Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
Texas Border Business
Hidalgo County Sheriff Eddie Guerra highlighted public safety progress during the 2025 State of the County Address, noting significant reductions in crime rates and enhanced security through the county’s new courthouse.
“I’ve had the honor of being sheriff here in Hidalgo County for 11 years,” Guerra said. He noted that Hidalgo County is the seventh-largest county in Texas, and that the Sheriff’s Office is the largest law enforcement agency south of San Antonio.
According to Guerra, the county has seen sharp decreases in crime during his tenure. “We’ve been able to reduce the violent crime rate here in this county by 28% and the index crime… by 48%,” he said. He credited the reductions to “the amazing staff that we have here at the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office and the cooperation we have with our federal, state, and local partners.”
Guerra also highlighted the move into the new county courthouse, which he described as a major step forward in public safety. The previous courthouse, built in the early 1950s, had “absolutely no security features,” which posed risks for staff and the public. “My staff had to guard and escort inmates—some accused of violent crimes—passing right in front of the family members of alleged victims,” he said, calling it a “very big security concern.”
The new courthouse addresses these challenges with modern features, including secure inmate holding cells in each courtroom, controlled access points, and advanced surveillance systems. “With this new courthouse, the stress has been relieved for me,” Guerra said.
He closed by thanking his deputies and staff for their daily service. “The brave men and women of law enforcement in Hidalgo County work every day to keep us safe,” he said.
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