ICE activity in Texas continues to climb as agency increases focus on street arrests

Brownsville approves ordinance to take problem properties to municipal court

Freedom to Build Act Seeks to Reduce Housing Costs Through Regulatory Reform

U.S. Representative Monica De La Cruz from Texas has introduced the Freedom to Build Act, aimed at reducing housing costs by eliminating what she calls the 'bureaucrat tax.' This hidden cost stems from regulatory delays in new home construction. The legislation proposes a voluntary 'Freedom to Build' designation for communities that implement regulatory reforms, allowing them to receive priority for HUD housing grants. De La Cruz argues that overregulation has made homeownership unaffordable for many Texas families. The bill has garnered support from several industry associations, emphasizing the need for modernized permitting processes to increase housing supply.

Texas AG Hon­ors Child Sup­port Assis­tant Attor­neys Gen­er­al of the Year

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton honored eleven Assistant Attorneys General (AAGs) from the Child Support Division for their exceptional service to families and children. Each AAG was selected from one of the state's ten child support regions, with an additional honoree from the State Office. The awards recognize those who demonstrate outstanding professionalism and commitment to their work. Among the honorees, Elle Romero from Pharr was recognized for Region 3, while David DeSoto from Lubbock was honored for Region 1. The Child Support Division provides essential services, including locating absent parents and enforcing support orders.

Eagle Pass won't allow staging of border buoys at city park

The Eagle Pass City Council this week denied allowing the staging of hundreds of buoys that the federal government plans to put in the Rio Grande at its city park on the Rio Grande.

La Lomita Chapel in Mission saved from being cut off behind border wall

La Lomita Chapel in Mission, a historic site integral to the city's identity, will not be isolated by the border wall as initially feared. U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar announced that the wall will be constructed behind the chapel, closer to the Rio Grande, alleviating concerns about the chapel's future. Cuellar has worked to protect significant sites from border wall construction, securing protections in the 2020 appropriations bill. However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may still proceed with construction near the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge. Local leaders express mixed feelings about the wall's impact on the community and environment.

Appeals court rejects effort to defend Texas law offering in-state tuition for undocumented students

A federal appeals court has upheld a ruling that ends the Texas Dream Act, which allowed some undocumented students to pay in-state tuition at public colleges. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that advocacy groups and a student could not defend the law, citing federal restrictions on tuition benefits for undocumented individuals. Governor Greg Abbott praised the decision, while students and advocates expressed disappointment, arguing that the law benefited Texas by educating students. The Texas Dream Act, enacted in 2001, had allowed eligible students to access lower tuition rates, but recent legal challenges have created confusion about tuition classifications statewide.

Elected officials speak out after federal board votes against renaming Boca Chica Beach

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The U.S. Board on Geographic Names’ Domestic Names Committee on Thursday voted against a proposal to rename Boca Chica Beach to Cyber Beach. The name proposal was brought to the attention of South Texas elected officials, many of whom spoke out and brought a call to action against the name proposal.

ICE Agents Wore No Body Cameras During Fatal Operation in Houston

HOUSTON – New details have emerged regarding the final moments of Mexican immigrant Lorenzo Salgado, who was shot and killed during an operation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. It has been revealed that in addition to Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, the driver of the truck that ICE allegedly pursued and stopped on Canal Street in Magnolia Park on July 7, three other individuals were also in the vehicle. One of them was reportedly the victim's brother, along with two other men. According to family members, the three remain detained at an immigration detention center in Montgomery County. One of them is 43-year-old Daniel Tirado Pantoja. His stepdaughter spoke with Telemundo Houston, stating that, like Lorenzo Salgado's son, she learned about the alleged immigration operation through social media. 'I saw Lorenzo bleeding and I saw Daniel, and I think it was José on the other side, handcuffed'; she claims that when they arrived at the scene, all occupants of the white truck were no longer there. Telemundo Houston requested the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the identities of all individuals arrested in the incident. Tonight, the agency released a statement saying: 'After receiving a credible tip from our partner law enforcement agencies, our agents conducted surveillance at the address of a target.' 'Weeks before the incident, they observed two white trucks at that property. On July 7, as agents were approaching the target address, they saw a white truck with an individual who resembled the target. That is when they initiated the vehicle stop.' Additionally, it was revealed that, according to several DHS sources and a report from NBC News, none of the ICE agents involved in the incident were wearing body cameras on their uniforms.

