Politics
Politics news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
PoliticsOrganizations Demand Answers About Alleged ICE Detention Center in Edinburg
Community representatives gathered outside a building at 2202 Cornerstone Drive in Edinburg, claiming it may serve as a detention center linked to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). They reported finding online information that identifies the site as a potential immigration detention facility. Activists voiced concerns over the lack of information available to families of detainees, demanding greater transparency regarding such facilities. Protesters highlighted that it can take hours or even days for families to learn the whereabouts of detained individuals, causing uncertainty and distress. Noticias Telemundo 40 has not independently confirmed the building's status as an ICE detention center and is seeking information from the federal agency.
PoliticsCameron County considers tax abatement deal, conversation with Jonathan Campos, Cameron County Commission candidate
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Cameron County considered a proposal to provide an Austin-based company a 95% tax abatement deal to set up shop at the Port of Brownsville. Saronic Technologies is a maritime defense technology company that builds AI-powered drone boats for both military and commercial use. Community members came out in force to oppose
PoliticsActivists protest outside ICE facility in Edinburg
On Friday, a protest took place outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Edinburg, located near Trenton and McColl Roads. Local activists gathered to demand the closure of the facility, expressing concerns about its impact on the community. Protester Chriselda Vera stated, "The community is not okay with having this facility here and them terrorizing our people in our community." In response, an ICE official clarified that the Edinburg Sub Office is a processing center, not a detention center, emphasizing efforts to expedite the transfer of individuals to permanent housing elsewhere.
PoliticsICE says 'secretive' South Texas facility is for processing not detention
Protesters waved signed and blew whistles in front of an unmarked building Friday that they say migrants are being held in by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ICE confirmed to Border Report the unmarked building processes detained migrants
PoliticsGovernor Abbott Announces Latest Slate Of Appointments
Governor Greg Abbott has announced several appointments to various councils and committees aimed at improving health, safety, and industry in Texas. Notable appointments include Christine Cox and Brittany Henson to the Council on Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke, with terms expiring in 2031. The Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee will see new members like Victor Fishman and Lin Zhou, with terms ending in 2027. Additionally, a Task Force on Modernizing Manufacturing has been formed, including 13 members with terms expiring in 2027. Other appointments include reappointments to the Texas Industrialized Building Code Council and the Texas School Safety Center Board, focusing on safety and regulatory oversight.
PoliticsAbbott to hold briefing on New World Screwworm response
Gov. Greg Abbott will hold a briefing in Austin on Texas’ response to a confirmed New World Screwworm case, joined by state and federal officials overseeing containment efforts.
PoliticsGovernor Abbott Provides Update on Texas Response to the Screwworm
Governor Greg Abbott will receive an official report and hold a press conference this Friday to address Texas's response to the recent confirmed case of New World screwworm detected in the state. The event will take place at the State Operations Center in Austin and will bring together state and federal officials, as well as specialists involved in monitoring and controlling the pest. Abbott's appearance comes in response to the detection of the parasite in a calf in Zavala County, which triggered a coordinated response among state and federal agencies.
PoliticsTexas now requires cities to do an audit before raising property taxes. Some small towns cant afford it.
Texas cities are now required to conduct annual financial audits before they can increase property taxes, a law affecting over 130 towns, particularly smaller ones. Howe, a town of about 3,686 residents, received a notice from the Attorney General's office freezing its tax rate due to overdue audits. The cost of an audit can be significant, with Howe facing a $40,000 bill against a $7 million budget. This financial strain limits their ability to fund essential services and infrastructure projects. Other towns like Alpine and Manvel are also struggling to meet the new requirements, facing unique challenges in staffing and management.
PoliticsSan Benito to discuss city manager's resignation at special city commission meeting
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of San Benito will discuss the letter of resignation submitted by City Manager Fred Sandoval during a special city commission meeting next week. According to the city's agenda posted on Wednesday afternoon, the discussion will be held during executive session on June 9. The appointment of an interim city
PoliticsMayor J.R. Garza Pushes Historic Transformation in Alamo
Mayor J.R. Garza of Alamo is spearheading significant development efforts aimed at revitalizing the city, which he describes as experiencing its most active growth period in decades. Since taking office in November 2023, Garza has prioritized infrastructure upgrades, public safety investments, and economic planning, with over $100 million in projects underway. Notable initiatives include a new public safety building, a $4 million all-inclusive park, and drainage improvements. Garza emphasizes community engagement and transparency in decision-making, aiming to attract businesses and enhance the quality of life for residents. The city’s strategic location and ongoing projects position it for sustainable growth.
PoliticsCameron County tables decision on tax break request for major AI shipbuilding project
Cameron County officials postponed a decision on Saronic Technologies' request for a tax break during a recent commissioners meeting. The company aims to establish a shipyard at the Port of Brownsville to build AI-driven military and commercial vessels. Supporters highlighted the economic and educational benefits, urging approval, while opponents emphasized the need for environmental protection and public services. Uriel Gavito voiced concerns about prioritizing corporate interests over community health. Saronic representatives countered that their facility would create local jobs and collaborate with educational institutions. The matter will be revisited on June 16, as not all commissioners were present for the vote.
