Politics
Politics news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
PoliticsDarling and Cortez Detail Valley’s Response to Migrant Arrivals and COVID Challenges
During a luncheon at Koko’s Mexican Restaurant, former McAllen Mayor Jim Darling and Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez discussed the Rio Grande Valley's response to the influx of migrants and challenges posed by COVID-19. Cortez highlighted the dire conditions faced by migrants arriving without basic necessities and praised Sister Norma Pimentel for her dedication in establishing a support facility at Sacred Heart. He noted the complexity added by the pandemic, which required immediate health responses. Both officials emphasized the importance of community collaboration in addressing these humanitarian needs during a time of crisis.
PoliticsTrump Pauses 'Project Freedom' Operation in the Strait of Hormuz; Cites Progress with Iran
A ceasefire in the Middle East was jeopardized on Tuesday after the United States and Iran exchanged gunfire and threats following President Donald Trump's new mission to force the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. However, Trump announced on Tuesday night that the effort to force the opening of the strait—called 'Project Freedom'—would be put on hold. 'At the request of Pakistan and other countries; given the tremendous military success we have had during the campaign against the nation of Iran; and additionally, in light of the significant progress made toward a comprehensive and definitive agreement with Iranian representatives, we have mutually agreed that, while the blockade will remain in full force and effect, Project Freedom (the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz) will be paused for a brief period to determine if the agreement can be finalized and signed,' Trump wrote on Truth Social. Trump's 'Project Freedom' aimed to utilize the U.S. military to break the stranglehold Tehran has over this crucial waterway, which has strangled international shipping and driven up energy prices.
PoliticsThe Top House Progressive Says Democrats Need a New Economic Message
Rep. Greg Casar, the progressive caucus chair, is hoping his detailed proposals to lower costs can unite the party and win back the House.
Politics“Help me fulfill my last wish”: Young man with terminal cancer asks to see his parents
Kevin González, an 18-year-old born in Chicago, is facing his final days with one wish: to see his parents, who are currently detained by immigration authorities after attempting to cross the border to be with him. Diagnosed in January with stage 4 colon cancer, the disease has spread throughout his body. According to doctors, there are no treatment options left, and his time is limited. Kevin is currently at his grandmother's house in Durango, Mexico. "I just want to see my parents one last time," said Kevin González. His grandmother, Virginia Maya, describes the deterioration of his health. "He can no longer eat, he doesn't drink anything. Right now, he's only on the medications we brought from the United States," Maya said. For months, his brother has been by his side, caring for him while the family sought a way to reunite. His parents tried to obtain humanitarian visas, but they were denied. "They went to the bridge to plead, to tell them they are not criminals, they just wanted to see their son's health," Maya said. After being denied, they decided to cross the border irregularly. They were detained by immigration authorities and taken to a detention center in Arizona. "Release them, they are not criminals, they just wanted to see their son. Please help us," Maya said. Letters from the University of Chicago Hospital confirm that Kevin is in the terminal phase and request compassion to allow his parents to be released to be with him in his final moments. However, experts warn that the immigration process is typically slow. "It's very difficult because the processes are very slow. So really, if they want to leave voluntarily and sign their voluntary departure, the government can release them. The important thing here is to find out which authority will push this forward to make it happen," said Salvador Cícero, an immigration attorney not connected to the case. Meanwhile, Kevin, a U.S. citizen, faces the possibility of dying far from his parents. "Help me fulfill my last wish, if possible," González said. The Department of Homeland Security has not responded to the case. A hearing for Kevin's parents is scheduled for this Thursday. This article was originally reported for broadcast by Telemundo Chicago. Artificial intelligence tools helped convert it into a digital version, and a journalist from Telemundo Chicago edited the article for publication.
PoliticsCongress Members and Organizations Demand Release of Families Detained at ICE Center
TEXAS – Immigrant advocacy organizations, along with Democratic congress members, will call for the release of families detained at the Immigration Processing Center in Dilley, Texas, this Tuesday. The press conference will be led by U.S. Representative Joaquín Castro, joined by other lawmakers and groups such as Families Belong Together.
PoliticsThe White House Does It Again: Controversial AI Image of Democrats Celebrating Cinco de Mayo
WASHINGTON DC – The White House released a controversial image generated with artificial intelligence (AI) on Tuesday, featuring Democratic leaders in Congress, Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer, both wearing large sombreros and celebrating the Cinco de Mayo holiday alongside a sign that reads 'I love illegal immigrants.' The response was swift, with Democratic leader Chuck Schumer replying with another image posted on his X account, showing Epstein alongside President Donald Trump in Mexican hats: 'Happy Cinco de Mayo, @WhiteHouse!'
