Politics
Politics news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
PoliticsHarlingen mayor delivers state of the city address
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The City of Harlingen is hosting its annual State of the City Address this evening to speak on key updates for the metropolitan area. The address will be delivered by Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda, who is anticipated to talk about the future of the city's growth and accomplishments. This year's theme,
PoliticsTexas AG investigating Brownsville, McAllen ISD over Ten Commandments display, prayer policies
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is launching an investigation into more than 20 independent school districts across the state, including two in the Rio Grande Valley, to ensure the Ten Commandments are being displayed in classrooms and obeying Texas law, Paxton announced on Thursday. The Brownsville Independent School District and McAllen
PoliticsBorder buoys going up in Rio Grande in Laredo, official says
The federal government has began installing waterborne buoys in the Rio Grande in Laredo, Texas, to stop immigration from Mexico, Laredo City Councilwoman Melissa Cigarroa said on Border Report Live.
PoliticsAgainst Time: Parents to be Deported to Fulfill Son's Last Wish Amid Cancer Battle
In a heartbreaking situation, Kevin González, a young man from Chicago with terminal cancer, is closer to fulfilling his last wish: to see his parents one last time. A federal judge ordered the expedited deportation of his parents, Norma Anabel and Isidoro González, so they can travel to Mexico and reunite with their son, who is currently in Durango with his grandmother. The news, which Kevin had been waiting for weeks, arrived while he remains bedridden in Durango, Mexico. 'Very happy,' said Kevin González. His grandmother, Virginia Amaya, described the emotional shift upon hearing the court's decision. 'Very happy. At first, I cried out of sadness, now out of happiness,' said Amaya. While Kevin waited in Mexico, his parents appeared before a federal court in Tucson, Arizona, where they pleaded guilty to illegally entering the country. During the hearing, the young man's father tearfully implored the judge to send them to Mexico to be with their son.
PoliticsFederal Court Rules Against New Global Tariffs Imposed by Trump After Supreme Court Setback
A federal court ruled on Thursday against the new global tariffs that President Donald Trump imposed following a painful defeat in the Supreme Court. In response to a lawsuit filed by small businesses, a divided panel of three judges from the U.S. Court of International Trade in New York determined that the 10% global tariffs were illegal. In a 2-1 decision, the court found that Trump exceeded the tariff powers granted to the president by Congress under the law. The tariffs are 'invalid' and 'not authorized by law,' the majority wrote. The third judge on the panel determined that the law grants the president greater leeway on tariffs. If the government appeals Thursday's decision, as expected, it will first have to go to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, and could ultimately reach the Supreme Court. The dispute centers around the temporary 10% global tariffs imposed by the Trump administration after the Supreme Court invalidated even broader double-digit tariffs that the president imposed last year on nearly all countries. The new tariffs, invoked under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, were set to expire on July 24.
PoliticsUS to Revoke Passports for Parents with Child Support Debt
HOUSTON – The U.S. State Department will begin revoking the U.S. passports of thousands of parents who owe significant amounts in unpaid child support. According to The Associated Press, the revocations could start as soon as this Friday and will focus on those who owe $100,000 or more. Individuals whose passports are revoked for this reason will be notified that they cannot use this document for travel. Once they pay the owed amount, they will need to apply for a new passport.
PoliticsTrump Says He 'Wouldn't Pay' for Expensive World Cup Tickets but Praises Its 'Commercial Success'
President Donald Trump stated that he 'wouldn't pay' for the expensive tickets to the FIFA World Cup 2026, which begins next month, but praised the tournament's 'commercial success,' according to a report by The New York Post on Thursday. In a brief phone interview with the newspaper, Trump expressed surprise when informed about the ticket prices for the U.S. match against Paraguay on June 12 in Los Angeles, starting at $1,000. 'I didn't know that figure (...). I would definitely like to be there, but I wouldn't pay for it, to be honest,' the president said, expressing concern about the event's affordability for his voters.
PoliticsAbbott and FEMA Review Council Chart a New Course
Governor Greg Abbott participated in a meeting of the FEMA Review Council in Austin, where 10 key recommendations were presented to enhance FEMA's role in disaster management. The Council's research emphasizes the need for FEMA to delegate leadership and responsibilities to state and local communities during crises. Abbott stated that these reforms are crucial for Texas, which frequently faces natural disasters. He expressed gratitude to the Trump administration and fellow council members for their efforts and stressed the importance of maintaining open communication in times of emergency. The Council was established by an Executive Order from President Trump in January 2025.
PoliticsMillions of taxpayers could receive IRS refunds for pandemic penalties
Tens of millions of taxpayers may be eligible to receive refunds or reductions of penalties from the IRS for late payment or non-payment fines imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Refunds are not automatic; taxpayers must file a claim before the July 10 deadline, according to the National Taxpayer Advocate, an independent IRS oversight organization. The penalties were imposed on taxpayers who did not pay taxes during a period when a federal disaster declaration was in effect due to the pandemic, from January 20, 2020, to July 10, 2023. A federal court ruled last year that taxpayers were not required to meet certain filing deadlines during that period. In the case of Kwong v. United States, the court determined that, under a provision of the tax code, filing and payment deadlines are automatically postponed while a federal disaster declaration is in effect, plus an additional 60 days. The case is still ongoing.
PoliticsTexas AG Targets Texas ISDs Over Ten Commandments and School Prayer Mandates
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated a statewide investigation into Independent School Districts (ISDs) to ensure compliance with laws requiring the display of the Ten Commandments and the implementation of school prayer. The investigation follows the passage of SB 10 and SB 11, which mandate that schools display the Ten Commandments and hold a board vote on designated prayer times. ISDs under scrutiny include those from McAllen, Dallas, Houston, and others. Paxton emphasizes the importance of religious freedom in schools and aims to uphold these legal requirements, which are set to take effect in September 2025.
