Politics
Politics news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
PoliticsUS Authorizes Venezuela to Pay Legal Fees for Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores
The United States has agreed to modify sanctions on Venezuela, allowing its government to pay the legal fees of attorneys defending Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in a drug trafficking case in New York, according to a court document. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued amended licenses permitting payments under specific conditions, including that funds must be available to the Venezuelan government after March 5, 2026, and cannot come from Foreign Government Deposit Funds. This marks a shift in the strategy of the Department of Justice and the administration of former President Donald Trump, which had previously blocked access to these funds citing national security and foreign policy concerns. Maduro's defense, led by attorney Barry Pollack, had argued that the inability to pay legal fees violated the Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees the right to choose legal representation. Judge Alvin Hellerstein of the Southern District of New York expressed skepticism about the prosecution's stance during a March 26 hearing, noting that the couple no longer posed a national security threat after their capture and transfer to the U.S. Maduro, 63, and Flores, 69, were apprehended in Caracas on January 3 by U.S. special forces and are currently held in a federal prison in Brooklyn. Both have pleaded 'not guilty' to charges including conspiracy to commit narcoterrorism and cocaine importation. The formal trial is not expected to begin for another one to two years.
Voter turnout numbers: Early voting Day 4
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Unofficial vote totals from Hidalgo and Cameron counties show a slight increase for voter turnout on Friday for the fourth day of early voting. According to unofficial totals for Hidalgo County, 1,742 people voted on Friday, bringing the total to 8,115 votes since early voting began on Monday. Unofficial totals for [...]
PoliticsLet’s Do It! FDA to Fast-Track Review of 3 Psychedelic Drugs Following Trump Order
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced Friday that it will fast-track the review of three psychedelic drugs being developed to treat mental health conditions, including depression. This move follows President Donald Trump’s executive order directing the FDA and other federal agencies to accelerate research and ease restrictions on psychedelics, a class of hallucinogenic substances that remain illegal under federal law. The FDA has issued priority review vouchers to two companies studying psilocybin—the active ingredient in magic mushrooms—for treatment-resistant depression. A third company received a voucher for methylone, a drug related to MDMA, for post-traumatic stress disorder. The FDA did not disclose the names of the companies in its press release. “We owe it to our nation’s veterans and all Americans suffering from these conditions to urgently evaluate these potential therapies,” FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said in a statement. The recent measures on psychedelics reflect growing popular support for these mind-altering substances among Trump supporters, including combat veterans and followers of the Make America Healthy Again movement led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. In July, Kennedy told Congress that his department aimed to make psychedelics available for hard-to-treat psychiatric conditions within a year. Key allies of Kennedy, including Calley Means, a former campaign team member and current senior health advisor, have publicly advocated for the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. The FDA’s special treatment of psychedelics is likely to reignite scrutiny of its Priority National Voucher program, which accelerates drug reviews. Some Democratic lawmakers have criticized the program, alleging that vouchers have been awarded to companies politically favored by the White House. Separately, the FDA has authorized initial trials of a drug related to ibogaine, a powerful psychedelic derived from an African shrub, for alcohol use disorder. Ibogaine is known to cause dangerous heart rhythms but has been adopted by combat veterans as a treatment for trauma and addiction. Florida-based pharmaceutical company DemeRx is leading the research on a metabolite of ibogaine, which reportedly lacks the hallucinogenic effects and risks of the original compound. During a White House event on psychedelics last Saturday, political allies of Trump were credited with elevating these drugs to the top of his agenda. Podcaster Joe Rogan, who attended the event, shared that he texted Trump about ibogaine, and the president responded: “Sounds great. Want FDA approval? Let’s do it.” Rogan’s endorsement of Trump days before the November 2024 election was seen as pivotal to his victory. Earlier this week, Rogan revealed on his show that he learned about ibogaine from his friend Ed Clay, a mixed martial arts trainer and entrepreneur who organizes retreats using the substance in Mexico. Most psychedelics, including LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA, are classified as Schedule I substances, meaning they are considered high-risk drugs with no accepted medical use. For decades, pharmaceutical companies avoided these substances due to the challenges of studying drugs that are federally illegal. However, dozens of small pharmaceutical firms, many backed by Silicon Valley investors, have recently joined the race to secure FDA approval for various psychedelics. Tech billionaire Peter Thiel, a political donor to Trump and Vice President JD Vance, has invested in AtaiBeckley, a company researching MDMA and other psychedelic compounds.
