Politics
Politics news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
PoliticsCity of Brownsville approves $220M water infrastructure deal, 444-acre disannex
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — During a Saturday special meeting, the city of Brownsville approved a $220 million Memorandum of Understanding for water and wastewater infrastructure projects while the City Commission approved a final reading of an ordinance to disannex approximately 444 acres of land. The MOU is a project designed to increase water availability in
PoliticsAbbott bars Texas agencies from funding Flock cameras
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) ordered all state agencies this week to halt funding for Flock cameras amid growing concerns nationwide about the misuse of the roadside camera network. The decision, which was communicated to state agencies on Thursday evening, came as The Texas Tribune said it was preparing to publish an investigation into the
PoliticsGov. Names Fresh Wave of Appointees for Texas Boards and Judicial Posts
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed several individuals to key positions in Texas, including judges for various judicial districts and members of advisory boards. Notable appointments include Clay Carr as District Attorney for the 84th Judicial District, Jason Bramow as Judge of the 425th Judicial District Court, and Cindy Bridges as Judge of the 490th Judicial District Court. Other appointments include Misti Nielsen to the State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists and Tammie Nielsen to the State Board of Education, District 4. These appointments are effective from September 1, 2026, with terms expiring in 2028 or 2029, depending on the position.
PoliticsSpeaker Mike Johnson makes Harlingen stop with Eric Flores
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has been making his way across South Texas, meeting with congressional candidates. The Louisiana Republican held a roundtable discussion with Republican congressional candidate Eric Flores on Thursday alongside local law enforcement officials. Speaker Johnson and Flores began their remarks to the press by touting some
PoliticsRep. Cuellar Introduces the Ratepayer Bill of Rights Act of 2026
U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar has introduced the Ratepayer Bill of Rights Act of 2026, aimed at regulating data centers' impact on local resources. The legislation mandates that data centers disclose their water and electricity demands, ensuring that local communities are not burdened with the costs associated with their construction and operations. It establishes ten rights for affected communities, including the right to reliable water and electricity, advance notice of projects, and public input. Cuellar emphasizes that economic growth should not lead to increased utility bills or diminished water reliability for families and farmers in South Texas.
PoliticsICE Responds After Release of Agent Christian Castro; Suspended Without Pay
Brownsville, Texas — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responded to the case of ICE agent Christian Castro, who was released Thursday morning from the Cameron County jail after the legal 90-day period related to his extradition process to Minnesota concluded. A senior DHS official confirmed that Castro has been suspended without pay while the investigation related to the case continues. 'The officer in question has been suspended without pay during the ongoing investigation,' the official stated. DHS also reported that the Federal Prosecutor's Office is investigating statements made under oath. 'Lying under oath is a serious federal offense. The Federal Prosecutor's Office is actively investigating these statements,' the official indicated. According to DHS, upon conclusion of the investigation, the involved officers could face disciplinary measures, including termination, in addition to possible criminal charges. The agency emphasized that ICE members must adhere to high standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct, assuring that violations of that oath will not be tolerated. DHS did not specify in its statement what sworn statements are under investigation nor did it detail which other officers might be involved. Castro was released after the 90-day period expired. He left the Cameron County Jail around 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, after being detained while Minnesota sought his extradition. In an interview with Telemundo 40, Cameron County Sheriff Manuel Treviño confirmed his release. 'This morning we released Agent Castro. We have complied with the regulations and what the law requires. Now it is up to the state of Minnesota and the governor to decide what will happen,' Treviño stated. The release occurred after Federal Judge Fernando Rodríguez Jr. denied Minnesota's request to keep Castro detained and to compel Texas Governor Greg Abbott to immediately sign his extradition. The judge determined that the case was premature since Abbott had not formally rejected the extradition request and Texas was still reviewing it. However, Rodríguez expressed doubts about Texas's argument that Castro cannot be considered a fugitive because he returned to the state under ICE orders. What is Christian Castro accused of? The case dates back to January 14, 2026, during the federal operation known as 'Operation Metro Surge' in Minneapolis. According to the criminal complaint, Castro chased a man to a residence and allegedly fired through a door. The bullet injured Julio César Sosa-Celis in the leg and subsequently struck the wall of a minor's bedroom. Castro claimed he had been attacked and that he fired because he feared for his safety. However, investigators maintain that videos of the incident contradict parts of his account. The agent faces four counts of second-degree assault and one for allegedly falsely reporting a crime in Minnesota. What’s next in the case? The Texas Rangers arrested Castro on May 29 in Cameron County after Minnesota requested his extradition. Governor Greg Abbott has questioned whether Castro can be legally considered a fugitive due to the circumstances under which he returned to Texas. Minnesota has rejected that argument and went to federal court in an attempt to move forward with the extradition. Now that Castro is free, the dispute over his possible extradition continues, while DHS keeps the agent suspended without pay and the Federal Prosecutor's Office investigates the sworn statements related to the case.
