Politics
Politics news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
PoliticsActing Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock to resign at end of month
Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock will step down from his post as Texas’ chief financial officer at the end of July, according to a resignation letter he submitted to Gov. Greg Abbott Wednesday. Hancock’s departure notice, first reported by Texas Bullpen and confirmed by Abbott, comes one year to the day after he took over the agency. He was chosen by
PoliticsGov. Greg Abbott calls for ban on data center development in rural Texas neighborhoods
Gov. Greg Abbott called for blocking new data center development in rural parts of the state during a campaign stop in East Texas on Tuesday. “We must prohibit them from building AI data centers in rural Texas neighborhoods,” Abbott said at the Bullard event, which primarily discussed his plan to cut property taxes, adding that
PoliticsDiocese of Brownsville Says Sister Leticia Ugboaja Released After ICE Detention
Sister Leticia Ugboaja, a member of the Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy, has been released from ICE detention after being apprehended on June 28 while walking to Our Lady of Sorrows Church in McAllen for Mass. The Diocese of Brownsville expressed gratitude for community support and local officials' efforts to secure her release. Sister Leticia, who serves as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and works as a registered nurse, was detained under controversial circumstances. Bishop Daniel E. Flores and several U.S. representatives, including Monica De La Cruz and Henry Cuellar, voiced concerns about the incident and emphasized the need for reform in immigration enforcement policies.
Politics'Wildly disturbing': Catholic Diocese of Brownsville releases statement after Valley nun detained by ICE
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Catholic Diocese of Brownsville has released a statement after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained a nun while she was walking to Mass on Sunday, with Bishop Daniel E. Flores calling the actions "wildly disturbing." On Sunday, Our Lady of Sorrows Church in McAllen announced that Sister Leticia Ugbaoja, known as
Politics265 Charged in Texas Border Security Crackdown During First Week of Summer
During the first week of summer, the Southern District of Texas charged 265 individuals with immigration-related offenses, including 223 illegal aliens. Of these, 56 were charged with illegal entry and 167 with reentry. Many have prior convictions for narcotics, immigration violations, and violent crimes. Additionally, 29 individuals are accused of human smuggling. This enforcement effort is part of Operation Take Back America, aimed at combating illegal immigration and organized crime. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, which serves 43 counties, emphasizes public safety and border security as top priorities in their ongoing operations.
PoliticsRoy Rodriguez Supports Ocean Desalination as Part of Regional Water Strategy
Roel 'Roy' Rodriguez, interim general manager of the Harlingen WaterWorks System, advocates for the inclusion of the RGV Desal marine desalination project in the Rio Grande Valley's long-term water strategy. Speaking after a press conference hosted by the RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Rodriguez emphasized the need for a diversified water portfolio to meet future demands. He highlighted the importance of securing commitments from cities to purchase water and suggested that the project should initially focus on Cameron County to minimize costs. Rodriguez also called for both public and private funding to ensure the project's success.
PoliticsHidalgo County Reminds Property Owners to Pay Taxes to Avoid Additional Fees
Hidalgo County officials remind property owners to pay their 2025 property taxes by June 30, 2026, to avoid a 15% collection fee that will apply to any outstanding taxes, penalties, or interest starting July 1. According to the Hidalgo County Tax Office, this fee is mandated by Section 33.07 of the Texas Property Tax Code. Taxpayers are encouraged to check their account status and make any necessary payments before the fee takes effect. Payments can be made Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at any Hidalgo County office.
Politics'She changed lives': Valley nurse, nun detained by ICE known for her compassion
MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Community members are sharing stories of compassion and service after a Valley nun and registered nurse was briefly detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while walking to Sunday Mass. According to the office of Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz, Sister Letty was released later that evening after being detained
PoliticsMayor John Cowen: Brownsville Positioned to Expand Through Federal Partnerships and Regional Collaboration
Brownsville Mayor John Cowen highlighted the city's potential for growth through federal partnerships during a recent trip to Washington, D.C. The delegation aimed to secure support for infrastructure, workforce development, and water security. Meetings with various federal agencies focused on opportunities in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and technology. Cowen emphasized the need for improved water infrastructure and transportation to boost the Port of Brownsville's competitiveness. He also stressed the importance of workforce training in key industries. The mayor believes that federal investment will enhance economic growth and quality of life in Brownsville and the broader Rio Grande Valley.
PoliticsSister Letty Released After Being Detained by ICE in the Rio Grande Valley
Sister Letty, a member of the Church of Our Lady of Miracles, was released on Sunday night after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Her release occurred shortly after 7:00 p.m. at the Raymondville Detention Center, where she was greeted by Sister Norma Pimentel, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley. The church reported that Sister Letty was detained while heading to Sunday mass. Congressman Vicente González criticized the detention, linking it to current immigration policies, while Congresswoman Monica de la Cruz stated her office worked with the Department of Homeland Security to expedite her release. ICE has not disclosed the reason for her detention.
