Politics
Politics news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
PoliticsMelt ICE Bill Aims to Dismantle Immigration Control Operations
One day after the House of Representatives approved a resolution to extend funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Congresswoman Delia Ramírez criticized her colleagues for not supporting her 'MELT ICE Act,' which seeks to dismantle immigration control operations. 'My colleagues in Congress are passing legislation to give more money to ICE. How much more can we give to this place of terror, to these soldiers of terror who are terrorizing our community? I thought it was very important that we were here discussing the legislation I am introducing that would end detention,' Ramírez stated. She called on Congress this Wednesday to pass her 'Melt ICE' bill, which aims to eliminate ICE's authority and stop funding allocated to DHS for the surveillance, detention, and deportation of immigrants. The initiative seeks to gain support in the Senate and House of Representatives to end immigration operations and redirect resources allocated to ICE towards housing and healthcare programs for communities. 'It would be prohibited for any federal money to be used for detention. This means they cannot stop you on a street and put you in detention, where you will end up dying or being deported,' Ramírez said. During the press conference, Ramírez joined the expressions of immigrant rights advocates and the testimony of the sister of Jesús Manuel Arenas-Silva, a man who died on July 13 while in ICE custody in Georgia.
PoliticsSmall Texas Town Takes on Trump Administration Over Border Wall Construction
On one side: a small community in rural Texas. On the other: the Trump administration. A tiny Texas town near the Mexico border is fighting government efforts to build a border wall that would cut through a levee system protecting the community. The town argued in court on Tuesday that the wall could lead to flooding and that the government is not adhering to the law as it rushes forward with its plans. The federal court hearing took place as the Department of Homeland Security pushes its $46 billion plan to complete a border wall from the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico, fulfilling what has long been a signature promise of President Donald Trump. However, the department is facing opposition from landowners, environmental groups, indigenous tribes, and others who argue that the government's rapid construction endangers historical and religious sites and a way of life along the border, at a time when crossings from Mexico are already at extremely low levels. The lawsuit filed by the Presidio development district pits a small town of just over 3,200 residents against a key department in the government's plans to carry out its mass deportation agenda. It also highlights a longstanding issue that has been significant for many Americans, particularly Republicans: the friction that sometimes arises between small municipalities and the federal government in Washington.
PoliticsAbbott signs executive order targeting birth tourism schemes following investigation at Valley hospitals
Governor Greg Abbott has signed an executive order aimed at investigating and shutting down birth tourism schemes in Texas. This order specifically targets licensed healthcare providers involved in such practices. Two hospitals in the Rio Grande Valley, Mission Regional Medical Center and Knapp Medical Center, are currently under investigation for allegedly promoting birth packages to foreign nationals. Abbott emphasized that Texas will not tolerate the misuse of immigration laws for profit and has directed various state agencies to take enforcement actions against any violations. These actions may include revoking licenses and collaborating with federal authorities.
PoliticsJudge Halts Deportation of Witness in the Death of Lorenzo Salgado at the Hands of ICE
A federal judge has halted the deportation of José Trinidad Rojas Pliego, a witness to the shooting death of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by an ICE agent during a traffic stop in Houston on July 7. Rojas Pliego was in the vehicle with Salgado Araujo, who was shot while heading to work. His detention by ICE is being challenged as unconstitutional. The Department of Homeland Security stated it will comply with the court order. Meanwhile, the Harris County District Attorney's Office is assisting the three passengers in applying for U visas for cooperating with law enforcement. The investigation continues amid protests and calls for an independent inquiry.
PoliticsCity of Brownsville approves pay raise proposition for November ballot
The Brownsville City Commission unanimously approved a modification to Proposition A, which will be on the November ballot. This proposition aims to increase the salaries of the mayor and city commissioners to $62,000 and $50,000 annually, respectively, contingent on public approval. The proposal, developed by the Brownsville Charter Review Committee, includes a provision that prevents current commissioners from receiving a pay raise. Mayor John Cowen and Commissioner Tino Villarreal emphasized the importance of fair compensation to encourage diverse candidates, while Commissioner Gustavo De Leon expressed his commitment to future generations. The special election is scheduled for November 3.
