Politics
Politics news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
PoliticsConcern in Texas Over Two ICE Arrests on Metro Bus
HOUSTON, Texas – Exclusive footage from Telemundo shows the moment several individuals aboard a Metro bus were arrested by ICE agents. This incident occurred in southwest Houston on Gessner Street. The images are circulating widely on social media, raising concerns among Houston residents about the federal agency entering a public bus. The public transportation company Metro responded, stating they are aware of the incident, which reportedly began with a chase. Several individuals fleeing from immigration agents entered the bus, prompting ICE to follow and make arrests. Surveillance footage captures four people running toward a Metro bus stop in Houston, with a dark truck blocking the bus almost immediately. Another video shows two of those four individuals being detained by masked ICE agents on the morning of Monday, August 24, on Gessner Street, witnessed by many, including one woman who prefers to remain anonymous and was heading to the bus stop with a friend. Witnesses claim immigration agents frequent the area almost daily but had never seen them board public transportation. 'It happens almost every day, every day. In fact, today my husband told me not to come and to take my niece, because of everything that’s going on,' said one anonymous individual. Another cellphone video shows the same truck moments earlier questioning and detaining another person who, according to witnesses, was later released. Metro's response stated, 'That morning, a chase was already underway, and it was not an operation directed at the Metro bus. The police did not initiate, coordinate, or participate. We are reviewing all surveillance videos and gathering more information. Our priority remains the safety and well-being of our customers and employees.'
PoliticsICE agent could be released this week as extradition fight heads to judge
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A federal judge in Brownsville is expected to issue a written order Wednesday on whether Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent Christian Castro will remain in custody in Texas or be extradited to Minnesota to face criminal assault charges. Castro was arrested in Harlingen on May 29 and is wanted in Minnesota
PoliticsMarissa Gerlach Draws No. 3 Ballot Position in Reelection Bid
Marissa Gerlach has secured the No. 3 position on the ballot as she campaigns for reelection, a spot she previously held during her election in December 2023. Gerlach expressed that this number symbolizes her commitment to serving the community and the trust voters placed in her. She emphasized her focus on listening to residents and maintaining her priorities since taking office. Gerlach believes there is still work to be done and is asking voters for their support and trust for another term, stating that serving the community has been an honor.
PoliticsThe City of Brownsville Considers SpaceX's Request to Deannex 444 Acres
The Brownsville City Commission approved on first reading the voluntary deannexation of 444 acres requested by SpaceX. The land, located on South Connector Road near the Port of Brownsville, will be used to expand its operations. The company clarified that the site will not be used for rocket launches or testing, citing the current lack of municipal services in the area. Meanwhile, SpaceX is negotiating a financial investment to expand potable water production in the region alongside the Southmost Regional Water Authority, which could double the current capacity for Brownsville. The process is not yet final: the second and final vote will take place at a special Commission meeting this Friday, August 28, at 5:00 p.m.
PoliticsBrownsville Advances Proposal to Disannex 444 Acres in Cameron County
The Brownsville City Commission has approved the first reading of an ordinance for the voluntary disannexation of about 444 acres in Cameron County, requested by SpaceX. The land, located near the Port of Brownsville, is intended for the company's operational expansion. SpaceX has clarified that the site will not be used for rocket launches or testing due to the absence of city services. A second reading and vote are required to finalize the disannexation. Additionally, SpaceX is negotiating a financial investment for a regional water project to enhance water capacity for Brownsville and surrounding areas.
PoliticsFederal funds secured to upgrade equipment for Cameron County Sheriff's Office
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Cameron County Sheriff's Office will soon receive equipment upgrades as a result of federal funding secured by Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34). Gonzalez secured $375,000 to upgrade 61 patrol vehicles with bullet-resistant windshields. Currently, the Cameron County Sheriff's Office has only two ballistic windshield SWAT units. The bullet-resistant windshields will be
PoliticsPharr City Manager Dr. Jonathan B. Flores Earns Prestigious Public Leadership Credential from Harvard Kennedy School
Pharr City Manager Dr. Jonathan B. Flores has completed the Public Leadership Credential program at Harvard Kennedy School. This program, aimed at enhancing leadership and public policy skills, includes six courses and a capstone assessment. Dr. Flores engaged with Harvard faculty and participated in simulations to develop tools for addressing public challenges. He expressed that the experience provided him with practical frameworks to connect theory with real-world applications. By earning this credential, he joins a global network of public leaders committed to fostering positive change in their communities.
PoliticsGov. Abbott Bestows Texas Legislative Medal of Honor on Two Service Members
Governor Greg Abbott awarded the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor to Army Sergeant Rickey Wittner and posthumously to Navy SEAL Nathan Gage Ingram at the Texas Capitol. This medal is the highest military honor in Texas. Wittner received the award for his bravery on July 10, 1970, when he saved 12 lives during a dangerous mission. Ingram was honored for his heroic actions on January 11, 2024, when he sacrificed his life attempting to save a teammate during a night operation off the coast of Somalia. Both men exemplified the spirit of service and sacrifice for their country.
