National
National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
NationalLong Lines and Over 25 Minutes of Waiting: Spain's Jersey with the Second Star Goes on Sale
MADRID – The new jersey of the Spanish national football team featuring two stars after winning the 2026 World Cup, marketed by Adidas, went on sale this Tuesday amid long lines of fans eager to purchase it. From early in the morning, long queues with waits of over 25 minutes and people arriving from various parts of the world were waiting to get the new kit, priced at 100 euros (about $115) for adults and 75 euros ($86) for children, at major stores of the German brand in Spain, including the one located on the bustling Gran Vía in Madrid. The jersey is the same model worn by Spain when they won the World Cup in New York, but it features two significant updates: the second star embroidered above the crest (representing the two World Cups won by Spain, in South Africa 2010 and the current one), as well as a golden patch in the center indicating that La Roja is the reigning champion. The second kit, which is white, was already a social and sales success in the early months of summer, and Adidas hopes that, thanks to the appeal of the new star, this one will also be a hit.
National'A chilling effect': Immigration attorney says new rule could discourage green card applications
MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A major change to U.S. immigration policy is set to take effect next month, and immigration attorneys say it could impact some people applying for a green card. The Trump administration is reinstating the public charge rule on Sept. 18, bringing back a policy used during the president’s first term that
NationalSalvadoran immigrant dies in ICE custody in New Jersey; leaves a daughter orphaned
NEW JERSEY — An immigrant from El Salvador died in an immigration jail in New Jersey that has been the target of protests for months over the living conditions of detainees there, federal officials reported on Monday. The deceased is Edwin López Cornejo, 41, who died on Saturday while in custody at the Delaney Hall detention center in Newark, which has a capacity of 1,000 beds. López had been detained by ICE agents on June 18, according to a statement from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He leaves behind a 12-year-old daughter, according to his family.
NationalTrump Establishes Military Spouse Commission
President Donald Trump signed an executive order to establish the President’s Military Spouse Commission, aimed at enhancing the quality of life for military families. The commission will focus on issues such as housing, employment, healthcare, childcare, and education. During the signing ceremony, Trump emphasized the vital role of military spouses, who often face unique challenges, including long separations from their partners. The commission will be chaired by the spouse of the Secretary of War and will include spouses of senior military leaders. Monthly meetings will be held at the White House, with funding provided by the War Department.
NationalChip Roy Announces Sharia Free America Caucus and Calls for Legislative Action
U.S. Representative Chip Roy from Texas announced the establishment of the Sharia Free America Caucus, emphasizing its focus on immigration, national security, and opposing Sharia law in the U.S. During a press conference, Roy expressed concerns about the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood on American politics. He argued that Sharia law contradicts the nation's founding principles and supports legislative measures to prevent its application in U.S. courts. Roy also called for a pause in immigration until a vetting system is established. He highlighted safety concerns for women in certain Texas communities, referring to them as 'no-go zones.'
NationalCuban Migrants Riot in Mexico to Avoid Deportation
TAPACHULA, Mexico – Around 40 Cuban migrants who were detained and transferred from central Mexico to the Siglo XXI immigration station in the southern state of Chiapas rioted upon learning they were to be deported, setting fire inside the facility. The Cubans, who were under the custody of Mexican authorities, could not prove their legal status in Mexico and are believed to have ignited the mattresses inside the immigration station. In response to the situation, federal forces were requested to assist and implemented a preventive operation around the immigration station, while others entered the facility to control the individuals housed there. As of Saturday night, federal authorities had not reported any injuries or updates on the deportation process following the events inside the Siglo XXI immigration station. Municipal, state, and federal police were observed at the scene, restoring order while the migrants remained under the custody of the National Institute of Migration (INM). This marks the first riot or incident recorded during the administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, as mass migration continues to be stalled at the southern border due to U.S. policies and asylum issues.
