Politics
Politics news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
PoliticsHidalgo County property tax protest deadline is this Friday
A property owner from San Juan, Yolanda Hernandez, is among many in the Rio Grande Valley protesting property taxes as the deadline approaches this Friday. Hernandez has seen her storage space value increase by $8,000 and her home by $3,000 this year. Living on a fixed income, she hopes to reduce her taxes, especially with rising costs due to inflation. This marks her fourth year of protesting. The Hidalgo County Appraisal District reported that 40,000 protests have been filed this year, a decrease from last year's 70,000. The deadline for filing protests is May 15, 2026, and submissions can be made online, in person, or by mail.
PoliticsSenator Cornyn Tours Port of Brownsville’s Newest Manufacturing Hub
On April 10, U.S. Senator John Cornyn visited the Texas A&M Rio Grande Valley Advanced Manufacturing Hub located at the Port of Brownsville. The visit included a roundtable discussion aimed at enhancing workforce training and regional employment initiatives. Key figures in attendance were Brownsville Navigation District Chairman Esteban Guerra, Vice Chairman Sergio Tito Lopez, Secretary John Reed, Commissioner Ernesto Gutierrez, and Port Director William Dietrich. The meeting focused on fostering collaboration among industry partners to better prepare the local workforce for new job opportunities.
PoliticsFederal Court Sentences Previously Deported Mexican Man for Illegal Reentry
A 53-year-old Mexican man, Jose Alcantar Esquivel Moreno, has been sentenced to 54 months in federal prison for illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported. Moreno, who pleaded guilty on February 20, has a prior felony conviction for aggravated assault and was first removed from the U.S. in February 2012. He was apprehended again on October 23, 2022, for unlawful possession of a firearm. Following his prison term, he will be deported. The case was prosecuted as part of Operation Take Back America, aimed at combating illegal immigration and violent crime.
PoliticsBorder Patrol Chief Announces Resignation
U.S. Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks has confirmed in an interview with a national media outlet that he will be stepping down. Banks spoke with Fox News and stated that he will be retiring. He previously served as the border czar in Texas under Governor Greg Abbott. Banks was responsible for installing the buoys along the border during his tenure under President Joe Biden.
PoliticsAfter being deported, allowed to return, then detained again, a Texas DACA recipient fears what’s next
A day after Christmas, José Contreras Díaz received a letter from immigration officials asking him to report to an agent the following month to discuss his case. He was immediately suspicious. “I had a strong feeling that this was a bait letter, for me to go in and get arrested,” said Contreras, who had been
Politics$11.4M Monte Cristo Road Project Officially Reopens to Public
Hidalgo County Precinct 4, in collaboration with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), has completed the FM 1925 (Monte Cristo Road) improvement project, which cost $11.4 million. This project aims to enhance roadway safety and accommodate increasing traffic due to regional growth. The improvements include widening the road from two to four lanes, adding a center turn lane, and upgrading curb and shoulder infrastructure. Construction began in April 2024 and the road officially reopened on May 1, 2026. Commissioner Ellie Torres expressed satisfaction with the project, highlighting its importance for local infrastructure development.