Trial set for Monday in Mission CISD bribery case

McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A real estate broker who allegedly participated in a conspiracy to bribe a member of the Mission school board plans to take the case against her to trial on Monday. The school board trustee — who isn’t named in court documents — accepted $24,000 through Veronica Inez O’Caña, 50, of Mission,

Congressman Gonzalez Urges Rejection of Boca Chica Beach Name Change

U.S. Congressman Vicente Gonzalez from Texas has called on the U.S. Board on Geographic Names’ Domestic Names Committee to reject a proposal to rename Boca Chica Beach to 'Cyber Beach.' Gonzalez criticized the committee for providing less than 24 hours' notice before a scheduled vote on July 9, emphasizing the need for transparency. In his letter, he highlighted that Boca Chica Beach has been known by its current name since at least 1936 and is a significant cultural landmark. The proposal originated from an individual in Mississippi and faces opposition from local officials and SpaceX.

DHS might spare historic chapel from fast-tracked border wall, Cuellar says

A South Texas congressman visited two sites where new border wall is slated to be built in the Rio Grande Valley on Wednesday and had good news for opponents at one, and not so good news at the other.

DHS might spare historic chapel from fast-tracked border wall, Cuellar says

A South Texas congressman visited two sites where new border wall is slated to be built in the Rio Grande Valley on Wednesday and had good news for opponents at one, and not so good news at the other.

Rep. García Faces New Meddling Accusations Ahead of Midterms

Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García of Illinois is facing accusations of unethical behavior as he prepares for the midterm elections. An independent candidate, Mayra Macías, has called for an investigation into García and his staff for allegedly using congressional resources to support his former chief of staff, Patty Garcia, as his successor. Macías claims that staff time was misused to coordinate Patty's campaign and challenge independent candidates. The House Ethics Committee is being urged to look into these allegations, as García's office maintains that no rules were violated. The Illinois State Board of Elections is set to decide on the validity of signatures for independent candidates soon.

Brownsville Midtown District legal fight getting a new judge as restraining order set to expire

The legal dispute regarding Brownsville's Midtown Entertainment District is transitioning to a new judge as a restraining order protecting seven businesses is about to expire. A visiting judge withdrew after the city raised concerns due to his previous involvement in a related divorce case. The temporary order, which allows businesses on Pablo Kisel Boulevard to operate, is set to end Thursday. Property owners were informed they must file for an extension and schedule a new hearing. The businesses involved, including OSB and Bar Rio, are seeking to extend the order after the city shut them down last month for alleged code violations.

Elected officials speak out against Boca Chica Beach name change

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- Elected officials in Cameron County are speaking out against the proposal to rename Boca Chica Beach to Cyber Beach. State Rep. Erin Gamez of House District 38 addressed her concerns and opposition to the name change Wednesday evening in a social media post. ValleyCentral spoke with Gamez, who confirmed that the

Crypto kiosks were used to scam $56 million from Texans last year. Lawmakers are calling for regulation.

In Texas, cryptocurrency kiosks were involved in scams that cost victims over $56 million last year, with nearly 1,200 individuals affected. Many victims, including a 72-year-old woman, were manipulated into believing they owed money to authorities, leading them to deposit cash into these machines. The FBI reports a surge in such scams, prompting calls for regulation as Texas currently lacks oversight. Lawmakers are discussing potential bans and regulations, especially to protect vulnerable populations like the elderly. With around 4,000 kiosks statewide, the urgency for legislative action is growing as fraud rates continue to rise.

Son of man killed by ICE agent calls for investigation, says my father would have complied

Ronaldo Salgado, the son of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, who was shot dead by an ICE agent in Houston, is calling for an independent investigation into his father's death. During a press conference, Ronaldo described his father as a hardworking man who was in the process of obtaining a work permit. He believes his father would have complied with law enforcement if he had known they were agents. Local leaders, including LULAC, are demanding transparency and accountability, offering a $5,000 reward for information related to the incident. The Texas Department of Public Safety has referred inquiries to ICE, which has not provided detailed information.

Mission hosts State of the City address

MISSION, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The City of Mission hosted its State of the City address this afternoon. Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza highlighted the city's accomplishments over the past year and celebrated the partnerships the city has made to strengthen the community. The city's presentation featured updates on economic development, infrastructure improvements, public safety initiatives, and