PoliticsJudge Apologizes to Suspect in Trump Assassination Attempt at Correspondents' Dinner
A federal judge pressed a jail official on Monday to explain why the man accused of attempting to storm the White House Correspondents' Association dinner and assassinate President Donald Trump was placed under strict suicide watch following his arrest. Washington D.C. jail authorities removed Cole Tomas Allen from his designated 'suicide risk' status over the weekend after his lawyers complained he had been unnecessarily confined in a padded room with constant lighting, subjected to repeated strip searches, and placed under restrictions outside his cell. However, the easing of conditions did not alleviate the concerns of Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui, who fears Allen has received unequal and punitive treatment in violation of his due process rights. During a hearing, Faruqui criticized the general counsel of the D.C. Department of Corrections, calling Allen's confinement 'disturbing.' Faruqui noted that the D.C. jail routinely houses convicted murderers and other accused violent offenders without subjecting them to 24-hour lockdown. 'That could drive a person crazy in that situation,' he said. Faruqui directly apologized to Allen for the conditions of his confinement, stating, 'I am deeply concerned about what the conditions you have been subjected to indicate... I’m sorry. It sounds like things have not been as they should be... Whatever has happened, I apologize.' He added that Allen posed a much lower threat to jail security than those charged in the January 6 incident.
PoliticsProtest Scheduled in Raymondville to Demand Release of Woman with DACA
A protest is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. in Raymondville, organized by La Unión del Pueblo Entero (LUPE) alongside family members and local representatives. The demonstration aims to demand the immediate release of Yenniffer England, a DACA recipient detained at the local immigration detention center. England was arrested on February 16 during a traffic stop while out to dinner with her brother and daughter, despite having a valid DACA status. Her detention, which has lasted nearly three months, is said to have caused significant emotional distress for her family. She has an immigration court hearing set for May 6.
PoliticsU.S. Military Attack on Alleged Drug Boat in the Caribbean Leaves 2 Dead
The U.S. military conducted an attack on a vessel suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean, resulting in two fatalities, according to military sources. This operation is part of a broader campaign initiated by the Trump administration in September 2025, which has reportedly led to at least 188 deaths. Despite ongoing military actions against drug boats, the U.S. has not provided evidence that these vessels were carrying drugs. Critics have raised concerns about the legality of such attacks, while officials maintain that they are part of efforts to combat drug trafficking and related violence in the region.
PoliticsProgreso finalizing new city hall plans
Progreso is moving forward with plans for a new city hall located next to the existing facility at 300 N. FM 1015. City Manager Benjamin Adona emphasized the need for more space as the city grows, stating that consolidating departments will improve efficiency. The new building will be remodeled to provide additional room, including conference areas, with renovation costs estimated at $180,000. The city is exploring funding options through loans or grants. The new city hall is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, while the maintenance department will continue operating from the current location.
PoliticsRule that lets Texans obtain out-of-state abortion pills can continue for now, Supreme Court says
The U.S. Supreme Court has temporarily blocked a ruling from the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals that would limit access to the abortion drug mifepristone. Justice Samuel Alito issued the hold, allowing the current rule permitting remote prescriptions and mailing of the drug to remain in effect until May 11. This rule is crucial for patients in Texas, where abortion access is restricted. The 5th Circuit's decision would require in-person pickups, affecting thousands of telehealth prescriptions. Abortion advocates criticize the ruling as a move to restrict access, while anti-abortion groups celebrate it as progress toward limiting mifepristone availability.
PoliticsHow the Voting Rights Act reshaped Texa electoral maps by empowering voters, candidates of color
The Voting Rights Act, signed into law in 1965, significantly altered Texas' electoral landscape by empowering voters of color. Following the Act, districts were drawn to ensure minority representation, leading to increased electoral participation among Latino, Black, and Asian communities. However, recent Supreme Court rulings have weakened Section 2 of the Act, making it harder to challenge voter dilution claims. This has raised concerns among advocates about the future of minority representation in Texas, as redistricting efforts have begun to dismantle districts that were established to protect the voting power of these communities. Lawmakers are expected to revisit redistricting in 2027.
PoliticsCivil rights groups sue to stop Texas immigration law
Civil rights organizations have filed a lawsuit to block parts of Texas Senate Bill 4, which allows state police to arrest individuals suspected of illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. The law could take effect next week after a federal appeals court lifted a previous injunction. The lawsuit, led by the Texas Civil Rights Project and the ACLU, argues that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility and that SB 4 is unconstitutional. They aim to challenge provisions that criminalize unauthorized re-entry, grant deportation authority to state magistrates, and require prosecution despite pending immigration cases. The law was passed in response to increased border crossings.