Politics'It has changed everything': Port Isabel families say fear of ICE raids is keeping them home
Residents of Port Isabel are expressing heightened anxiety due to fears of ICE raids, significantly altering their daily routines. Brenda Jimenez Dumas, a local business owner, noted that her landscaping crews often inquire about work, but many are too afraid to leave their homes. To adapt, Dumas has taken on the role of driving work trucks while her husband stays home. A WhatsApp group has been established in the community to share alerts about suspected ICE activity, helping families stay informed. This climate of fear is impacting local businesses, with some vendors reporting a decline in customers as residents avoid going out.
PoliticsBrownsville groups ask judge to pause SpaceX land transfer from wildlife refuge
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Three Brownsville organizations and the Center for Biological Diversity on Monday asked a federal judge to pause the transfer of 727 acres of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Wildlife Refuge to SpaceX, according to records. The Center for Biological Diversity, Save RGV, the Carrizo/Comecrudo Nation of Texas, Inc., and South Texas
PoliticsCity of Mission Secures $2 Million Street Improvement Project via Texas GLO
The Texas General Land Office (GLO) has approved $2 million in funding for street improvements in Mission, Texas, through the Disaster Recovery Reallocation Program (DRRP). This initiative aims to address unmet needs from federally declared disasters by reallocating unused Community Development Block Grant funds. Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham emphasized the GLO's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents in the Rio Grande Valley. The funds are part of a larger effort to manage approximately $140 million available from various disaster recovery programs, with strict deadlines for project completion to avoid fund recapture by HUD.
PoliticsGovernor Issues Executive Order Cracking Down On Birth Tourism Schemes
Governor Greg Abbott has issued an executive order aimed at investigating and eliminating illegal birth tourism schemes in Texas. The order mandates state agencies, including the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and the Texas Medical Board, to hold accountable any healthcare providers involved in such activities. Abbott emphasized that Texas will not allow exploitation of immigration laws for profit. The order allows for enforcement actions like revoking licenses and denying state benefits. This follows previous investigations into Texas hospitals promoting birth tourism packages. Texans are encouraged to report any related information to state authorities.
PoliticsAbbott Issues Executive Order to Combat Birth Tourism in Texas
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has directed state agencies to investigate and eliminate illegal birth tourism schemes in the state, as well as to penalize healthcare providers involved in these practices. According to the governor, the measure aims to prevent individuals from traveling to the United States illegally or under false pretenses to give birth in Texas and obtain U.S. citizenship for their children. Following a July 7 order, the governor instructed the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to investigate Texas hospitals that were allegedly promoting birth packages in Mexico; now, agencies must take action against any person or entity with a state license found promoting, offering, facilitating, or participating in birth tourism activities that violate the law. Additionally, they may collaborate with federal prosecutors to share information and refer potential violations of federal law. Among the agencies involved in investigating these schemes are the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), the State Department of Health Services, the HHSC Office of Inspector General, the Texas Medical Board, the Board of Nursing, and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
PoliticsCBP says it's not responsible for runaway border buoys
U.S. Customs and Border Protection told Border Report the federal government was not responsible for the lost buoys because they had not taken possession of the waterborne barrier, yet.
PoliticsAttorney Rick Salinas announces bid for Mayor of Mission
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Local attorney Ricardo "Rick" Salinas announced he is running for Mayor of Mission. According to a news release from Salinas, he filed his paperwork on Monday to run for Mayor of Mission at Mission City Hall. Salinas has over 30 years of legal experience as a trial attorney and aims to focus
PoliticsTxDOT, CCRMA Seek Public Input on Proposed FM 1846 Widening Project in San Benito
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), in collaboration with the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority (CCRMA) and the City of San Benito, will hold a virtual public meeting to discuss proposed improvements to FM 1846 (Oscar Williams Road). The project aims to widen 1.62 miles of the road, adding four travel lanes, a continuous left turn lane, and a shared use path, with an estimated cost of $10.5 million funded by state and federal sources. The meeting will be accessible online starting July 29, 2026, and will remain open for 15 days. In-person attendance is also available, with accommodations for those needing assistance.