PoliticsICE Responds After Release of Agent Christian Castro; Suspended Without Pay
Brownsville, Texas — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responded to the case of ICE agent Christian Castro, who was released Thursday morning from the Cameron County jail after the legal 90-day period related to his extradition process to Minnesota expired. Castro faces charges of assault and making a false report in connection with the shooting on January 14 against Venezuelan immigrant Julio César Sosa-Celis, 24, in Minnesota. Sosa was injured and was legally in the country. A senior DHS official confirmed that Castro has been suspended without pay while the investigation related to the case continues. 'The officer in question has been suspended without pay during the ongoing investigation,' the official stated. DHS also reported that the Federal Prosecutor's Office is investigating statements made under oath. 'Lying under oath is a serious federal crime. The Federal Prosecutor's Office is actively investigating these statements,' the official indicated.
PoliticsVenezuelan Father and His 10-Year-Old Daughter Released from ICE Detention Center
A Venezuelan father and his 10-year-old daughter, who had been detained at the Dilley, Texas detention center, have been released, according to a spokesperson for Congressman Joaquin Castro. The story of Jesús Rafael Bracho and his daughter Katerine raised concerns among family members, activists, and community members after they were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in early July. The situation also affected Katerine's classmates at school, with several students writing letters of support to send messages of solidarity during her detention. During their time at the Dilley detention center, Bracho's family insisted that the girl should not remain detained and requested her release. Congressman Castro also took up the case, publicly calling for the father and daughter to be freed.
PoliticsLorenzo Salgado's Family Demands ICE Release His Brother Víctor
The family of Víctor Salgado is demanding his release from ICE custody following the death of his brother, Lorenzo Salgado, during an ICE operation in Houston on July 7. Víctor, who witnessed the incident, has been detained for over seven weeks while other witnesses have been released. Family members, religious leaders, and community members are gathering to advocate for his immediate release and to seek answers regarding Lorenzo's death. Authorities stated that Lorenzo was not the original target and that he allegedly attempted to evade arrest, leading to the shooting by an agent in self-defense.
PoliticsICE agent Christian Castro released from custody in Harlingen
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — An Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent arrested in connection with the shooting of a Venezuelan man during an immigration operation in Minneapolis was released from custody early Thursday morning. Christian Castro walked out of the Carrizales-Rucker Detention Center in Olmito around 7 a.m. and stepped into a vehicle waiting for him and
PoliticsICE Agent Accused in Minneapolis Shooting Released in Texas After Extradition Denied
Christian Castro, an ICE agent accused of shooting a man during a immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis, was released from a Texas jail after a judge denied his extradition to Minnesota. Castro left a detention center in Brownsville early Thursday, making a gesture to reporters before departing in an SUV. He faces charges of assault and false reporting related to the shooting of 24-year-old Julio César Sosa-Celis. Minnesota authorities have expressed concerns that Castro may flee to Mexico, citing phone calls he made from jail discussing plans to marry and buy a house there. Texas Governor Greg Abbott is awaiting the results of an internal investigation regarding Castro's status as a fugitive.
Politics‘It’s a smash-and-grab’: Government accused of building about 800 feet of border wall on irrigation district property
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A judge heard arguments Wednesday in a lawsuit that may delay the government’s plan to build about 2.8 miles of border wall near the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security hired Spencer Construction to build about 34 miles of border wall in the Rio Grande Valley,
PoliticsMasked CBP agents enter tribal land as contractors prep for border wall
The Tohono O’odham Nation in Arizona says armed federal agents and border wall contractors entered tribal land early Tuesday to begin pre-construction work despite warnings from tribal leaders that contractors were not authorized to enter the reservation.