PoliticsDemocrat James Talarico campaigns in Donna ahead of November Senate race
Democrat James Talarico campaigned in the colonias of Donna during his visit to the Rio Grande Valley on Sunday. He criticized the living conditions in the area, stating, "This is the wealthiest country in the world. Our neighbors should not be living in these conditions." Talarico is running for the Senate seat currently held by John Cornyn, who lost in the Republican primary. He will face Republican Ken Paxton in the November elections. Talarico emphasized the need for federal funding to improve local infrastructure, as many colonias lack basic services like clean water and paved streets.
PoliticsGovernor Directs TDI to Take Action to Make Property Insurance More Affordable
Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) to implement measures aimed at making property and casualty insurance more affordable for Texans. The average homeowners' insurance premium in Texas has surged by 79% over the past six years. Key directives include requiring insurers to consider a home's FORTIFIED roof status when setting rates, prohibiting the refusal of policies based on property age, and banning the practice of 'price optimization.' Additionally, TDI will form an Insurance Fraud Task Force and study the impact of inflated claims costs. Recommendations are due by September 14, 2026.
PoliticsLos Fresnos property owners concerned over planned rezoning
Residents in Los Fresnos are expressing concerns over a proposed rezoning that would change properties along Highway 100 from residential to commercial use. Homeowner Amber Arriaga, who purchased her home nearly six years ago, fears that if her house were damaged, she might not be able to rebuild under the new zoning rules. City officials, including Mayor Alejandro Flores, assure that existing homeowners can maintain their properties, but they are reviewing zoning regulations to ensure protections for rebuilding. The city council has approved the first reading of the ordinance, but Arriaga advocates for a mixed-use designation to allow both residential and commercial opportunities.
PoliticsEl Rincon del Diablo streets set for repaving after Santa Rosa secures grant
Santa Rosa is set to repave several streets in the El Rincon del Diablo neighborhood after securing a $750,000 state grant. The city will also contribute over $37,000 to the project. The streets slated for repaving include First, Second, Third, Fourth, Del Sur, and Roman. Mayor Jaime Quiroga emphasized the importance of this project for the community, noting that residents have struggled with deteriorating road conditions. Local resident Rosie Badillo highlighted the challenges posed by deep potholes. The city is currently in the design phase and plans to begin construction by December after receiving bids from contractors.
PoliticsMercedes Fire Chief appointed as interim City Manager
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The City of Mercedes has appointed Fire Chief Javier Campos Jr. as Interim City Manager. The appointment follows the resignation of manager Alberto Perez, who stepped down on Aug. 14. According to the city of Mercedes, Campos has built his career in emergency services, public safety, public service, and leadership. Campos
PoliticsCameron County sheriff says he must release jailed ICE agent unless federal court steps in
Cameron County Sheriff Manuel Treviño announced he must release ICE agent Christian Castro unless a federal court intervenes. This follows a lawsuit from Minnesota seeking Castro's extradition on charges of second-degree assault and false reporting related to a January 2026 shooting. Castro, jailed without bond since May 30, 2026, refused to waive extradition. Texas law mandates that individuals arrested on out-of-state warrants cannot be held for more than 90 days without a governor's warrant. A hearing for a temporary restraining order is scheduled for August 25, 2026, as Minnesota's governor has requested action from Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who has yet to respond.
PoliticsGovernor Abbott Names Latest Slate of State Agency Appointees
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed several individuals to key state agency positions this week. Dot Cunningham will serve on the State Cemetery Committee until February 1, 2031, working alongside the State Preservation Board. Justin Gray has been appointed to the Lower Neches Valley Authority Board of Directors, with his term ending on July 28, 2027, focusing on water conservation and management. Julia Hayes and Dave Yelovich have been appointed to the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, with terms expiring on September 5, 2031. Additionally, Matthew Erickson has been named Director of the Regulatory Compliance Division until February 1, 2027.
PoliticsCameron County seeking public input to help shape master drainage plan
Cameron County is developing a master drainage plan aimed at reducing flooding and is seeking input from the community. Engineers are analyzing data from the March 2025 storm in the Rio Grande Valley, including rainfall, high-water marks, and flood reports. This information will aid in creating models to identify homes, roads, and critical facilities at risk during storms. County officials emphasize the importance of local knowledge in shaping the plan. Public workshops will be held for residents to provide feedback, with announcements made via social media and the county's website to encourage participation.
PoliticsWeslaco investing $150, 000 to repave four neighborhood streets
Weslaco is set to invest $150,000 to repave four local streets: First Street, Iowa Avenue, Illinois Avenue, and Sinclair Street. Following an inspection by city crews, it was determined that these roads required repairs. The funding for this project comes from the city's general fund, with repaving scheduled to start next week and expected to be completed within two weeks. Mayor Adrian Gonzalez emphasized the importance of smoother roads for residents, acknowledging the current issues with potholes and uneven surfaces, and reaffirmed the city's commitment to improving infrastructure.
PoliticsTexas Parks and Wildlife commissioners inundated with border wall concerns during annual meeting
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission’s annual public hearing kicked off Wednesday with an unusually festive scene outside the agency’s Austin offices: a tailgate party where hundreds of people from around the state cooked out, shared cold drinks and talked about the reason they’d come — the potential construction of border barriers through state park
PoliticsNewly installed border buoys snake over island in Rio Grande
From the cliffs atop this border city's famous bluffs, newly installed orange border buoys could be seen Wednesday in the Rio Grande.