Paso has officially adopted its first-ever International Policy Agenda, marking a major milestone in the City’s global engagement efforts. This historic policy provides a strategic framework to guide binational collaboration, attract foreign direct investment, and modernize critical City-owned infrastructure, including international bridges and trade corridors.

“El Paso is a global gateway, and this agenda formalizes our commitment to leading on issues that matter across borders—from economic growth and infrastructure to public health and climate resilience,” said Mayor Renard Johnson. “With more than $145 billion in annual trade flowing through El Paso and over 1.4 million monthly pedestrian and vehicle crossings, the International Policy Agenda positions the City to better manage growth, promote safety, and enhance competitiveness on a global scale.”

Led by the Economic and International Development Department, in coordination with Strategic and Legislative Affairs, the agenda outlines three core goals:

Strengthening international partnerships with Ciudad Juárez, the State of Chihuahua, and the Government of Mexico through joint trade missions, shared programming, and data-driven collaboration;

Improving border infrastructure for trade and mobility, including feasibility studies and modernization projects for the Ysleta-Zaragoza, Paso del Norte, and Stanton ports of entry—many of which are City-owned assets; and

Facilitating trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) through incentive programs, site readiness efforts, and targeted prospecting with regional business organizations.

“El Paso’s international assets are key to our long-term success,” said City Manager Dionne Mack. “This agenda ensures we are not only maximizing the value of our City-owned infrastructure, but also taking concrete steps—like coordinating trade missions, developing shared FDI strategies, and advancing port modernization plans—that will drive economic opportunity for generations to come.”

For more information, visit www.elpasotexas.gov/econdev.

DOJ Transfers 13 Mexican Nationals with Drug Convictions to Mexico

The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs with the assistance of the Department’s Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) transferred 13 Mexican nationals, serving prison sentences for drug distribution-related convictions in the United States, to their home country on Friday. Image for illustration purposes
The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs with the assistance of the Department’s Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) transferred 13 Mexican nationals, serving prison sentences for drug distribution-related convictions in the United States, to their home country on Friday. Image for illustration purposes

US Department of Justice

The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs with the assistance of the Department’s Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) transferred 13 Mexican nationals, serving prison sentences for drug distribution-related convictions in the United States, to their home country on Friday.

“Friday’s transfer of 13 federal inmates to correctional authorities in Mexico has saved the United States over $3 million by eliminating the need to pay incarceration costs for the 75 years remaining on their combined sentences,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Justice Department’s International Prisoner Transfer Program, which is administered by the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs, enhances offender rehabilitation, reduces incarceration costs, and relieves overcrowding in federal prisons. The transfer is pursuant to the Treaty between the United States of America and the United Mexican States on the Execution of the Penal Sentences.”

All 13 inmates transferred today were serving sentences relating to the distribution of controlled substances, including cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. The inmates will complete the remainder of their sentences in Mexico pursuant to the treaty. The inmates requested to be transferred to their home country, and the governments of both the United States and Mexico approved these transfers.

The U.S. Congress enacted legislation authorizing the International Prisoner Transfer Program in October 1977, which also set the requirements of the transfer program. The United States signed its first transfer treaty with Mexico in 1976, which entered into force in November 1977, and since that time has entered into 10 additional bilateral transfer agreements and two multilateral transfer conventions. These international agreements give the United States transfer treaty relationships with more than 85 countries.

The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs’s International Prisoner Transfer Unit (IPTU) administers the program. Under the program, approved foreign national inmates in federal and state prisons are permitted, under certain circumstances, to complete their prison terms in their home countries’ prisons.

This is the 184th such transfer since the treaty entered into force in 1977. The last transfer prior to today, which took place in December 2024, transferred nine inmates to Mexico pursuant to the treaty. To learn more about the International Prisoner Transfer Program, visit: https://www.justice.gov/criminal/criminal-oia/iptu 

Updated April 14, 2025