NationalExhibit Against ICE Sparks Controversy Following Operation That Resulted in Mexican Man's Death in Texas
HOUSTON – Just days shy of the one-month mark since the death of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo during an ICE operation in Houston's East End, a controversial exhibit has returned to a private property aimed at drawing attention to the case and renewing calls for transparency. The installation, created by East End resident Mark Antonio Rodríguez, features a white pickup truck similar to the one Salgado was driving on the day of his death, construction tools, and mannequins wearing hats and shirts with ICE initials. Rodríguez describes the exhibit as a peaceful yet vigorous protest against the federal agency's actions. 'It’s a peaceful protest. I’m not threatening anyone, I’m just showing what’s happening in our city,' Rodríguez said, asserting he fears no repercussions because the installation is on private property. This is not the first visual demonstration Rodríguez has held in support of the immigrant community, but this time the issue hits close to home as Salgado's death occurred just blocks from his residence. The exhibit also depicts what appear to be bullet impacts on the truck and a mannequin inside the vehicle, symbolically representing the fatal incident. Rodríguez stated he aims to keep the conversation about the case alive and pressure local authorities to demand an independent and transparent investigation. 'ICE has taken the lives of many people, Mr. Lorenzo Salgado in Houston, Johan Sebastian Durán in Maine, in El Paso Texas, Víctor Díaz, and Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minnesota, all this year.' Salgado Araujo's death occurred on July 7 during an ICE operation in Houston. Family members of the Mexican immigrant have called for justice and clarity regarding the events, while Harris County officials announced they would fund an independent investigation into the case. For now, Rodríguez plans to keep the exhibit up for an extended period to 'shed more light' on the issue he believes affects the immigrant community in Houston and across the country. What ICE said: At the time, the immigration enforcement agency (ICE) stated that 'on July 7, 2026, at approximately 6:50 a.m. (CST), ICE law enforcement agents attempted to conduct a traffic stop as part of a targeted enforcement operation aimed at apprehending an undocumented foreign national. The driver of the vehicle, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo — an undocumented foreign national from Mexico — attempted to evade arrest. According to information received, he struck an official ICE vehicle, refused to comply with multiple verbal commands, and used his vehicle as a weapon in an attempt to run over an ICE agent, prompting the agent to discharge his weapon in self-defense.' They added that 'the driver was struck by gunfire and emergency services were contacted immediately. He was transported to the hospital, where he died from his injuries. The DHS Office of Inspector General (DHS-OIG) is leading the investigation into the shooting involving the agent. The FBI office in Houston is leading the investigation into the alleged assault on a federal law enforcement officer. This is an ongoing situation, and the public will be informed as more information becomes available.' No new details about the ongoing investigation have been released so far.
NationalVice President Vance cancels visit to Port of Brownsville
Vice President JD Vance has canceled his planned visit to the Port of Brownsville, as confirmed by Eric Flores, the Republican nominee for Texas's 34th Congressional District. The cancellation is attributed to a change in Vance's schedule. He was expected to address attendees at the port on Tuesday, but it remains unclear if he will reschedule his visit in the future.
NationalAbbott Meets U.S. Air Force Secretary for High-Level Discussions
Governor Greg Abbott met with U.S. Air Force Secretary Troy E. Meink at the Governor’s Mansion to discuss support for Texas Air Force bases. They explored ways to enhance military missions and improve efficiencies. The meeting included Gwen Griffin from the Texas Space Commission, State Representative Greg Bonnen, and Lieutenant General Douglas A. Schiess of the U.S. Space Force. A significant outcome was the announcement of a 10-year Partnership Intermediary Agreement worth up to $300 million, aimed at fostering technology transfer and collaboration among government, industry, and academia, reinforcing Texas's role in national defense and space leadership.
NationalAriana Grande Plans to Step Back from Public Life
Ariana Grande announced plans to step back from public life after completing her *Eternal Sunshine* tour next month. The pop star has withdrawn from a London theater production of *Sunday in the Park with George*, where she was set to star alongside Jonathan Bailey. Producers expressed understanding of her decision, emphasizing support as she seeks a break from the intense public scrutiny she faces. Grande aims to finish her tour on a high note, concluding in London on September 1. Known for her Nickelodeon roots and Grammy wins, she has also been nominated for an Oscar for her role in *Wicked*.