PoliticsValley nun released after being detained by ICE while heading to Sunday Mass
Sister Letty, a nun from the Rio Grande Valley, has been released after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while en route to Sunday Mass. Our Lady of Sorrows Church confirmed her release, which was facilitated by local representatives Monica De La Cruz and Henry Cuellar. De La Cruz expressed gratitude for the swift action taken by the Department of Homeland Security, while Cuellar confirmed that Sister Letty would be home the same evening. The reasons for her initial detention remain unclear at this time.
PoliticsICE detains nun while on her way to McAllen church
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A local church in McAllen announced on social media that one of its religious sisters has been detained by ICE while on her way to Sunday Mass. ValleyCentral reached out to Sister Norma, who confirmed that Sister Letty was detained Sunday morning by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents while she was
PoliticsProgreso city leaders looking to create new ordinance to stop illegal tire dumping
Residents of Progreso are frustrated with illegal tire dumping, which has created unsightly piles throughout the city. Local resident Juan Antonio expressed concerns about the health risks, noting that stagnant water in the tires attracts mosquitoes. City officials, including Mayor Pro-Tem Sandra Estrada, are considering a new ordinance to tackle the issue, especially after flooding revealed more debris in drainage areas. Estrada highlighted hotspots like Watts Avenue and Hidalgo Street, urging residents to take responsibility for their properties. City leaders are actively working on removing the dumped tires and addressing the ongoing problem.
PoliticsCongressman Gonzalez secures funding for sewage system upgrades in Combes
Congressman Vicente Gonzalez has announced funding for the city of Combes to improve its sewage system. On Saturday, June 27, he will present $850,000 to local officials for the reconstruction of eight sewer lift stations that were affected by the floods in March 2025. This funding is part of a larger allocation of $12.6 million in federal funds for 15 community projects. The check presentation is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Combes Community Park, located at 21626 Hand Road.
PoliticsCity of McAllen seeks feedback on proposed bus rapid transit system
McAllen city officials are exploring the implementation of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system aimed at improving public transportation efficiency. This system would utilize specialized vehicles, including longer buses with accordion-like features, and may operate on dedicated or shared lanes. Key enhancements include raised platforms for easy boarding and traffic signal preemption to allow buses to move more freely. To gather community input, the city has launched a survey for residents to share their thoughts on the proposed transit system. Residents can participate in the survey through the provided link.
PoliticsStarbase selects first-ever police chief
STARBASE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Starbase selected the city’s first-ever police chief on Friday. During a meeting on Friday afternoon, the City Commission selected Glenn Bennett — a lieutenant at the Belton, Texas, police department — to head the Starbase Police Department. “I think we’re lucky to have found this person who’s willing to do this,” said
PoliticsMike Perez Says Regional Planning Will Be Essential for Future Water Supply
Mike Perez, a seasoned public administrator in South Texas, emphasized the importance of regional planning for the proposed RGV Desal marine desalination project, which could help address the Rio Grande Valley's long-term water supply challenges. Speaking after a press conference organized by the RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Perez noted that while the project has potential, it requires infrastructure improvements and collaboration among water providers. He warned of a looming water shortage and stressed the need for a comprehensive plan to efficiently transport water across the region. Perez also highlighted the necessity of community cooperation in securing funding for these initiatives.
PoliticsCuellar Supports Bipartisan Housing Reform Aimed at Expanding Affordable Homes in South Texas
Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) has endorsed the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, aimed at tackling the housing shortage in the U.S. This legislation seeks to boost the supply of affordable homes, modernize federal housing programs, and ease development barriers. With rising housing costs impacting South Texas families, Cuellar emphasized the need for streamlined processes to facilitate construction. The act also enhances federal housing programs, supports rural housing initiatives, and improves access to housing benefits for veterans. Cuellar is committed to bipartisan efforts to enhance housing affordability and availability in the region.
PoliticsHarlingen Commissioner Frank Morales Calls Desalination a Necessity
Harlingen City Commissioner Frank Morales attended a press conference in McAllen regarding the proposed RGV Desal marine desalination project. He emphasized the necessity of desalination for the Rio Grande Valley's water supply, particularly in light of ongoing drought conditions in South Texas. Morales believes proactive planning is essential to avoid future water shortages and highlighted the importance of collaboration among municipalities in Cameron, Willacy, and Hidalgo counties. He expressed that while he supports the project, he was sharing his personal views and not representing the Harlingen City Commission. Morales also noted the existing technology can be adapted for local needs.