Politics
Politics news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
PoliticsInside Valley Politics: Data center debate rages from DC to the RGV
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The debate over data centers is fast becoming one of the hottest topics in the country. On this week's episode of Inside Valley Politics, we take a look at how quickly the issue has captured voters' attention and the shifting attitudes from some lawmakers. President Trump took to his social media
PoliticsBeto O’Rourke’s Every Campus Counts Tour to Stop at South Texas College
Former U.S. Representative Beto O’Rourke will visit South Texas College on Monday, September 14, as part of his Every Campus Counts Tour. The event, organized by the STC College Democrats Club, will take place at the STC Pecan Campus from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with O’Rourke arriving at 10 a.m. This voter registration initiative aims to help students, faculty, and staff verify their registration status or register to vote ahead of upcoming elections. O’Rourke, a prominent Democratic figure, has previously run for various offices, including the U.S. Senate and governor of Texas, but this event focuses solely on encouraging voter participation.
PoliticsICE Arrests Reach Record Numbers Due to Changes in Immigration Control Tactics
The Trump administration recorded a record number of immigration-related arrests in the last three months, although this drastic increase did not replicate the military-style deployment observed earlier in the year. During the summer, tactics focused on public area arrests and collaboration with local jails and law enforcement, impacting cities such as Houston, New York, Memphis, San Francisco, and Atlanta. Immigration agents have also concentrated their efforts on making arrests at airports, courthouses, and during ICE check-in appointments. In August alone, ICE officers and agents arrested a record 50,925 individuals, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This new peak followed the 50,208 arrests recorded in July—previously the highest number—and nearly 44,000 made in June. These arrests respond to a recent directive aimed at ICE regional offices to arrest 2,000 individuals daily nationwide. In August, ICE averaged about 1,600 arrests per day, compared to approximately 1,000 daily before the order. The recent increase is part of a 'new normal' that ICE expects to maintain, according to a source familiar with detention operations. 'The men and women of DHS, who work hard, continue to break records while defending the homeland and protecting the American people,' stated DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. 'For the third consecutive month, ICE set a new record for the highest number of undocumented immigrants detained in a single month: nearly 51,000.'
PoliticsTexas Becomes First State to Hold TikTok Liable for Child Safety Hazards
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has achieved a significant legal milestone by making Texas the first state to hold TikTok accountable for child safety issues. In a lawsuit filed in January 2025, Paxton accused TikTok of misleading parents about the safety of its platform and exposing children to inappropriate content. District Judge Cory Liu ruled that TikTok misrepresented its safety standards, as explicit material remained accessible to minors, even in 'Restricted Mode.' Paxton emphasized his commitment to protecting Texas children from harmful online content and announced that a trial against TikTok will take place next month to determine penalties.
PoliticsCuellar and Tijerina spar over who delivers for a South Texas district redrawn to favor the GOP
WASHINGTON — While Congress was on break this August, Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, popped up at over 60 events in his district, many of them to announce funding for local projects he secured from his longtime perch on the House Appropriations Committee. Cuellar has used this time-tested style of retail politicking throughout his nearly 22
PoliticsNew ordinance will demolish abandoned buildings in La Villa
La Villa is set to demolish abandoned buildings as part of a new ordinance aimed at improving community safety and aesthetics. City Administrator Antonio 'Tony' Barco reported that seven properties have already been identified, primarily located on the east and northeast sides of the city. Residents have expressed concerns about pests and illegal activities in these vacant homes. The city will reach out to property owners for voluntary participation in the demolition program, which will involve a fee of around $500 for trash containers. If owners refuse, the city is prepared to pursue legal action for demolition.
PoliticsJudge recommends border wall construction near Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge remain paused
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A federal judge on Thursday recommended that border wall construction near the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge remain paused until trespassing claims against the government’s construction contractors are resolved. After reviewing a lawsuit filed by Hidalgo County Irrigation District #2, which owns a canal near the wildlife refuge, U.S. Magistrate Judge
PoliticsTexas prisons seek $298 million for air conditioning. That a fraction of what needed.
