After being indicted, ICE officer makes his first appearance in federal court

McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who shot a Venezuelan immigrant — and allegedly lied about it — made his first appearance in federal court on Friday. ICE Deportation Officer Christian J. Castro, 52, of McAllen shot a Venezuelan man on Jan. 14, 2026, during a major immigration operation in

ICE Agent Pleads Not Guilty After Appearing in Texas Court

MCALLEN, Texas — Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent Christian Castro appeared in federal court in McAllen, Texas, on Thursday, where he was formally charged and entered a not guilty plea. Castro faces six counts for allegedly making false statements to the FBI regarding a shooting in Minnesota, where he claimed to have been attacked by three men with a broom and a shovel before firing his weapon and injuring a Venezuelan immigrant in the leg, a version that prosecutors say is contradicted by surveillance videos. After the hearing, a federal judge granted him release on a $75,000 bond with strict conditions that include surrendering his passport, continuous monitoring, and mobility restrictions allowing him to travel only to Minnesota for court appointments. His legal team emphasized that the officer voluntarily surrendered upon learning of the charges, indicating he does not pose a flight risk to authorities. Additionally, his attorneys confirmed they will formally take on Castro's defense in the parallel state case he faces in Minnesota for the same incidents. The outcome of this case is expected to define the agent's legal responsibility in both federal and state courts.

Hidalgo County courthouse set to reopen on Friday

The Hidalgo County Courthouse will reopen to the public on Friday, September 4, after being closed due to a vehicle crash at its entrance. The driver, 49-year-old Jesus Alaniz Jr., is in critical condition and faces a DWI charge. Although the closure slightly impacted the district attorney's caseload, operations will resume as normal. The main entrance remains closed for repairs, but temporary entrances are available from N. Closner Boulevard and S. 12th Avenue. Regular hours will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Clerk's Office continues to provide marriage licenses at a temporary location in Edinburg.

Harlingen tables FluidStack data center drainage request after public pushback

Harlingen city commissioners postponed a decision regarding FluidStack's request to use a city drainage canal for stormwater from a proposed data center. Community members raised concerns during a recent meeting, prompting the commissioners to seek more public input before proceeding. Commissioner Daniel Lopez emphasized the importance of allowing residents to ask questions about the project. Moving forward, any industrial development over one acre seeking to connect to city drainage will require a public hearing. Resident Sandra Gonzalez Gomez expressed frustration, believing the city has already made a decision about the data center's construction. FluidStack has yet to schedule a public open house.

ICE is reportedly hiring new agents without basic evaluations, says a whistleblower

A whistleblower has revealed that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been hiring new agents without conducting basic background checks, violating federal standards. The complaint, filed by a former supervisor in ICE's Professional Responsibility Office, highlights delays in background checks while the agency rapidly hired 12,000 agents to support mass deportation efforts under President Trump. Concerns have arisen over the quality of these hires, with some having serious financial issues or prior misconduct. The whistleblower urged an investigation into these hiring practices, citing risks of internal threats and compromised public trust in ICE. The agency has acknowledged some applicants began training before background checks were completed.

Cameron County Approves $265M Budget for 2026–2027

Cameron County Commissioners’ Court has approved a budget of $265,252,780.55 for the fiscal year 2026-2027. This budget aims to maintain essential services, invest in the workforce, and enhance infrastructure across the county. Key allocations include approximately $148 million from the General Fund for law enforcement and county operations, and $31.2 million for road and bridge projects, reflecting a 17.59% increase from the previous year. A 5% salary increase for full-time employees and a 10% increase for certain officers are also included. The property tax rate remains unchanged at $0.424393 per $100 of taxable value.

Hidalgo County Courthouse to Reopen to the Public Friday, Sept. 4th

The Hidalgo County Courthouse will reopen to the public on Friday, September 4, with temporary entrances for visitors and employees, as the main entrance remains closed for repairs. Access to the courthouse can be gained from N. Closner Blvd. or S. 12th Ave., following the designated walkway to the temporary entrance on the east side. Regular operating hours will resume from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additionally, the Hidalgo County Clerk’s Office continues to offer marriage license services at its temporary location at 317 N. Closner Blvd. in Edinburg. For inquiries, the office can be reached at 956-318-2100 or 956-292-7634.

Hidalgo County Courthouse to Reopen This Friday

The Hidalgo County Courthouse will reopen on Friday, September 4, after a vehicle caused damage by crashing into the building. Temporary entrances have been established for the public and employees, as the main entrance remains closed while repairs continue. After assessing the building and consulting with engineers, county officials concluded that the courthouse can safely reopen to the public. Visitors will be able to access the building from the north side of Closner Boulevard or from the south side of 12th Avenue and follow the path on the north side of the building to the temporary entrance located on the west side. Operating hours will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting Friday. Judicial operations and other county services offered within the building will also resume. The Hidalgo County Clerk's Office will continue to provide marriage license services at its temporary location in the County Clerk's Records Administration Center, located at 317 N. Closner Blvd., in Edinburg. Residents will also be able to use this location to submit and pick up documents that need to be registered. For questions related to the County Clerk's Office, please contact the following numbers: General information and records line for the County Clerk: (956) 318-2100; Marriage license information line: (956) 292-7634.