PoliticsYour District, Your Voice: District 2 Town Hall, April 28th
Texas Border Business McALLEN, Texas – City Commissioner Dist. 2 Joaquin “J.J.” Zamora and The City of McAllen invite residents to attend a public town hall meeting to discuss key community topics, including water supply, infrastructure, transportation, illegal dumping, voter awareness, animal welfare, parks and recreation, and state-level policy concerns. This meeting provides residents the opportunity
PoliticsU.S. to Allow Firing Squads to Expedite Federal Executions
The U.S. Department of Justice will adopt firing squads as a permitted method of execution as part of efforts by former President Donald Trump's administration to intensify and expedite federal death penalty cases, officials announced Friday. The Justice Department is also reinstating the use of single-drug lethal injections with pentobarbital, which were used to carry out 13 executions during Trump's first term—more than under any modern president. President Joe Biden's administration had removed pentobarbital from federal execution protocols over concerns about unnecessary pain and suffering. The measures are part of a broader push to increase and accelerate federal executions following a moratorium during Biden's presidency. Only three inmates remain on federal death row after Biden commuted 37 sentences to life imprisonment, though Trump's administration has authorized seeking death sentences for 44 defendants so far. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated, "The previous administration failed in its duty to protect the American people by refusing to seek and carry out the maximum punishment against the most dangerous criminals, including terrorists, child murderers, and cop killers. Under President Trump's leadership, the Department of Justice is once again enforcing the law and standing up for victims." Firing squads had not previously been included in federal execution protocols, according to the nonprofit Death Penalty Information Center. Currently, five states—Idaho, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Utah—permit executions by firing squad. The pentobarbital protocol was introduced by former Attorney General Bill Barr during Trump's first term to replace a three-drug cocktail used in the 2000s, the last time federal executions were carried out before Trump's presidency. In the final days of Biden's administration, then-Attorney General Merrick Garland rescinded the pentobarbital lethal injection policy after a government review of scientific and medical research found "considerable uncertainty" about whether its use causes unnecessary pain and suffering. In 2020, under Barr's direction, the Justice Department published a rule in the Federal Register allowing federal executions by lethal injection or "any other form prescribed by the law of the state where the sentence was imposed." Several states permit alternative execution methods, including electrocution, nitrogen gas inhalation, and firing squads. A report released Friday by Trump's administration criticized Biden's handling of the issue, claiming the previous administration "got the standard and the science wrong." The report argued that Biden's findings failed to address "overwhelming evidence" that pentobarbital causes rapid unconsciousness, preventing the experience of pain. Currently on federal death row are Dylann Roof, who committed the racially motivated murders of nine Black worshippers at Charleston's Mother Emanuel AME Church in 2015; Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, the perpetrator of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing; and Robert Bowers, who killed 11 congregants at Pittsburgh's Tree of Life synagogue in 2018, marking the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history.
PoliticsDeaths of U.S. Agents in Anti-Drug Operation Stir Debate Over U.S. Involvement in Mexico
MEXICO CITY – The deaths of two U.S. agents and two Mexican nationals during an anti-drug operation in the state of Chihuahua have reignited debate over the presence of U.S. agents operating in Mexican territory. President Claudia Sheinbaum defended national sovereignty and strict adherence to legal frameworks on Friday. Diplomatic tensions have escalated in recent days, with Sheinbaum demanding an explanation from Washington regarding the participation of U.S. agents in the operation in Chihuahua, a state bordering the U.S. Security analyst David Saucedo noted that the incident highlights a growing trend of unilateral actions by U.S. agencies without prior notification to Mexico’s federal government, driven by concerns over potential information leaks to criminal organizations. Saucedo explained that agencies like the CIA, FBI, and DEA have long conducted intelligence, investigative, and tactical support operations in Mexico, often under discreet coordination with Mexican authorities. However, in recent years, Washington has reduced intelligence sharing with Mexico’s federal government, citing risks of information falling into the hands of organized crime. Information obtained from extradited cartel leaders, particularly those linked to the Sinaloa Cartel, has enabled U.S. agencies to identify clandestine labs, trafficking routes, and institutional protection networks without fully sharing data with Mexico. Sheinbaum reiterated her stance on Friday, emphasizing that foreign agents must operate within Mexico’s constitutional and legal frameworks. She stated, 'Sovereignty is non-negotiable. Cooperation and coordination must always adhere to our laws.' She also stressed that any collaboration with foreign agencies must be authorized by the Foreign Affairs Ministry and reported to the federal Security Cabinet. Saucedo noted that Sheinbaum’s position has political implications, bolstering her nationalist rhetoric and public support. However, he predicted that the institutional demands would not fundamentally alter the practical cooperation between the two nations. He argued that bilateral security relations are driven more by pragmatism than formal legal agreements, and covert U.S. operations in Mexico are likely to continue despite the public debate over sovereignty and legality. While he dismissed the likelihood of a major diplomatic crisis, Saucedo acknowledged that the incident adds to existing tensions between the two governments on issues like migration, security, and trade.
PoliticsTexas Approves SB4 Allowing Arrests for Illegal Entry
HOUSTON – Texas achieved a significant victory on Friday with the implementation of SB4, one of the nation's strictest immigration laws. After a lengthy legal battle, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the law can take effect. SB4 classifies illegal entry and reentry into the United States as state-level crimes and grants police the authority to arrest individuals suspected of violating federal immigration laws. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton shared the news on the social media platform X, stating, 'My office has secured another major victory for Texas by defending SB4 before the Fifth Circuit.' Paxton emphasized that the decision strengthens public safety and law enforcement in the state. The ruling marks a new chapter in the legal debate over state authority in immigration matters and could set a precedent for similar initiatives across the country.