NationalTrump Claims Talks with Iran Will Resume This Monday, But Iranian Government Denies It
Iranian officials denied claims made by U.S. President Donald Trump that negotiations between the two countries would resume on Monday. Ismail Bagaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, stated that there are currently no negotiations with the U.S. and that any future discussions will depend on evolving circumstances. Trump had suggested that he canceled a significant military strike against Iran to facilitate a potential agreement, citing requests from allies like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Tensions remain high in the region, with ongoing violence and recent attacks on U.S. soldiers in Iraq and Jordan.
NationalInvestigation Underway into Fatal Plane Crash in Peru; Pilot Reportedly Reported Mechanical Failure
A tragic plane crash in southern Peru has resulted in the deaths of 13 people, including 11 foreign tourists. The pilot of the C208B aircraft, operated by Aerodiana, reportedly reported a mechanical failure during the flight. The crash occurred near Pueblo Viejo in the Ica region while the plane was en route from Pisco to view the famous Nazca Lines. Among the deceased are seven Italians, two Spaniards, and two Germans. Peruvian authorities are investigating the incident, focusing on mechanical evidence and communication recordings. Local officials express concern about the impact on tourism in the area.
NationalBreakneck pace in immigration courts is driving up deportation orders
HARLINGEN, Texas (AP) — The Trump administration is packing immigration courtrooms and giving less lead-time on hearings in an effort to clear a decades-long backlog. The result is a historic rise in the number of people missing court dates and being immediately ordered deported as the system struggles to keep up, new data shows. Dozens
NationalTrump Claims He Will Pause Attacks on Iran After Agreeing on Framework to End War
President Donald Trump announced that U.S. forces will refrain from new attacks on Iran, claiming that Middle Eastern allies have agreed on the basis for a potential peace deal after five months of conflict. The proposed agreement includes the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the cessation of Iran's nuclear threat. Trump stated that he would cancel planned attacks if a deal could be quickly finalized. Meanwhile, Iranian officials remain vigilant, and there are internal divisions within Iran's leadership regarding negotiations with the U.S. Efforts for mediation are ongoing, but no agreement has been reached yet.
NationalNew Mexico AG sues for return of teen forced to cross border by foster care staff
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez has filed a lawsuit seeking the return of a 15-year-old American citizen who was allegedly forced by foster care staff to cross into Mexico to reunite with his mother. The incident occurred on July 6 when the child was taken to El Paso, Texas, and instructed to cross the border alone. After failing to find his mother, he returned to the U.S. but was left with Texas authorities. Torrez claims this case highlights systemic failures in the state's foster care system, while the Children, Youth and Families Department maintains the child's safety was never at risk.
NationalThousands of migrant children in the US could face new deportation risks as legal aid deal expires
As the contract for legal services for unaccompanied migrant children in the U.S. expires, advocates warn that thousands may lose representation in immigration court, increasing their risk of deportation. The Trump administration's decision not to renew the contract, which provided legal aid to about 20,000 children, raises concerns about their future legal support. Organizations like Estrella El Paso, which currently represents 243 children, fear that without legal assistance, many will face expedited deportation. Legal service providers have already begun layoffs due to unpaid invoices, and the situation remains uncertain as the government has not outlined a plan for continued representation.
NationalVice President Vance to visit Port of Brownsville
Vice President JD Vance is set to visit the Rio Grande Valley next week, with a scheduled stop at the Port of Brownsville on Tuesday. The mayor of Brownsville announced that Vance will deliver a speech around noon during his visit. Further details regarding the agenda or other events related to Vance's trip have not been disclosed.
NationalTrump Claims Allies Agree on Terms for Pact to End War with Iran
President Donald Trump announced that Middle Eastern allies have agreed on terms to end the conflict with Iran. He stated that he will refrain from ordering new attacks for now, contingent on a swift agreement. The proposed deal would involve the complete opening of the Strait of Hormuz and addressing Iran's nuclear threats. Trump mentioned that Israel is on board with the U.S. effort to finalize the agreement. Concerns were raised by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a call with Trump about potential U.S. escalation, fearing Iranian retaliation against Saudi energy infrastructure.
NationalValleyCentral Weekend Report: Biggest stories of the week in case you missed them
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — On this week's edition of ValleyCentral Weekend Report, Anchor Alexia Serrata breaks down all the news of the week. Starting with the biggest stories of the week, in case you missed them. Kicking things off with an update to a story we've been following very closely over the past few months, an appeals court has placed a