PoliticsHarlingen mayor signs updated decorum ordinance
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of Harlingen has approved an updated decorum ordinance to ensure the efficiency of commissioner meetings. A proposal to update the city's original ordinance was introduced in a regular city meeting on Aug. 5. On Aug. 19, the Harlingen City Commission approved and passed the ordinance on a second and
PoliticsJudge denies Minnesota bid to extradite ICE officer from Texas, paving way for his release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (AP) — A federal judge on Wednesday refused to order Texas to extradite an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer charged with shooting a man and lying about it during the immigration crackdown in Minneapolis. Christian Castro is charged in Minnesota with assault and falsely reporting a crime in the Jan. 14 shooting of
PoliticsAbbott Unveils Historic $138 Billion Transportation Plan to Upgrade Texas Roads
Governor Greg Abbott has announced a comprehensive 10-year transportation plan for Texas, with a projected investment of $138 billion. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) aims to enhance safety, alleviate congestion, and fortify the supply chain. The plan includes $95 billion from existing state and federal funds, alongside an additional $43 billion for development and maintenance. Key projects include the widening of State Highway 4 in Cameron County and upgrades to US 281/I-69C in Hidalgo County. The initiative addresses the needs of one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S., focusing on practical outcomes and public transportation improvements.
PoliticsTexas AG Secures Over $1 Billion from Meta in Historic Settlement that Protects Texas Kids Online
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has reached a landmark settlement with Meta Platforms, Inc., securing over $1 billion aimed at enhancing online safety for Texas children. The agreement mandates Meta to implement new protective measures, including stricter age verification and a daily two-hour limit for teen users. Additionally, notifications will be disabled during school hours unless altered by parents, and social media interactions will be hidden by default to reduce social comparison. The funds will support youth mental health services, crisis resources, and digital literacy programs. This marks Paxton's third major settlement with Big Tech companies regarding child safety.
PoliticsJudge Overturns Texas Ban on Drag Shows, Tells Offended Individuals to 'Just Not Go'
TEXAS – A federal judge in Texas struck down a 2023 state law aimed at restricting drag shows, ruling it unconstitutional. U.S. District Judge David Hittner, appointed by Reagan, stated that the measure, known as Texas Senate Bill 12, improperly restricted free speech, thus violating the First Amendment of the Constitution. The ruling prevents state Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is running for a Senate seat, from enforcing the law and denies his request for a new trial. In his ruling, Hittner also advised 'those who find the activities described in this case offensive' to 'simply not go.' Paxton's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Tuesday night. The state law imposed fines of up to $10,000 on business owners who violated the rule by hosting such events, while performers could face a Class A misdemeanor charge, carrying a penalty of up to one year in jail. The regulation, which has been the subject of a years-long legal battle, had previously been ruled unconstitutional by Hittner in 2023, but the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals returned the case in November, lifting the law's suspension and providing specific instructions on how to reevaluate it. The law went back into effect last year following the appellate court's ruling. Texas is one of the few states that have passed laws to restrict drag shows.
PoliticsExtradition Requested in Minnesota for ICE Agent Detained in Cameron County
An ICE agent remains detained in Cameron County as Texas and Minnesota face a legal dispute over his extradition. Christian Castro is accused of a shooting that occurred during an immigration operation in Minneapolis. On Tuesday, August 25, a federal judge in Brownsville heard arguments to determine whether Castro should remain in custody while Minnesota seeks his extradition. The judge stated that he would issue his decision on Wednesday, just as the legal period for holding Castro in Texas without completing the extradition process is about to expire. The shooting took place on January 14 of this year during a federal operation called 'Operation Metro Surge' in Minneapolis. According to the criminal complaint, Castro chased a man to a residence and allegedly fired through the door, injuring Julio César Sosa-Celis in the leg and hitting the wall of a child's bedroom. The accused claims he was attacked and shot out of fear for his safety. However, investigators say that videos of the incident contradict parts of his account. Castro faces four counts of second-degree assault and one for allegedly falsely reporting a crime. On May 29, the Texas Rangers arrested Castro in Cameron County, where he remains detained. Minnesota has requested his extradition, but Governor Greg Abbott has yet to sign the order for his transfer. Abbott has questioned whether Castro can be legally considered a fugitive, while Minnesota has rejected that argument and has gone to federal court to push for the extradition. On Wednesday, August 26, the judge is expected to determine whether Castro will continue to be held in custody while his possible transfer to Minnesota is resolved.