Politics
Politics news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
PoliticsJudge Apologizes to Suspect in Trump Assassination Attempt at Correspondents' Dinner
A federal judge pressed a jail official on Monday to explain why the man accused of attempting to storm the White House Correspondents' Association dinner and assassinate President Donald Trump was placed under strict suicide watch following his arrest. Washington D.C. jail authorities removed Cole Tomas Allen from his designated 'suicide risk' status over the weekend after his lawyers complained he had been unnecessarily confined in a padded room with constant lighting, subjected to repeated strip searches, and placed under restrictions outside his cell. However, the easing of conditions did not alleviate the concerns of Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui, who fears Allen has received unequal and punitive treatment in violation of his due process rights. During a hearing, Faruqui criticized the general counsel of the D.C. Department of Corrections, calling Allen's confinement 'disturbing.' Faruqui noted that the D.C. jail routinely houses convicted murderers and other accused violent offenders without subjecting them to 24-hour lockdown. 'That could drive a person crazy in that situation,' he said. Faruqui directly apologized to Allen for the conditions of his confinement, stating, 'I am deeply concerned about what the conditions you have been subjected to indicate... I’m sorry. It sounds like things have not been as they should be... Whatever has happened, I apologize.' He added that Allen posed a much lower threat to jail security than those charged in the January 6 incident.
PoliticsProtest Scheduled in Raymondville to Demand Release of Woman with DACA
A protest is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. in Raymondville, organized by La Unión del Pueblo Entero (LUPE) alongside family members and local representatives. The demonstration aims to demand the immediate release of Yenniffer England, a DACA recipient detained at the local immigration detention center. England was arrested on February 16 during a traffic stop while out to dinner with her brother and daughter, despite having a valid DACA status. Her detention, which has lasted nearly three months, is said to have caused significant emotional distress for her family. She has an immigration court hearing set for May 6.
PoliticsU.S. Military Attack on Alleged Drug Boat in the Caribbean Leaves 2 Dead
The U.S. military conducted an attack on a vessel suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean, resulting in two fatalities, according to military sources. This operation is part of a broader campaign initiated by the Trump administration in September 2025, which has reportedly led to at least 188 deaths. Despite ongoing military actions against drug boats, the U.S. has not provided evidence that these vessels were carrying drugs. Critics have raised concerns about the legality of such attacks, while officials maintain that they are part of efforts to combat drug trafficking and related violence in the region.
PoliticsProgreso finalizing new city hall plans
Progreso is moving forward with plans for a new city hall located next to the existing facility at 300 N. FM 1015. City Manager Benjamin Adona emphasized the need for more space as the city grows, stating that consolidating departments will improve efficiency. The new building will be remodeled to provide additional room, including conference areas, with renovation costs estimated at $180,000. The city is exploring funding options through loans or grants. The new city hall is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, while the maintenance department will continue operating from the current location.
PoliticsRule that lets Texans obtain out-of-state abortion pills can continue for now, Supreme Court says
The U.S. Supreme Court has temporarily blocked a ruling from the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals that would limit access to the abortion drug mifepristone. Justice Samuel Alito issued the hold, allowing the current rule permitting remote prescriptions and mailing of the drug to remain in effect until May 11. This rule is crucial for patients in Texas, where abortion access is restricted. The 5th Circuit's decision would require in-person pickups, affecting thousands of telehealth prescriptions. Abortion advocates criticize the ruling as a move to restrict access, while anti-abortion groups celebrate it as progress toward limiting mifepristone availability.
PoliticsCivil rights groups sue to stop Texas immigration law
Civil rights organizations have filed a lawsuit to block parts of Texas Senate Bill 4, which allows state police to arrest individuals suspected of illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. The law could take effect next week after a federal appeals court lifted a previous injunction. The lawsuit, led by the Texas Civil Rights Project and the ACLU, argues that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility and that SB 4 is unconstitutional. They aim to challenge provisions that criminalize unauthorized re-entry, grant deportation authority to state magistrates, and require prosecution despite pending immigration cases. The law was passed in response to increased border crossings.
PoliticsHow the Voting Rights Act reshaped Texa electoral maps by empowering voters, candidates of color
The Voting Rights Act, signed into law in 1965, significantly altered Texas' electoral landscape by empowering voters of color. Following the Act, districts were drawn to ensure minority representation, leading to increased electoral participation among Latino, Black, and Asian communities. However, recent Supreme Court rulings have weakened Section 2 of the Act, making it harder to challenge voter dilution claims. This has raised concerns among advocates about the future of minority representation in Texas, as redistricting efforts have begun to dismantle districts that were established to protect the voting power of these communities. Lawmakers are expected to revisit redistricting in 2027.