The Texas prison system is requesting $298 million from the Legislature over the next two years to install air conditioning in over 15,700 beds, aiming to address extreme summer heat. However, inmate advocates argue that this amount is insufficient, estimating that $1.5 billion is needed for comprehensive cooling solutions. A federal judge is currently deliberating on whether to mandate cooling in Texas prisons, where temperatures often exceed 100 degrees. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice also seeks additional funding for expansion dorms, but advocates claim that the agency is not treating the heat crisis as an emergency, leading to preventable deaths among inmates.
PoliticsCity of Alamo appoints new Assistant City Manager
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of Alamo appointed Iris Alvarado Padilla as the new assistant city manager on Tuesday. Padilla earned a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Law with a minor in History and a Master of Arts in Executive Leadership. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D in public administration to expand her professional growth
PoliticsBorder Operations Yield 247 Additional Cases in Early September
In early September, 247 individuals were charged in 239 cases related to immigration and border security crimes, including 232 illegal aliens. From August 28 to September 3, 171 complaints were filed for felony reentry after removal, and 41 faced illegal entry charges. Many of the charged individuals have prior felony convictions for narcotics and violent crimes. Additionally, 42 people were charged with human smuggling, which includes 20 illegal aliens. These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, aimed at enhancing border security and public safety in the Southern District of Texas, which covers 43 counties.
PoliticsHidalgo County Seeks Workers for November Elections
Hidalgo County is actively seeking election workers for the upcoming general elections on November 3, 2026. The initiative, titled "Step Up for Your Community. Become a Poll Worker!", aims to recruit 900 workers, with a goal of receiving at least 1,050 applications to ensure adequate coverage at polling places during early voting and on Election Day. Eligible candidates must be registered voters in Hidalgo County, complete online training, and cannot hold an elected position. The county encourages seniors, college students, veterans, and interested residents to apply. For more information, contact the Hidalgo County Elections Department at 956-318-2570.
PoliticsIris Alvarado Padilla Joins Alamo as Assistant City Manager
Iris Alvarado Padilla has been appointed as the new assistant city manager of Alamo, Texas. With over 13 years of experience in both private and public sectors, she has previously worked for the City of McAllen, Hidalgo County, and the Edinburg Police Department. Alvarado Padilla holds a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Law and a Master of Arts in Executive Leadership, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Administration. Her focus will be on enhancing city operations and supporting municipal employees as Alamo embarks on over $100 million in development projects, including infrastructure and recreational facilities.
PoliticsNew hearing denied in fight over Texas law that gave undocumented students in-state tuition
A federal appeals court has denied a request for a new hearing regarding the Texas Dream Act, which allows some undocumented students to pay in-state tuition. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that advocacy groups could not intervene in the case due to federal law restrictions. The Texas Dream Act, enacted in 2001, permits eligible undocumented students who graduated from Texas high schools to pay in-state rates. Following the court's decision, advocates expressed disappointment, emphasizing the financial barriers faced by students. The law's repeal could have significant economic impacts, affecting thousands of students and Texas's economy.
PoliticsCity of Edinburg reduces funding for street paving program to cover employee health costs
Edinburg city officials are planning to reduce funding for the street paving program to cover rising employee health insurance costs. Mayor Omar Ochoa announced that to find $1 million for health insurance, the city will cut administrative expenses and decrease the street repaving budget from $2.5 million. Last year, the city spent approximately $9 million on health insurance, which is expected to rise to $10 million this year. Ochoa emphasized the importance of local shopping and housing development to offset costs, while a public budget meeting is set for September 15 at city hall to discuss these changes.