PoliticsTrump says the ceasefire remains in effect in Iran, despite recent missile exchanges
President Donald Trump told ABC News that the ceasefire in Iran 'remains in effect,' despite the exchange of attacks with Tehran in the Strait of Hormuz, which has been described as a violation of the agreement by the Islamic Republic. Trump referred to the missile exchange that occurred on Thursday in Hormuz as merely 'a little love tap' when ABC reporter Rachael Scott asked him via phone about the events in the Middle East. 'No, no, the ceasefire continues. It is in effect,' the Republican added during the interview.
PoliticsTrump Administration Seeks Faster Deportations; Targets Judges It Considers Slow
The Department of Justice is looking to streamline immigration judges it believes take too long to issue rulings or do not comply with the law, said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche on Wednesday. At the same time, President Donald Trump's administration aims to reshape immigration courts and reduce some of the 3.7 million backlog cases to facilitate its large-scale deportation agenda. Blanche spoke on Wednesday in Phoenix at the Border Security Expo, an annual gathering that attracts high-ranking immigration officials, local and state law enforcement agencies, and representatives from companies that do business with the federal government. Blanche's presence at the event reflects how immigration and border security have become a priority throughout the Trump administration.
PoliticsFederal Judge Authorizes Expedited Release of Kevin González's Parents
TUCSON - A federal judge has authorized the expedited deportation of Kevin González's parents so they can be with him during his final days in Mexico. Isidoro Gonzalez Aviles and Norma Anabel Ramírez Amaya have been detained for days at the immigration detention center in Florence, Arizona. They crossed the border to reunite with their 18-year-old son, who is suffering from terminal cancer. A reporter from Telemundo Arizona was present at the immigration court in Tucson during the couple's hearing on the morning of May 7. During his appearance, González Aviles cried as he pleaded to be sent to Mexico to be with his son. The judge was moved, stating that he had children and understood their situation, and that he would pray for the family. While it is unclear how and when the couple will be transferred to the Mexico-U.S. border, it was announced that Kevin's parents will return to the detention center in Florence for their belongings. The judge stated that their release now depends on ICE.
PoliticsMarco Rubio Meets with the Pope and Expresses His 'Commitment' to Peace
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio concluded a visit to the Vatican on Thursday aimed at mending relations after tensions arose between President Trump and Pope Leo XIV over the war in Iran. During his meeting with the Pope, Rubio emphasized their shared commitment to promoting peace and human dignity. The meeting was complicated by Trump's recent criticisms of the Pope. Rubio also planned to meet with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who defended the Pope against Trump's attacks. Other topics on Rubio's agenda included Cuba, where he expressed concerns about potential military action from the Trump administration.
PoliticsValley state representative calls for DACA recipient release at detention center
State Representative Armando Martinez held a press conference outside the El Valle Detention Center in Raymondville, advocating for the release of Yenniffer England, a DACA recipient and registered nurse’s assistant. England was detained following a traffic stop on February 16 due to a suspended license. Martinez emphasized that minor infractions should not lead to arrest, especially for someone compliant with DACA requirements. He plans to meet with the Texas Department of Public Safety to address these issues. England is currently in ICE custody, with immigration hearings scheduled for May 19.
PoliticsMotion filed to dismiss federal charges against indicted McAllen city commissioner
Attorneys for McAllen City Commissioner Rodolfo "Rudy" Castillo have filed a motion to dismiss three federal charges against him, which include money laundering and smuggling through his used clothing business, Oro Ropa Usada. His wife, Bertha Castillo, is also implicated in the case. Both were arrested in October 2025 during an ICE operation in South McAllen. The indictment claims they attempted to transport over 174,000 pounds of used clothing and other goods into Mexico without proper documentation. The motion argues that the charges lack a valid offense and do not adequately inform Castillo of the accusations. They have pleaded not guilty and are out on bond, with a prosecutor's response due by May 20.
PoliticsDe La Cruz and Texas Delegation Urge Space Force to Make JBSA-Lackland Its Permanent Home
Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) and the Texas Congressional Delegation have sent a letter to the Department of the Air Force advocating for Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (JBSA-Lackland) to be designated as the permanent headquarters for the U.S. Space Force component to U.S. Cyber Command (SPACEFOR-CYBER). The lawmakers emphasize San Antonio's strategic advantages, including existing infrastructure and a skilled workforce, which would facilitate immediate operations. The letter is co-signed by several Texas senators and representatives, highlighting the region's role as a cyber hub and its proximity to key military and space installations.
PoliticsGovernor Abbott Unveils 2026 Vision for Texas
Governor Greg Abbott has released the 2026 Report to the People of Texas, detailing the state's achievements in 2025 and setting priorities for the upcoming year. This report, issued during the legislative interim, marks Abbott's sixth since taking office in 2015. It emphasizes Texas' commitment to border security, public safety, education, and individual rights. The report also highlights significant legislation from the recent session and the state's success in attracting business investments and creating jobs. Additionally, it showcases the spirit of community service among Texans, featuring stories of local support and contributions.
PoliticsCongressional Hispanic Leadership Institute to Honor Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz
The Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) will honor Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) with its Bipartisan Leadership in Public Service Award during its 22nd Annual Gala on May 13 in Washington, D.C. Established in 2003, CHLI focuses on advancing public policy for the U.S. Hispanic community. De La Cruz expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing that it belongs to the people of South Texas and her family. The gala will also honor Gil Cisneros (D-CA) and Daniel Noboa Azín, celebrating the theme 'Mosaic of Voices' in anticipation of the nation's 250th anniversary.