PoliticsACLU Files Lawsuit to Halt Parts of SB-4 Law in Texas Before May 15
HOUSTON, Texas – The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed a new lawsuit aiming to stop certain provisions of the controversial state law SB-4, which allows state agents and local police in Texas to intervene in the enforcement of immigration laws. The case seeks to block specific provisions before May 15, a key date for its implementation. SB-4 has faced a lengthy legal battle since 2023. After court decisions and appeals, the measure was recently cleared for enforcement; however, civil rights organizations have maintained new legal fronts to prevent the state from taking on roles they argue belong to the federal government. According to Caro Rivera Nelson, an ACLU attorney, it is 'a state law that allows local police in Texas to arrest and deport immigrants they suspect are not here legally.' The new lawsuit, filed by the ACLU and allies, aims to block parts of the law, including what they describe as the criminalization of 're-entry' and other provisions that would expand state authority over immigration matters. Rivera Nelson warned that under SB-4, a person who has entered without authorization could face consequences even if they currently have some legal protection. 'If there are people who have entered illegally, even if they have legal protections now, the police can find them and under SB-4, if they have entered illegally, they can be deported,' she said. Additionally, the lawsuit seeks to halt immigration powers granted to judges and state agents, arguing that the state would be creating its own immigration enforcement scheme. In response to a request for comments from Telemundo Houston, the Texas Department of Public Safety stated that it does not comment on pending litigation.
PoliticsDemocrats add Pulido's South Texas race to 'Red to Blue' list
Latin Grammy winning singer Bobby Pulido, who is the democratic candidate for Texas' 15th Congressional District, is among races nationally targeted for a win by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC).
PoliticsNonprofits sue to stop Texas law that allows local police to arrest migrants suspected of illegally entering US
Several nonprofits on Monday filed a lawsuit to stop a Texas from going into effect next week that would allow local and state law enforcement to arrest those who are suspected of entering the United States illegally.
PoliticsSouthern District of Texas Reports 239 New Charges in Border Security Crackdown
From April 24 to 30, the Southern District of Texas filed 239 immigration and border security-related cases. This includes 163 criminal complaints for illegal entry and 53 for felony reentry after removal. Additionally, 28 individuals are charged with human smuggling. Many of the accused have prior felony convictions for various crimes. These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, which aims to combat illegal immigration and dismantle cartels. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for this district, covering 43 counties, collaborates with multiple law enforcement agencies to prosecute these offenses, ensuring public safety and border security remain top priorities.
PoliticsThe Reason Why Nearly 4.3 Million People No Longer Receive Food Stamps
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins attributed a decrease of several million participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to fraud containment and an improved economy. However, experts downplay these factors, stating that the main driver of the decline was likely new legislation that changed how the program operates. Here’s a more detailed analysis of the facts. ROLLINS: 'Just a couple of days ago, we managed to get 4.3 million Americans to stop relying on the food stamp program. Much of this is due to fraud. A large part is due to people benefiting from the program without being entitled to it. And another significant part is simply due to a better economy. We have experienced wage growth that has outpaced inflation for the first time since early 2021. This is truly an important day. Therefore, people no longer need food stamps.' THE FACTS: The number of SNAP beneficiaries decreased by nearly 4.3 million between January 2025 and January 2026, according to preliminary government data released by the Department of Agriculture. However, experts argue that new requirements imposed by a massive tax and spending cut bill — which Republicans passed in Congress last summer — are the main reasons for this decline. This bill is projected to cut $186 billion in federal spending — a 20% reduction — from SNAP over a 10-year period, according to the Congressional Budget Office. 'What we have observed in the data is that the downward trend in participation seems to be related to the fact that access to the program has become more difficult,' said Roger Figueroa, an assistant professor at Cornell University who studies food insecurity from a public health perspective.
PoliticsThe reason nearly 4.3 million people are no longer receiving food stamps
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins attributed a decrease of several million participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to fraud containment and an improved economy. However, experts downplay these factors, stating that the primary driver of the decline was likely new legislation that changed how the program operates. Here’s a more detailed analysis of the facts. ROLLINS: 'Just a couple of days ago, we managed to have 4.3 million Americans stop relying on the food stamp program. Much of this is due to fraud. A lot is due to people benefiting from the program without being entitled to it. And another large part is simply due to a better economy. We have experienced wage growth that has outpaced inflation for the first time since early 2021. This is truly an important day. Therefore, people no longer need food stamps.' THE FACTS: The number of SNAP beneficiaries decreased by nearly 4.3 million between January 2025 and January 2026, according to preliminary government data released by the Department of Agriculture. However, experts argue that new requirements imposed by a massive tax and spending cut bill — which Republicans passed in Congress last summer — are the main reasons for this decline. This bill is projected to cut $186 billion in federal spending — a 20% reduction — from SNAP over a 10-year period, according to the Congressional Budget Office. 'What we have observed in the data is that the downward trend in participation seems to be related to the fact that access to the program has become more difficult,' said Roger Figueroa, an assistant professor at Cornell University who studies food insecurity from a public health perspective.