PoliticsBoca Chica Beach is off-limits! Law proposal presented to protect the name
In a statement, Congressman Vicente González introduced the "Hands Off Our Boca Chica Beach" bill, aimed at protecting the name of Boca Chica Beach and providing greater transparency in the name change process. The initiative would also require the Domestic Names Committee, a key division of the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN), to notify the relevant congressional representative about any proposed name changes affecting their district. The statement also indicated that geographic names established by a congressional law, or those included in proposed legislation, are not subject to the authority of the BGN. Therefore, González's initiative would take precedence over the principles, policies, and procedures of the BGN, and no future proposals to change the name of Boca Chica Beach during this legislative period would be considered. The congressman stated: "It is absurd that a name change proposal from outside our state has jeopardized the very essence of a historic and cultural site in South Texas." Vicente González (TX-34) "The serious lack of transparency from the Domestic Names Committee nearly silenced the voices of Cameron County residents in a decision that directly affects our daily lives and would have imposed a financial burden on local municipalities responsible for replacing signage and public identifiers. Although our community quickly united to stop this initial proposal, my bill will ensure that Boca Chica Beach will always remain the People's Beach." Vicente González (TX-34) Controversy over the proposed name change for Boca Chica Beach It is worth noting that Cameron County experienced moments of intense tension following the proposal to rename the iconic Boca Chica Beach as "Cyber Beach," an attempt to align the name of the location with the region's technological and aerospace boom. However, on July 9, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names halted the initiative, ruling in favor of residents demanding respect for their roots. In a statement, County Judge Eddie Treviño said: "We are encouraged that the overwhelming opposition expressed by Cameron County residents, along with the support of our local, state, and federal elected officials, has reaffirmed the importance of preserving the historic name of the beach."
PoliticsCongressman Gonzalez introduces bill to protect renaming of Boca Chica Beach
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez on Monday introduced legislation seeking to bring transparency to the federal renaming process. The "Hands Off Our Boca Chica Beach Act" aims to protect the site from unnecessary name changes and would require the Domestic Names Committee to notify congressional members of a proposed name change that
PoliticsCongressman Gonzalez Introduces Hands Off Our Boca Chica Beach Act
Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) has introduced the Hands off Our Boca Chica Beach Act to protect the historic Boca Chica Beach from unnecessary name changes. This legislation aims to codify the beach's name and requires the Domestic Names Committee to inform the local Congressman of any proposed name changes. Gonzalez's bill takes precedence over the committee's policies, ensuring that no future renaming proposals will be considered during this Congress. The act follows a controversial attempt to rename the beach to 'Cyber Beach,' which faced strong opposition from local officials and was ultimately rejected after Gonzalez's intervention.
PoliticsRick Salinas Announces Bid for Mayor of Mission
Local attorney Ricardo 'Rick' Salinas will officially announce his candidacy for Mayor of Mission on July 20, 2026, at 3:00 PM at City Hall. His campaign will focus on fiscal responsibility, affordability, and transparency, especially following a recent credit downgrade for Mission due to mismanagement. With over 30 years of legal experience, Salinas aims to address issues like neighborhood infrastructure and protect family budgets. He criticized the current administration for poor financial decisions, emphasizing that the downgrade affects taxpayers and future projects. Salinas seeks to restore trust in local government through transparency.
PoliticsState officials to hold flood response briefing in Kerrville
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott will meet with state and local officials in Kerrville, Texas, on Monday, according to an announcement Sunday from the Governor's Office.
PoliticsSullivan City cracks down on cemetery violations affecting over 100 burial plots
Sullivan City is addressing cemetery violations as over 100 burial plots have unauthorized alterations. City Manager Richard Ozuna reported that some families have added items like benches that encroach on adjacent plots. The city has issued 36 warning letters, with 21 families complying. Each plot is restricted to 3.5 feet by 9 feet, including one headstone, and seven concrete plots have also been identified as violations. Families have one week to rectify the issues before facing fines of up to $500. A banner has been placed at the cemetery to remind residents of the regulations. Resident Francisco Garza expressed frustration over encroachments affecting visits to his mother-in-law's grave.