Politics
Politics news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Politics'We're finally here': Old Alice Road expansion project now underway in Cameron County
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino, Jr. hosted a ceremony on Monday for the Old Alice Road expansion project. The $30 million project will involve reconstructing the intersection of Papaya Drive and Old Alice Road in Los Fresnos to improve the connection between Brownsville. Another main goal of the project is to
PoliticsIn fight with Abbott, Hinojosa opens RGV headquarters and makes three valley stops
Gina Hinojosa, the Democratic candidate for governor of Texas, launched her campaign headquarters in Mission and is making three stops in the Rio Grande Valley this week. Hinojosa, who grew up in Brownsville, aims to connect local issues, such as high electricity costs and data center policies, to the governor's office. Activist Fabiola Escalon noted that political organizing is gaining momentum in the Valley, but many voters are focused on national politics. Hinojosa's campaign events include a rally in McAllen, a breakfast in Weslaco, and another rally in Brownsville, all aimed at engaging the community ahead of the November elections.
PoliticsGovernor Abbott Directs TWDB To Penalize Data Center Reporting Failures
Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to enforce compliance with water use reporting among major users, including data centers. These entities have reportedly failed to provide necessary information, leading to potential civil and criminal violations. Abbott emphasized the importance of accurate water usage data for the state's water planning. Non-compliant data centers may face legal consequences, including ineligibility for permits. Additionally, TWDB will collaborate with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) on audits to gather further water usage information, with updates on enforcement activities due by October 14, 2026.
PoliticsEdinburg Police Chief Announces Retirement After Five Years at the Helm
EDINBURG, Texas — Edinburg Police Chief Jaime Ayala announced that he will officially retire from the department on October 30, 2026, marking the end of five years leading the organization. Ayala took office in October 2021 and, after his tenure, will return to North Texas to spend more time with his family. His career in Edinburg began decades before he became chief. A graduate of Edinburg High School in 1983, Ayala worked as a reserve officer and dispatcher for the Edinburg Police Department. He later served for 32 years with the Arlington Police Department, where he rose to the position of assistant chief. During his five years leading the Edinburg Police, he oversaw a department of 266 officers and professional staff. Under his leadership, initiatives such as the Drone as a First Responder program, which uses drones to respond and gather information during critical incidents, as well as community policing programs and campaigns to combat drunk driving, were implemented. "Serving as police chief in the city where I grew up has been the greatest honor of my career. I am deeply grateful to the city leaders, our officers, the staff, and the community for their unwavering support over the past five years. As I prepare to return to North Texas to spend valuable time with my family, I leave knowing that the Edinburg Police Department is stronger, safer, and ready to continue achieving excellence," Ayala expressed upon announcing his retirement. The City of Edinburg stated that details regarding leadership during the transition period and the process for selecting the next police chief will be announced in the coming weeks.
PoliticsDe La Cruz Bill Seeks Full-Service Veterans Hospital for Rio Grande Valley
U.S. Rep. Mónica De La Cruz from Edinburg has introduced a federal bill, H.R. 6004, aimed at establishing a full-service Veterans Affairs hospital in the Rio Grande Valley. Named the Sgt. Alfredo 'Freddy' González Memorial Veterans Hospital, the bill was presented on November 10, 2025, and is currently under review by the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. The proposed hospital would address the lack of full-service VA medical facilities in the region, which currently relies on clinics that do not offer comprehensive inpatient services. The bill has garnered support from local organizations, emphasizing the need for accessible healthcare for veterans.