PoliticsTexas Surpasses $3 Billion in Opioid Settlements Following Newest Agreement
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced the legal effectiveness of a $7.4 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family, aimed at addressing the opioid crisis. Texas will receive $286.5 million from this settlement, contributing to over $3 billion secured in total opioid settlements. The agreement prohibits the Sacklers from selling opioids in the U.S. and allocates funds for addiction treatment and recovery over the next 15 years. Purdue's operations will now be managed by Knoa Pharma LLC, with oversight to prevent illegal distribution of opioids. Additionally, over 30 million documents related to Purdue's business will be made public.
PoliticsDistrict 5 Special Election Update: Results Forthcoming
The City of McAllen conducted a special election for City Commissioner in District 5 on May 2, 2026. All early and election day votes have been counted, including provisional ballots. Mail-in ballots must be received by 5 p.m. on May 4, and voters have until May 8 to address any issues with their mail-in ballots. Unofficial results will be released on May 9, with the City Commission set to canvass the election on May 11. The City appreciates the community's patience during this process, adhering to the Texas Election Code. For inquiries, contact the City Secretary’s Office at 956-681-1020.
PoliticsCameron County Residents Sue SpaceX for Damage to Their Homes
The federal lawsuit was filed on April 30 in the Southern District of Texas against SpaceX, highlighting that the launch and testing operations of the Starship rocket at Starbase have caused both economic and non-economic damage to their homes. The plaintiffs claim that the launches, vibrations, noise, and sonic booms generated by Starship tests between 2023 and 2025 have affected properties in nearby communities such as Port Isabel, Laguna Vista, Laguna Heights, and South Padre Island. The lawsuit states that 'SpaceX breached that duty by failing to conduct adequate studies before and after test flights, continuing launches despite the risk of damage, and not implementing appropriate measures to mitigate those risks.' Consequently, these operations have produced 'extraordinary amounts of acoustic energy,' according to the court document. These activities include vibrations and sonic booms, which allegedly have caused structural damage to their homes. Additionally, it accuses SpaceX of gross negligence and unauthorized entry of noise or acoustic energy onto private properties. Therefore, the plaintiffs seek compensation for damages, as well as punitive damages and other legal expenses. The document also requests a jury trial. The case is currently ongoing, and it will be up to the court to determine if SpaceX is liable for the damages claimed by this group of residents.
PoliticsGovernment Eases Pause on Certain Work Permits, Medical Requests, and Other Procedures
After more than three months, the U.S. government has eased the pause on some immigration applications for citizens from 39 countries deemed high-risk, including Cuba, Haiti, and Venezuela. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that among the immigration processes resuming are certain naturalization ceremonies, work permit requests, asylum applications, and requests related to medical professionals. In an alert on its website, USCIS provided an update on the rigorous evaluation and verification processes implemented since the beginning of Donald Trump's second term, reiterating that they found 'deficiencies' that led to some applications being approved despite not meeting the criteria. As part of the recent measures, USCIS indicated that it has established an internal process to lift suspensions on individual or group cases, which requires thorough review by multiple offices.
PoliticsMarco Rubio's DJ Videos at a Wedding Go Viral
Videos of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio DJing at a wedding have gone viral on social media. In the clips, Rubio, 54, is seen enthusiastically lip-syncing and dancing to Calvin Harris's 'Feel So Close' while wearing headphones. He encourages guests to join in the fun. The videos gained traction after being shared by Dan Scavino, Deputy Chief of Staff for President Donald Trump. Rubio is scheduled to meet with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican this Thursday, marking a significant event as he will be the first U.S. Secretary of State to meet an American pope.
PoliticsBrownsville voters to choose Port of Brownsville Place 2 commissioner
On Saturday, May 2, Brownsville voters will elect a new Place 2 Commissioner for the Port of Brownsville. Three candidates are in the running: David Garcia emphasizes the need for infrastructure to support new companies and insists on hiring locally before considering outside workers. Shariff Gonnella prioritizes environmental impacts, advocating for transparency and community involvement in port decisions. Alex Najera supports the port's current trajectory but stresses the importance of protecting the community and environment, calling for transparency to benefit Brownsville. Voters will have the chance to shape the future of the port with their choice.