Politics
Politics news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
PoliticsPaxton, Talarico locked in dead heat for Texas Senate: Poll
The two candidates in the Texas Senate race are neck-and-neck less than three months out from the midterm election, according to a new poll released on Thursday.
PoliticsFeds step in after state court halts border wall construction along wildlife refuge
Local lawmakers and residents for months have spoken out against border wall construction at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, a beloved 83-year-old 2,000-acre oasis that draws birders and tourists from all over the world.
PoliticsPay increase approved for Cameron County elected officials
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Cameron County Commissioners Court on Tuesday voted unanimously to approve a 5% salary increase for elected officials. The discussion and vote centered on a pay increase for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, according to the Aug. 11 meeting agenda for the Cameron County Commission. The pay increase will take effect on
PoliticsMigrant kids are often being held in a South Texas detention center five times longer than a court order allows
Earlier this year, a 16-year-old student at a Los Angeles high school was looking forward to starting his junior year, where he planned to try out for the school's varsity tennis team. His parents were both college psychology professors. But in April, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrested the family, who immigrated from Iran
PoliticsWeslaco Pursues Federal Funding for Major Drainage Projects
Weslaco is actively seeking federal funding for three significant drainage projects, with Mayor Adrian Gonzalez advocating for $30 to $33 million in Washington, D.C. The projects, which include the Plaza, Agostadero, and Paisano drainage systems, aim to alleviate chronic flooding in the city. Gonzalez highlighted the importance of the Paisano project due to its connection to his childhood neighborhood. The city is preparing engineering plans to ensure these projects are 'shovel ready' and has engaged 19 engineering firms to expedite the design process. Collaboration with local and state agencies is also underway to enhance drainage efficiency.
PoliticsICE to give officers gloves that deliver painful electric shocks
ICE plans to spend up to $20 million to purchase thousands of “conductive distraction and de-escalation devices” for officers and agents by March.
PoliticsICE May Use Gloves Capable of Delivering Electric Shocks, According to DHS Notice
Agents of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may soon be equipped with gloves capable of delivering painful electric shocks to control combative individuals. The agency plans to invest up to $20 million to acquire thousands of 'conductive distraction and de-escalation devices' to equip its agents by March, according to a notice from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released on Monday. The devices, known as G.L.O.V.E. (Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter), are manufactured by Compliant Technologies LLC, a company based in Lexington, Kentucky. These devices have been used in recent years by some jails and police departments. In a statement to The Associated Press, the DHS indicated it was working on a response and did not offer further comments. Jeff Niklaus, founder and CEO of Compliant Technologies, stated in an email, 'Unfortunately, we cannot speak on this matter.' The notice mentions that a solicitation for a no-bid contract could be published as early as Friday. Civil rights advocates expressed alarm over the plan, highlighting that ICE agents are already criticized for their use of force and accountability during President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement. Compliant Technologies claims the gloves function like a normal pair of patrol gloves until agents press a switch to activate their electric mode. According to the company, the gloves must be applied directly to a person's skin to cause a pain stimulus that generally helps an agent control a suspect within seconds. 'It's immediate and sharp, and it's going to distract you. I compare it to a bee sting,' said John Peters, president of the Institute for the Prevention of Deaths in Custody, who studies the device's use. 'If the agent encounters any resistance, it is undoubtedly an effective tool.' Peters believes the planned purchase by ICE would be the largest in the company's history. He added that he could foresee ICE agents using these devices to help remove individuals from cars and homes, as well as for their transport to and from detention centers. 'I think it's a great advantage for shorter or weaker or older agents,' as it can more quickly take down a person and reduce the duration of a confrontation, he explained. The manufacturer warns that the device should not be used as punishment, against individuals who are merely 'belligerent,' nor in high-risk populations such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, or those with disabilities. Jenn Rolnick Borchetta, deputy project director for policing at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), stated that the public should not trust that ICE agents will use the devices appropriately. She questioned their necessity for civil enforcement of immigration laws and noted that those receiving a shock might not receive any prior warning. 'ICE has spent the last year showing this country that it resorts to force too quickly. Now they will be able to deliver electric shocks with just the push of a button that perhaps no one else can see them activate,' Rolnick Borchetta commented. 'Having gloves that can be so easily used to inflict terrible pain in encounters is a recipe for harming the public.' Proponents of their use argue that the devices are generally used in specific situations within prisons and transports, and not more broadly while patrolling the streets. According to Compliant Technologies, they have been used to subdue violent suspects who refuse to enter patrol cars and inmates who harm themselves and threaten officers. Peters said he anticipates a small number of employees may misuse the devices, as is the case with other police technologies, but he asserted that it is unlikely to cause injuries. He noted that it would be important for ICE to have solid policies and proper training. To use the device, agents must complete a course and recertify every two years, according to the manufacturer. This story was translated from English by an AP editor with the help of a generative artificial intelligence tool. An editor from Telemundo Digital reviewed the translation.
PoliticsCornyn Urges DHS to Hear Texas Concerns Before Big Bend Border Barrier Construction
U.S. Senator John Cornyn has urged the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to engage with Texas stakeholders before advancing construction of border barriers in Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. In a letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Cornyn highlighted concerns from local sheriffs, judges, landowners, and park advocates about the impact of barriers on the area's geography, environment, and economy. He emphasized that the natural landscape already deters illegal crossings and requested that federal officials meet with local leaders to address these issues before any further construction occurs.