PoliticsNew Lawsuit Filed to Halt Border Wall Plans in Texas National Park
Landowners, ranchers, and business owners in the Big Bend region of Texas, along with a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the area's landscape and heritage, are filing a lawsuit to stop the Trump administration's plans to build a wall and other border infrastructure through this remote part of the state. The lawsuit, filed by Conserve Big Bend and supported by dozens of landowners, comes as the government ramps up a $46 billion effort to cover nearly 2,000 miles of the southern border with a combination of 30-foot steel bollard walls, road barriers, and technology aimed at preventing the entry of smugglers and migrants. In Texas, the effort has faced numerous lawsuits and bipartisan opposition from sheriffs, elected officials, tour guides, environmental groups, and landowners. Officials supporting the wall 'are sadly unprepared for the hornet's nest they stirred up because they had no idea how much we love this place,' said David Keller, an archaeologist and historian specializing in Big Bend who lives in the region.
PoliticsBrownsville Reschedules City Commission Meeting Due to Lack of Quorum
The City of Brownsville has rescheduled the Municipal Commission meeting originally set for Tuesday, September 15, to Tuesday, September 22, due to a lack of quorum. The meeting will take place at 5:00 p.m. in the Municipal Commission chambers on the second floor of Brownsville City Hall, located at 1001 E. Elizabeth Street. Several commission members will be traveling to Washington, D.C., this week as part of a Brownsville Chamber of Commerce delegation to meet with federal and state representatives regarding funding priorities and initiatives for the city. The agenda for the September 22 meeting will be posted on the city’s website in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, and residents wishing to participate in public comments can register through the City of Brownsville portal.
PoliticsAfter public pressure, Texas OKs more 765 lines, directing companies to work with landowners
The Public Utility Commission of Texas approved a contentious 370-mile transmission line project, the Howard Solstice line, aimed at supplying electricity to the Permian Basin. The commission mandated that two transmission companies collaborate with landowners to modify the route, addressing concerns about potential damage to properties. Stretching across 14 counties, including Uvalde and Bexar, the project has faced significant opposition from landowners, who argue they were not adequately informed and that the 180-day application review period is too short. Despite these concerns, the commission's recent vote supports the state’s energy infrastructure expansion, which has drawn attention from lawmakers and advocacy groups.
PoliticsTexas needs more foster care spending transparency, state report says
A recent report from the Texas Legislative Budget Board emphasizes the need for increased transparency in foster care spending. The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is urged to improve financial reporting regarding expenditures for temporary housing and private contractors that manage half of the state's foster care services. While the number of children without immediate placements has decreased significantly, costs remain high, totaling approximately $150 million since 2022. Lawmakers are expected to focus on foster care privatization efforts next year, especially after the termination of the largest contractor due to serious incidents involving children.
PoliticsInside Valley Politics: Data center debate rages from DC to the RGV
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The debate over data centers is fast becoming one of the hottest topics in the country. On this week's episode of Inside Valley Politics, we take a look at how quickly the issue has captured voters' attention and the shifting attitudes from some lawmakers. President Trump took to his social media
PoliticsBeto O’Rourke’s Every Campus Counts Tour to Stop at South Texas College
Former U.S. Representative Beto O’Rourke will visit South Texas College on Monday, September 14, as part of his Every Campus Counts Tour. The event, organized by the STC College Democrats Club, will take place at the STC Pecan Campus from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with O’Rourke arriving at 10 a.m. This voter registration initiative aims to help students, faculty, and staff verify their registration status or register to vote ahead of upcoming elections. O’Rourke, a prominent Democratic figure, has previously run for various offices, including the U.S. Senate and governor of Texas, but this event focuses solely on encouraging voter participation.