ICE Agent Accused of Lying About Events Leading to Shooting of Venezuelan, According to AP

Federal prosecutors have accused a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent of lying to investigators about the events that led to the shooting of a Venezuelan during a migration enforcement operation in Minneapolis earlier this year, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. The individual, who was not authorized to speak publicly about the investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity, indicated that Christian Castro, the agent who allegedly shot Julio Cesar Sosa Celis in the leg in January, has been charged with making false statements to federal investigators. The federal charges come after Castro was released from jail last week, following Texas Governor's refusal to immediately sign an extradition order to hand him over to Minnesota authorities, who have separately charged him with assault and filing a false report related to the same shooting. Federal authorities initially charged Sosa Celis and another man with hitting an agent with a broomstick and a snow shovel during the confrontation. However, federal prosecutors dropped the charges against the men after video evidence suggested that the agents may have lied about the incident, prompting authorities to open an investigation.

Immigrant rights group seeks to block use of federal databases it says could purge legal voters

'They’re coming no matter what': Harlingen residents push back on second proposed data center

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Emotions ran high Wednesday as Harlingen residents confronted city commissioners over a proposed artificial intelligence data center planned near the city. New York-based Fluidstack is planning the data center on roughly 1,800 acres between Harlingen and Rio Hondo. Residents raised concerns about the project's potential impact on water resources, drainage, noise and

Texans listed as suspense voter can still cast a ballot if they confirm their address

Brownsville Passes FY2027 Budget Prioritizing Public Safety, Economy, and Quality of Life

The Brownsville City Commission has approved the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, focusing on public safety, essential services, infrastructure, economic development, and quality of life. The budget, effective from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027, allocates approximately $246.3 million, with $71.6 million dedicated to public safety. Other allocations include $28 million for public works, $4.1 million for public health, and $2.65 million for fiber broadband to enhance connectivity. Investments in culture, recreation, and public transit also reflect the city's commitment to improving residents' quality of life. Mayor John Cowen emphasized the budget as a blueprint for progress.

The Brownsville City Commission Approved the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget

The Brownsville City Commission has approved the fiscal year 2027 budget, which emphasizes public safety, essential services, infrastructure, economic development, and community quality of life improvements. Covering October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027, the budget allocates approximately $246.3 million for various municipal expenditures. Public safety remains a top priority with about $71.6 million designated for this area. Additionally, nearly $28 million will be spent on public works, including streets and drainage. The budget also supports strategic investments in the Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport and industrial parks, as well as enhancing digital infrastructure for better connectivity.

Texas County Votes to Reduce Polling Places Ahead of Elections

Tarrant County officials voted to significantly reduce the number of polling places for the upcoming midterm elections, a decision that has sparked protests from Democrats and voting rights advocates. The plan will cut 92 polling locations, approximately a 30% decrease, leaving 224 for 1.3 million voters. The three Republican commissioners supported the measure, while the two Democrats opposed it. Critics argue this will disproportionately affect racial minorities, as many cuts are in areas with high minority populations. Proponents claim it will save money and that there are sufficient options for voters. The decision comes amid a competitive political landscape in Texas.

'A slap in the face': Hidalgo County proposed raises spark debate, deputies want more pay

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Hidalgo County commissioners are considering pay increases for the county judge and commissioners as they work to finalize the county’s next budget. Under the proposal, the county judge’s salary would increase by about 15% to nearly $200,000 a year. County commissioners would see a nearly 17% increase, bringing their salaries to about

Abbott, White House Cyber Chief Team Up to Safeguard Texas Water Supply

Governor Greg Abbott and White House National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross launched Project Watershed 250 in San Antonio, aimed at enhancing cybersecurity for Texas water utilities. This initiative connects water providers with federal and private-sector cyber defense resources at no cost, addressing vulnerabilities, especially for rural utilities. Abbott emphasized Texas's leadership in cyber warfare and the importance of this project in safeguarding water systems from potential cyber threats. The Texas Cyber Command, established during the 89th Legislative Session, will play a crucial role in coordinating these efforts and protecting critical infrastructure across the state.

Over 200 Charged as Border Enforcement Surge Takes Hold

From August 21 to 27, a total of 248 individuals were charged in the Southern District of Texas for immigration and border security-related offenses, including 227 illegal aliens. The charges include 172 for felony reentry after removal and 43 for illegal entry. Many of those charged have prior felony convictions for crimes such as drug offenses and violence. Additionally, 26 individuals were charged with human smuggling, which includes 12 illegal aliens. The U.S. Attorney’s Office collaborates with various federal and local law enforcement agencies to address these issues, emphasizing public safety and border security.

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz to Host Live Telephone Town Hall Tuesday at 5 PM

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz will host a live telephone town hall on Tuesday, September 1, at 5 PM. This event aims to update South Texans on her legislative work in Washington, D.C., and provide a platform for constituents to ask questions. De La Cruz expressed her eagerness to connect with residents and discuss important issues affecting the community. Participants are encouraged to RSVP in advance to ensure their voices are heard during the forum. The town hall represents a valuable opportunity for constituents to engage directly with their representative.