PoliticsRepublicans to Showcase Trump's 'Achievements' at Unprecedented Convention in Texas
TEXAS – With less than two months until the midterm elections and President Donald Trump's popularity declining, the Republican Party is holding an unprecedented Midterm Convention in Dallas, Texas, this Wednesday and Thursday to highlight the 'achievements' of his administration, according to Jaime Flórez, the Hispanic spokesperson for the Republican National Committee (RNC). Flórez denied that the event, aimed at presenting Republican candidates, is a rescue mission in light of a potential electoral setback on November 3, and dismissed concerns that the war in Iran or the economic situation would harm his party's majority in both chambers of Congress. He stated that Republicans are 'determined to challenge the tradition that says the governing party always loses seats in the House and Senate' during midterm elections. The convention, the first of its kind in a non-presidential year, will feature Trump on both days, as his national approval rating stands at an average of 36% compared to 60% disapproval, according to recent polls. Flórez noted that the idea for the convention came from Trump himself and will showcase results that many citizens are unaware of, such as border immigration control, a decrease in crime rates, 'significant' inflation control, the largest drop in drug prices, and national security regarding Iran. He added that food and fuel prices 'will not be resolved if the president loses support in the House and Senate.' Regarding the war with Iran, the spokesperson acknowledged that 'wars are unpopular per se,' but denied that the conflict would become an electoral burden for Trump, defending the decision to maintain military pressure on Tehran to prevent it from developing nuclear weapons. On immigration, Latino voting, and Venezuela, Flórez dismissed the idea that mass deportations and changes to immigration programs, including the end of TPS for Venezuelans and changes to benefits for Cubans, would significantly impact the Latino vote that Trump received in 2024, when he garnered 48%, according to the Pew Research Center. He also rejected the notion that Trump's policy towards Venezuela, which led to the chavista Delcy Rodríguez assuming the interim presidency, could diminish Republican support among Venezuelan voters in key districts in South Florida, including those of Congress members María Elvira Salazar and Carlos Giménez. 'The Venezuelan issue has been developing for 28 years, and we have barely had less than a year since Nicolás Maduro was captured in Venezuela (...), it is being addressed for the first time in recent U.S. history, something that should have been done a long time ago,' he stated. 'Never before has any government, Democrat or Republican, faced the issues of Cuba and Venezuela with the determination that this administration is addressing them. No one promised that these issues would be resolved overnight,' he maintained. He also defended that Hispanics who arrived legally in the country also benefit from the fight against irregular immigration. 'The problem is that the law must be enforced (...), no one can judge the government for enforcing the law,' he said.
PoliticsProgreso mayor, two candidates face lawsuit over ballot eligibility ahead of November election
In Progreso, a lawsuit has been filed against three candidates for the upcoming November election, including Mayor Hugo Gamboa, candidate Norberto Rangel, and Commissioner Stephanie Alegria. The lawsuit claims that Gamboa and Rangel did not pay the required filing fees when they submitted their applications, violating city regulations. Additionally, it alleges that Alegria failed to include necessary information in her paperwork. Their opponents are requesting that a judge disqualify them from the ballot while the case is pending. A hearing date for the lawsuit has not yet been established.
PoliticsWith voters squeezed by high costs, Texas candidates race to claim affordability mantle
As Texas faces rising living costs, candidates are increasingly focusing on affordability in their campaigns. With prices for essentials like housing, food, and healthcare surging, voters express concern over the cost of living. Republican Ken Paxton proposes tax breaks for families, while Democrat James Talarico suggests abolishing the gas tax. Governor Greg Abbott aims to eliminate school property taxes. Despite a median household income increase, many Texans still struggle financially, leading to a shift in voter priorities from immigration to inflation. Candidates are challenged to present concrete plans to address these economic pressures ahead of the November elections.
PoliticsAfter Abbott order limiting Flock cameras, DPS to continue using its vast surveillance network
Governor Greg Abbott has restricted state agencies from funding Flock cameras, yet the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) plans to continue utilizing its extensive surveillance network. DPS operates hundreds of AI-powered cameras that track vehicle information daily. Although the agency will pause new installations, it will maintain existing cameras for public safety. Recent data shows that 48% of searches using DPS's network come from outside Texas. Local law enforcement agencies are now facing challenges due to the funding freeze, with some cities like El Paso and Dallas announcing the shutdown of their Flock cameras.
PoliticsHarlingen city commissioners approve rate increases for water, sewer
Harlingen city commissioners have approved new rate increases for water and sewer services, which will take effect on October 1. The minimum water charge for most residential meters will rise from $9.91 to $12.39, while the minimum sewer charge will increase from $7.73 to $9.66. The Harlingen Waterworks System indicated that these increases are necessary to fund various infrastructure projects, including enhancements to the wastewater plant's capacity, the replacement of a major wastewater line, and upgrades to a lift station in northern Harlingen.