PoliticsACLU Files Lawsuit to Halt Parts of SB-4 Law in Texas Before May 15
HOUSTON, Texas – The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed a new lawsuit aiming to stop certain provisions of the controversial state law SB-4, which allows state agents and local police in Texas to intervene in the enforcement of immigration laws. The case seeks to block specific provisions before May 15, a key date for its implementation. SB-4 has faced a lengthy legal battle since 2023. After court decisions and appeals, the measure was recently cleared for enforcement; however, civil rights organizations have maintained new legal fronts to prevent the state from taking on roles they argue belong to the federal government. According to Caro Rivera Nelson, an ACLU attorney, it is 'a state law that allows local police in Texas to arrest and deport immigrants they suspect are not here legally.' The new lawsuit, filed by the ACLU and allies, aims to block parts of the law, including what they describe as the criminalization of 're-entry' and other provisions that would expand state authority over immigration matters. Rivera Nelson warned that under SB-4, a person who has entered without authorization could face consequences even if they currently have some legal protection. 'If there are people who have entered illegally, even if they have legal protections now, the police can find them and under SB-4, if they have entered illegally, they can be deported,' she said. Additionally, the lawsuit seeks to halt immigration powers granted to judges and state agents, arguing that the state would be creating its own immigration enforcement scheme. In response to a request for comments from Telemundo Houston, the Texas Department of Public Safety stated that it does not comment on pending litigation.
PoliticsDemocrats add Pulido's South Texas race to 'Red to Blue' list
Latin Grammy winning singer Bobby Pulido, who is the democratic candidate for Texas' 15th Congressional District, is among races nationally targeted for a win by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC).
PoliticsNonprofits sue to stop Texas law that allows local police to arrest migrants suspected of illegally entering US
Several nonprofits on Monday filed a lawsuit to stop a Texas from going into effect next week that would allow local and state law enforcement to arrest those who are suspected of entering the United States illegally.
PoliticsSouthern District of Texas Reports 239 New Charges in Border Security Crackdown
From April 24 to 30, the Southern District of Texas filed 239 immigration and border security-related cases. This includes 163 criminal complaints for illegal entry and 53 for felony reentry after removal. Additionally, 28 individuals are charged with human smuggling. Many of the accused have prior felony convictions for various crimes. These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, which aims to combat illegal immigration and dismantle cartels. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for this district, covering 43 counties, collaborates with multiple law enforcement agencies to prosecute these offenses, ensuring public safety and border security remain top priorities.
PoliticsThe Reason Why Nearly 4.3 Million People No Longer Receive Food Stamps
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins attributed a decrease of several million participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to fraud containment and an improved economy. However, experts downplay these factors, stating that the main driver of the decline was likely new legislation that changed how the program operates. Here’s a more detailed analysis of the facts. ROLLINS: 'Just a couple of days ago, we managed to get 4.3 million Americans to stop relying on the food stamp program. Much of this is due to fraud. A large part is due to people benefiting from the program without being entitled to it. And another significant part is simply due to a better economy. We have experienced wage growth that has outpaced inflation for the first time since early 2021. This is truly an important day. Therefore, people no longer need food stamps.' THE FACTS: The number of SNAP beneficiaries decreased by nearly 4.3 million between January 2025 and January 2026, according to preliminary government data released by the Department of Agriculture. However, experts argue that new requirements imposed by a massive tax and spending cut bill — which Republicans passed in Congress last summer — are the main reasons for this decline. This bill is projected to cut $186 billion in federal spending — a 20% reduction — from SNAP over a 10-year period, according to the Congressional Budget Office. 'What we have observed in the data is that the downward trend in participation seems to be related to the fact that access to the program has become more difficult,' said Roger Figueroa, an assistant professor at Cornell University who studies food insecurity from a public health perspective.
PoliticsThe reason nearly 4.3 million people are no longer receiving food stamps
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins attributed a decrease of several million participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to fraud containment and an improved economy. However, experts downplay these factors, stating that the primary driver of the decline was likely new legislation that changed how the program operates. Here’s a more detailed analysis of the facts. ROLLINS: 'Just a couple of days ago, we managed to have 4.3 million Americans stop relying on the food stamp program. Much of this is due to fraud. A lot is due to people benefiting from the program without being entitled to it. And another large part is simply due to a better economy. We have experienced wage growth that has outpaced inflation for the first time since early 2021. This is truly an important day. Therefore, people no longer need food stamps.' THE FACTS: The number of SNAP beneficiaries decreased by nearly 4.3 million between January 2025 and January 2026, according to preliminary government data released by the Department of Agriculture. However, experts argue that new requirements imposed by a massive tax and spending cut bill — which Republicans passed in Congress last summer — are the main reasons for this decline. This bill is projected to cut $186 billion in federal spending — a 20% reduction — from SNAP over a 10-year period, according to the Congressional Budget Office. 'What we have observed in the data is that the downward trend in participation seems to be related to the fact that access to the program has become more difficult,' said Roger Figueroa, an assistant professor at Cornell University who studies food insecurity from a public health perspective.