PoliticsLawyers Clash Publicly Over Civil Lawsuits Against Ramón Ayala Jr. and Other Defendants
Following a press conference where plaintiffs and their attorney, Tony Buzbee, presented testimonies and audiovisual material, the defense team for Ramón Ayala and other defendants later responded by questioning the authenticity of the material and denouncing what they called a 'media attack' from the plaintiffs' legal team. Since earlier stages of the case, Ramón Ayala Sr. and Ramón Ayala Jr. have denied the allegations, asserting in a joint statement that the claims are unfounded and that their legal team would address the lawsuits. Thus far, none of the accusations have been proven in court. During Wednesday's press conference, Buzbee, representing the plaintiffs, presented videos, photographs, and testimonies that he claimed indicate a pattern of behavior within the group's tours. He explained that the main demand from the plaintiffs has been to separate the accused from the rest of the group: 'The only demand we have made is that Ayala Jr. stay away from the other band members,' he stated. He also noted that many of them continue to work together in a close professional environment. However, he maintained that some group members 'who are still there and are being subjected to this behavior do not approve of it,' adding that there is a sense of loyalty among the members that has made it difficult for them to speak out publicly. Buzbee also criticized the reaction towards the plaintiffs: 'Instead of addressing the situation, they started calling them names, trying to discredit them, humiliate them, and shame them,' he expressed. 'That is not something trivial... it is something outrageous.' The attorney warned that the plaintiffs will not yield to pressure: 'These men will not be intimidated or forced to remain silent,' he emphasized. In this context, Eliud González, a musician who was part of the band during the 2025-2026 tour, took the floor. In his testimony, he claimed to have been a victim of sexual harassment and physical assaults, describing a work environment of intimidation. González stated that Ramón Ayala Jr. used his position within the group to exert pressure on the members, including threats. He also claimed that the alleged assaults caused personal, family, and professional harm. According to his testimony, the alleged assaults escalated to more serious episodes that even caused him physical harm: 'After suffering repeated sexual assaults that physically hurt me, I tried to speak with Mr. Ramón Ayala, but I was never allowed to,' he asserted. He also recounted an alleged threat he received from the accused: 'He told me: 'I can rape you and you will do absolutely nothing because you won't want someone else to take your place next to your great idol Ramón Ayala.' Hours later, Ramón Ayala Jr.'s legal team, led by attorneys Ricardo Rodríguez and Ray Thomas, responded to the allegations. They stated that they typically do not litigate in the media but decided to do so in light of what they consider a media attack driven by the plaintiffs. The defense directly questioned the material presented at the conference, indicating that in a context where there are artificial intelligence tools, it is necessary to verify the authenticity of the videos and photographs. They added that even assuming the material is authentic, it does not conclusively show the alleged behaviors. As an example, they mentioned an image featuring a bag with white powder, stating that it is impossible to determine what substance it is or to whom it belongs, and accused the plaintiffs of making interpretations that are not clearly supported by the content. Additionally, the attorneys presented statements from individuals connected to the group to support their position. Drummer José Luis Covarrubias described the group's atmosphere as close, with camaraderie and regular joking. Similarly, Ramón Pedraza stated that during tours, it is common for members to interact informally to pass the time on the road. The defense also maintained that Eliud González himself had previously described the group's dynamics as 'normal' and family-like, and that he had not reported any physical or verbal assaults. On the other hand, the attorneys argued that the tour bus should be considered a private space, comparable to a home, and indicated that they are considering possible legal actions regarding the dissemination of material that could imply an invasion of privacy. They also noted that one of the plaintiffs, Ángel Garza Ramírez, has a criminal record related to drugs. The case is part of three civil lawsuits filed in Hidalgo County on March 4, which include allegations of physical assaults, inappropriate sexual conduct, substance use during tours, and alleged inaction by the organization. The case will continue to develop in the judicial arena.
PoliticsGovernor Directs DPS To Expand Texas Repeat Offender Task Force
Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to expand the Texas Repeat Offender Task Force, which currently operates in Houston, to include the Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin areas. This initiative aims to combat violent repeat offenders. Since its inception in October, the task force has arrested 728 individuals, with 455 classified as high-threat offenders, and has seized significant quantities of drugs and weapons. The governor emphasized the importance of supporting law enforcement to enhance community safety and reduce crime rates across Texas.
PoliticsThey made a mistake: Edinburg DACA recipient speaks out following release from immigration custody
Jose Contreras-Diaz, a DACA recipient from Edinburg, has returned home after being deported to Honduras earlier this year. He was detained by ICE in January while attempting to reschedule an appointment. After nearly losing hope, he contacted a California attorney who helped him secure his return to the U.S. Contreras-Diaz was released from detention on May 7, missing the birth of his son during his time in custody. Despite his precarious situation, he urges fellow DACA recipients to renew their status and remain hopeful, expressing his desire to raise his family in the Valley.
PoliticsBrownsville ordinance targets digital billboard trucks on city roads
A new ordinance banning mobile billboards is now in effect in Brownsville, aimed at reducing distractions on the roads. Effective May 1, the law allows police to stop drivers of vehicles displaying digital ads or playing sounds while driving. Brownsville City Attorney Will Treviño emphasized the importance of educating the public about this rule, warning that repeat offenders could face citations. Violating the ordinance is classified as a Class C misdemeanor, with fines reaching up to $500. The city implemented this regulation in response to community complaints and may consider future adjustments if needed.