PoliticsICE Arrests Reach Record Numbers Due to Changes in Immigration Control Tactics
The Trump administration recorded a record number of immigration-related arrests in the last three months, although this drastic increase did not replicate the military-style deployment observed earlier in the year. During the summer, tactics focused on public area arrests and collaboration with local jails and law enforcement, impacting cities such as Houston, New York, Memphis, San Francisco, and Atlanta. Immigration agents have also concentrated their efforts on making arrests at airports, courthouses, and during ICE check-in appointments. In August alone, ICE officers and agents arrested a record 50,925 individuals, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This new peak followed the 50,208 arrests recorded in July—previously the highest number—and nearly 44,000 made in June. These arrests respond to a recent directive aimed at ICE regional offices to arrest 2,000 individuals daily nationwide. In August, ICE averaged about 1,600 arrests per day, compared to approximately 1,000 daily before the order. The recent increase is part of a 'new normal' that ICE expects to maintain, according to a source familiar with detention operations. 'The men and women of DHS, who work hard, continue to break records while defending the homeland and protecting the American people,' stated DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. 'For the third consecutive month, ICE set a new record for the highest number of undocumented immigrants detained in a single month: nearly 51,000.'
PoliticsTexas Becomes First State to Hold TikTok Liable for Child Safety Hazards
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has achieved a significant legal milestone by making Texas the first state to hold TikTok accountable for child safety issues. In a lawsuit filed in January 2025, Paxton accused TikTok of misleading parents about the safety of its platform and exposing children to inappropriate content. District Judge Cory Liu ruled that TikTok misrepresented its safety standards, as explicit material remained accessible to minors, even in 'Restricted Mode.' Paxton emphasized his commitment to protecting Texas children from harmful online content and announced that a trial against TikTok will take place next month to determine penalties.
PoliticsCuellar and Tijerina spar over who delivers for a South Texas district redrawn to favor the GOP
WASHINGTON — While Congress was on break this August, Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, popped up at over 60 events in his district, many of them to announce funding for local projects he secured from his longtime perch on the House Appropriations Committee. Cuellar has used this time-tested style of retail politicking throughout his nearly 22
PoliticsNew ordinance will demolish abandoned buildings in La Villa
La Villa is set to demolish abandoned buildings as part of a new ordinance aimed at improving community safety and aesthetics. City Administrator Antonio 'Tony' Barco reported that seven properties have already been identified, primarily located on the east and northeast sides of the city. Residents have expressed concerns about pests and illegal activities in these vacant homes. The city will reach out to property owners for voluntary participation in the demolition program, which will involve a fee of around $500 for trash containers. If owners refuse, the city is prepared to pursue legal action for demolition.
PoliticsJudge recommends border wall construction near Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge remain paused
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A federal judge on Thursday recommended that border wall construction near the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge remain paused until trespassing claims against the government’s construction contractors are resolved. After reviewing a lawsuit filed by Hidalgo County Irrigation District #2, which owns a canal near the wildlife refuge, U.S. Magistrate Judge
PoliticsTexas prisons seek $298 million for air conditioning. That a fraction of what needed.
The Texas prison system is requesting $298 million from the Legislature over the next two years to install air conditioning in over 15,700 beds, aiming to address extreme summer heat. However, inmate advocates argue that this amount is insufficient, estimating that $1.5 billion is needed for comprehensive cooling solutions. A federal judge is currently deliberating on whether to mandate cooling in Texas prisons, where temperatures often exceed 100 degrees. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice also seeks additional funding for expansion dorms, but advocates claim that the agency is not treating the heat crisis as an emergency, leading to preventable deaths among inmates.
PoliticsCity of Alamo appoints new Assistant City Manager
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of Alamo appointed Iris Alvarado Padilla as the new assistant city manager on Tuesday. Padilla earned a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Law with a minor in History and a Master of Arts in Executive Leadership. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D in public administration to expand her professional growth
PoliticsBorder Operations Yield 247 Additional Cases in Early September
In early September, 247 individuals were charged in 239 cases related to immigration and border security crimes, including 232 illegal aliens. From August 28 to September 3, 171 complaints were filed for felony reentry after removal, and 41 faced illegal entry charges. Many of the charged individuals have prior felony convictions for narcotics and violent crimes. Additionally, 42 people were charged with human smuggling, which includes 20 illegal aliens. These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, aimed at enhancing border security and public safety in the Southern District of Texas, which covers 43 counties.