PoliticsTexas AG Blocks Federal Gun Sale Rule, Citing Executive Overreach
Attorney General Ken Paxton secured a landmark legal victory for gun owners, preserving an injunction that prevented enforcement of a Biden Administration Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) rule that unlawfully sought to violate Americans’ constitutional right to privately buy and sell firearms.
PoliticsOfficer Positioned Near Showers: Woman Reports Conditions at Migrant Detention Center
Hilda Torres, who has been detained for nearly six months, has raised concerns about hygiene, health issues, and privacy at a migrant detention center. One of her main complaints involves the lack of privacy during showers, where she claims an officer—often male—is stationed nearby, making the experience uncomfortable. Torres has also reported problems with water temperature and stomach issues affecting detainees. Through letters to her family, she has detailed her experiences, including an incident where a guard allegedly stared at her while she showered. Management and Training Corporation, the operator of the facility, responded to TELEMUNDO 40, stating that privacy standards are met with 5-foot shower walls and that officers are not stationed near bathrooms or showers during use. They also claimed the average shower temperature is 102°F and denied hygiene issues, asserting regular cleaning and pest control measures. Activists and Torres' family have called for government intervention, with groups like Brown Berets RGV urging inspections of detention centers. Recently, Congressmen Vicente González and Joaquín Castro visited detention centers in South Texas, documenting conditions and pledging action.
PoliticsAbbott Taps New Members for EMS, Higher-Ed Disability Council, and More
This week, Governor Greg Abbott selected multiple qualified candidates to serve on behalf of Texans. Image for illustration purposes
PoliticsAlamo Considers Suspending City Manager in Special Meeting
The City of Alamo has scheduled a special meeting of the Board of Commissioners for Friday, April 24, at 12:00 p.m., at City Hall located at 420 N. Tower Road. According to the official agenda, one of the main items to be discussed is the possible suspension of City Manager Robert L. Salinas. The meeting will include a public comment period, allowing residents to participate by registering in advance to address agenda topics. Officials stated that the Commission may enter into executive session during the meeting, as permitted by state law, to discuss related legal matters and deliberate on the issues presented. No additional details have been released regarding the reasons behind the consideration of the suspension.
PoliticsEarly Voting and Election Day Polling Places for May 2nd Special Elections
Election day is once again upon us. Voters are encouraged to participate in the May 2, 2026 Special Election.
PoliticsHow the Texas Military Department Leads the Nation in Redefining Energy Resilience
When the power goes out, most organizations sit around and wait for it to come back. But for one Texas agency, those dark days are over. The post How the Texas Military Department Leads the Nation in Redefining Energy Resilience appeared first on Texas Border Business.
PoliticsJustice Department Moves FDA-Approved Marijuana to Schedule III, Expanding Research Under Federal Oversight
In accordance with President Trump’s December 18, 2025, Executive Order on Increasing Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research, the Justice Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced the issuance of an order immediately placing both FDA-approved products containing marijuana and marijuana products regulated by a state medical marijuana license in Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, The post Justice Department Moves FDA-Approved Marijuana to Schedule III, Expanding Research Under Federal Oversight appeared first on Texas Border Business.
PoliticsCornyn Calls to Permanently Defund Planned Parenthood in Next Reconciliation Bill
Texas Border Business WASHINGTON – On the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the current budget resolution the Senate is considering that will kick off the process to pass funding for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) amidst ongoing Democrat obstruction and outlined his priorities for a third reconciliation bill, including […] The post Cornyn Calls to Permanently Defund Planned Parenthood in Next Reconciliation Bill appeared first on Texas Border Business.
PoliticsDe La Cruz Leads Texas Delegation Urging USMCA Enforcement of 1944 Water Treaty
Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15), along with a dozen members of the Texas Congressional Delegation, sent a letter to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer and Chief Agricultural Negotiator Ambassador Julie Callahan, urging the Administration to use the upcoming USMCA renegotiations to ensure the Government of Mexico’s compliance with 1944 Water Treaty deliveries. The post De La Cruz Leads Texas Delegation Urging USMCA Enforcement of 1944 Water Treaty appeared first on Texas Border Business.
PoliticsSwalwell Faces Allegations of Sexual Assault and Misconduct
At least two women received cease-and-desist letters after rumors have circulated on social media about multiple allegations of nonconsensual sexual encounters. Swalwell’s campaign denies the allegations.
PoliticsSenate Democratic Leaders Back Moderates in the Primaries. Progressives Say That's a Mistake.
In Maine and Michigan specifically, the Senate Democratic primaries are shaping up to be tough for the DSCC-favored candidates who might lose to progressives.
PoliticsElizabeth Warren Led a Key Housing Bill. She Might Lead to Its Downfall.
Stakeholders and a range of lawmakers are unhappy with the result of Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s work with the White House to draft a major housing bill passed by the Senate.