PoliticsJEM Textil Recycling owner sentenced to 1 year in prison
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A businessman who hired people that lacked permission to work in the United States was sentenced to one year in prison Tuesday. Jonathan Mendoza Martinez, a businessman from Mexico City, crossed the border using a tourist visa, started JEM Textil Recycling and hired people who — like him — lacked permission
PoliticsTexas AG Investigates CVS Supply Chain Practices for Medicaid Compliance
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has reached out to CVS Health regarding concerns over the company's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices in its supply chain. The AG's office warns that CVS's Supplier Diversity Program may violate both state and federal civil rights laws by reserving contracts for suppliers based on demographic criteria. Paxton emphasized that merit should be the basis for judgment, not race. He has previously cautioned that such programs could lead to legal repercussions under the Texas Health Care Program Fraud Prevention Act. CVS has 14 days to respond with compliance measures.
PoliticsMichael Fallek officially declared winner in District 5 City Commission race
MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — On Monday night in McAllen, the city made the results of its special election for District 5 on the city commission official. The canvassed votes were tabulated, and the final numbers were accepted by a unanimous vote of the commission. Michael Fallek was formally recognized as the winner. Fallek will take
PoliticsCuellar Meets with Pharr Officials as City Outlines Economic Development and Infrastructure Priorities
Congressman Henry Cuellar met with Pharr city officials on Monday to discuss local priorities after redistricting placed Pharr back in his congressional district. The meeting, held at the Pharr Economic Development Corporation, covered updates on infrastructure projects, economic growth, and the expansion of the Pharr International Bridge, which is 95% complete. City leaders highlighted the success of Pharr Connect, a municipally owned broadband network providing affordable internet to over 60% of residents. Additionally, they announced the construction of a new one-million-square-foot facility by MasterBrand, further contributing to the city’s economic development efforts.
PoliticsTexas vs. Netflix: Paxton Sues Streaming Giant for Secretly Spying on Millions of Users
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against Netflix, alleging that the streaming service has been secretly collecting data from Texans, including children, without their consent. The lawsuit claims Netflix misrepresented its data collection practices, stating it does not extensively track users. In reality, the platform logs users' viewing habits and preferences, selling this information to data brokers and advertisers. Paxton aims to enforce the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, seeking to halt Netflix's data collection, disable autoplay on children's profiles, and impose penalties for these practices.
PoliticsTexas Families Gain Control Over TV Privacy Following Paxton’s Agreement with LG
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has reached a settlement with LG Electronics to enhance privacy protections for consumers using smart TVs. The agreement prohibits LG from using Automated Content Recognition (ACR) technology to collect viewing data without user consent. LG will implement a pop-up disclosure on its smart TVs and update its website to inform users about data collection practices. Additionally, LG has committed to preventing the transfer of viewing data to the Chinese Communist Party. This settlement follows Paxton's previous legal actions against other companies, ensuring Texans' privacy rights are upheld in their homes.
Politics'Dreamer' still faces removal after being deported, allowed back, rearrested, released
A 30-year-old South Texas man with DACA status who was arrested and deported by ICE earlier this year and then U.S. authorities returned him to the United States only to re-arrest him upon reentry, has been released into the community.
PoliticsSupreme Court Temporarily Extends Full Access to Abortion Pill
The Supreme Court will maintain, at least until Thursday, women's access to an abortion pill while justices consider whether to allow restrictions on the drug, mifepristone, to take effect. An order issued Monday by Justice Samuel Alito allows women seeking to terminate a pregnancy to continue obtaining the pill at pharmacies or by mail, without an in-person doctor visit. For now, it prevents restrictions on mifepristone imposed by a federal appeals court from taking effect. The court is facing its latest abortion controversy four years after its conservative majority overturned Roe v. Wade, allowing more than a dozen states to impose near-total bans on abortion. The case before the court originated from a lawsuit Louisiana filed to overturn the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) rules on how mifepristone can be prescribed. The state argues that the policy undermines the existing ban there and questions the safety of the drug, which was first approved in 2000 and has been repeatedly deemed safe and effective by FDA scientists. Lower courts concluded that Louisiana is likely to prevail, and a panel of three judges from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that mail access and telehealth consultations must be suspended while the case unfolds.
PoliticsWill the federal gas tax be suspended? Trump supports the idea but a key step is missing
President Donald Trump told reporters on Monday that he would support temporarily suspending the federal gas tax 'until it is appropriate.' Suspending the federal gas tax, which is currently about 18 cents per gallon, would require Congressional approval. When asked by a reporter if he would suspend the federal gas tax, Trump replied, 'yes.' 'I will reduce it until—let me tell you, once this is over with Iran, once it's over, you'll see gas and oil plummet,' he added.