PoliticsMission city leaders discussing replacing historic preservation commission
Mission city leaders are considering reviving the historic preservation commission by repealing its existing ordinance. During a workshop on Tuesday, council members agreed to discuss replacing the commission with a new appointed committee at the next city council meeting. The current commission has not met in three years and has failed to enforce preservation standards for historic buildings. Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza emphasized the need for compliance with city regulations. Local preservationist Gabriel Ozuna expressed concerns about the risks to historic sites, as Mission holds 10 of the 23 historically listed properties in Hidalgo County, including La Lomita Chapel and the Border Theater.
PoliticsCameron County tables decision on tax break request from major AI shipyard project at Port of Brownsville
Cameron County commissioners have postponed a decision on a tax break request from Saronic Technologies, which is proposing a significant shipyard project at the Port of Brownsville. The decision was made during a meeting where one commissioner, Joey Lopez, participated online. The project is expected to create nearly 2,000 jobs initially, potentially rising to 10,000. Saronic representatives indicated the facility would focus on building autonomous vessels, with an estimated investment of $3.2 billion. While some residents expressed concerns about environmental and safety issues, the commissioners plan to revisit the tax abatement proposal in two weeks.
PoliticsScrewworms are closer than ever to Texas, but not 1 mile away as lawmaker claims
The New World screwworm, a dangerous fly for Texas' cattle industry, is currently 25 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border, contrary to Texas lawmaker Don McLaughlin's claim that it is only one mile away. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins emphasized the need for accurate information to avoid panic. With the screwworm's presence confirmed in Mexico since November 2024, Texas ranchers are increasingly concerned about the federal response. Rollins announced that the USDA is investing $100 million in preventive measures, including releasing sterile flies to control the population. Texas leads the U.S. in cattle production, valued at $15 billion annually.
PoliticsTexas Secretary of State Jane Nelson stepping down
Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson announced her resignation effective July 17, after serving as the state's top election official for three and a half years. In her press release, she emphasized her commitment to secure and accessible voting in Texas. Governor Greg Abbott is required to nominate a successor promptly, though it remains uncertain who that will be or when the appointment will occur. Nelson, a Republican, previously served in the state Senate for 30 years and oversaw seven statewide elections during her tenure. Her office faced scrutiny over voter privacy issues and the functionality of the state's election management system.
PoliticsTexas Secretary of State Jane Nelson Announces Resignation After Three-Year Tenure
Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson announced her resignation effective July 17, after three years in office. Nelson expressed pride in her accomplishments, including overseeing seven statewide elections with 27 million ballots cast and securing funding for election integrity initiatives. Governor Greg Abbott praised her leadership and service, noting her efforts to enhance Texas's business climate, which saw over 3 million active business filers during her tenure. Nelson, who previously served in the Texas Senate for 30 years, leaves a legacy of modernization within the agency and has represented Texas internationally on numerous occasions.
PoliticsTexas AG Wins Court Battle Over App Age Verification and Parental Consent
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton achieved a significant legal victory in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, upholding a state law that mandates app stores to verify user ages and enhance parental control over app downloads for minors. Senate Bill 2420, enacted in May 2025, faced a temporary block from a federal judge in December 2025, prompting Paxton's appeal. The Fifth Circuit has now ruled to pause the injunction while considering the appeal. The law requires app store owners, mainly Apple and Google, to implement age verification methods and link minor accounts to a parent or guardian, ensuring parents are notified and can approve app downloads.
PoliticsDe La Cruz Pushes Tariffs on Mexico Over Water Treaty Violations
U.S. Representative Monica De La Cruz from Texas has proposed the Water Assurance and Treaty Enforcement for Rio Grande Farmers Act, which would impose tariffs on Mexico for failing to meet its obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty. The tariffs would generate funds to assist South Texas farmers affected by water delivery issues. De La Cruz emphasized that Mexico's noncompliance has harmed local agriculture, leading to significant economic damage, including the closure of Texas's last sugar mill. The proposed legislation aims to create a South Texas Agricultural Compensation Trust Fund to support affected farmers.
PoliticsParts of SB4 Go Back into Effect in Texas, Raising Concerns
HOUSTON, Texas – Parts of the SB4 law have gone back into effect in Texas following a new court ruling, a decision that has raised concerns among immigrant communities and civil rights organizations. According to legal experts, the measure allows state and local authorities to intervene in matters related to the immigration status of individuals suspected of being in the United States unlawfully, while the litigation over the law's constitutionality continues in the courts. "This new ruling opens the door for state and local authorities to detain individuals under suspicion of having illegal presence in the United States," explained immigration attorney Emily Benítez.