PoliticsWeslaco Launches Long-Term Strategy to Modernize Drainage Infrastructure
Weslaco Mayor Adrian Gonzalez has prioritized drainage and infrastructure improvements, launching a long-term strategy to replace outdated flood-control measures. He noted that the current drainage system was designed for a smaller city and less severe storms, leading to recent flooding issues. To address this, the city has imposed a temporary moratorium on new developments while updating building requirements to include stormwater retention systems. The mayor estimates that addressing the drainage needs will cost over $100 million and has hired 19 engineering firms to prepare projects for state and federal funding. The goal is to create sustainable infrastructure for future growth.
PoliticsOpen AI Commits To Comply With Texas Data Center Standards
Governor Greg Abbott has announced that Open AI will adhere to the new standards for data centers he established earlier this summer. These guidelines aim to ensure that data centers do not burden Texas families or disrupt local neighborhoods. Key requirements include paying for their own electric infrastructure, reusing water, and minimizing impacts on surrounding communities. The Public Utilities Commission of Texas (PUCT) and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) will review each project to ensure compliance. Any data center that does not meet these standards may have its approval denied, prompting some to abandon their projects altogether.
PoliticsMeta Commits to Abbott’s Grid and Water Standards for Texas Data Centers
Governor Greg Abbott announced that Meta will adhere to the new standards for data centers in Texas. These guidelines aim to ensure that data centers do not burden Texas families or communities. Key requirements include paying for their own electric infrastructure, reusing water, and minimizing disruptions to neighborhoods. The Public Utilities Commission of Texas (PUCT) and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) will review each project to ensure compliance. Companies like Amazon and Google have expressed their commitment to these standards, while Diode has opted not to pursue a proposed data center due to non-compliance.
PoliticsDrones to Enhance Border Surveillance Amid Threat of the Pink Bollworm
Federal authorities will demonstrate the use of drones for border surveillance on Monday in Edinburg, Texas. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins will join officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Border Patrol to showcase this technology's capabilities. According to a statement from the Department of Agriculture, the event will include a demonstration of drone surveillance systems used in the border area, along with an informational session on their operation and deployment. Rollins will also participate in a roundtable discussion and hold a press conference with Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott, emphasizing the role of drones in federal border operations.
PoliticsICE says it expects to equip every field officer with body cameras by the end of August
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced plans to equip all field officers with body cameras by the end of August. This initiative aims to enhance transparency in immigration enforcement operations. However, the agency's policy allows for the withholding of footage in cases of serious injuries or deaths, raising concerns about public access to this information. Acting Director David J. Venturella defended these restrictions, stating they are necessary to protect investigations and privacy. The policy has faced scrutiny following recent incidents involving ICE officers, emphasizing the need for accountability in law enforcement practices.
PoliticsICE Plans to Equip Field Agents with Body Cameras by the End of August
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced plans to equip all field agents with body cameras by the end of August. This initiative aims to provide unprecedented visual documentation of federal immigration enforcement operations. However, the public's access to these recordings will largely depend on ICE's discretion. Interim Director David J. Venturella defended the agency's policy, which allows for the withholding of footage in cases of serious injury or death in custody, citing privacy and investigative concerns. The agency has faced increased scrutiny following recent fatal shootings involving its officers, which were not recorded by body cameras.
PoliticsMexican Immigrant Remembered One Month After Fatal Shooting by ICE in Texas
A month after Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was shot by an ICE agent, the Houston Latino community held a memorial for the 52-year-old construction worker on Canal Street in Magnolia Park. Flowers, candles, and messages have accumulated at the site since his death on July 7. This tribute coincides with Harris County's decision to allocate $2.5 million for an independent investigation into the actions of federal agents. The identity of the ICE agent involved remains unknown, and witnesses contradict the government's account, claiming Salgado did not attempt to run over agents. The FBI also found no drugs in the vehicle despite initial suspicions.
PoliticsGovernor Declares Purple Heart Day, Named Purple Heart Ambassador
Governor Greg Abbott declared August 7, 2026, as Purple Heart Day in Texas during a ceremony at the Texas Capitol, attended by Purple Heart recipients and leaders from the Military Order of the Purple Heart. The Governor received a Purple Heart Designation, the first for any Governor’s Office in the U.S., and was named a Purple Heart Ambassador. Abbott emphasized the importance of honoring military heroes who have sacrificed for freedom, recalling that the first Purple Heart Medal was commissioned by General George Washington on August 7, 1782. He urged Texans to express gratitude for these brave individuals.
PoliticsGovernor Abbott Attributes Three-Year Texas Crime Drop to Tougher Laws
Governor Greg Abbott announced that Texas has experienced a 13% drop in crime for 2025, marking the third consecutive year of decline. This information comes from new data released by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Abbott attributed this decrease to stringent laws and robust law enforcement efforts, including the state's toughest bail reform package. The crime rate peaked in 2022 at 2,830.14 offenses per 100,000 people but has since decreased by 3.3% in 2023, 8.2% in 2024, and 13% in 2025. Abbott emphasized that these policies have made Texans safer.
PoliticsGovernor Abbott Announces Latest Slate Of Appointments
Governor Greg Abbott has announced several appointments to various Texas boards this week. Chance Peeler has been appointed to the Credit Union Commission, with a term ending on February 15, 2031. Additionally, Matt Glaves and Jerry Romero have been reappointed, while Chris Anderson has been newly appointed to the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System Board of Trustees, with terms expiring on September 1, 2031. Lindsay Price and Matt Hohon have also been appointed to the board, with terms ending on September 1, 2027. Lastly, Chris Cantu has been appointed to the Texas Veterans Commission, serving until December 31, 2031.
PoliticsJennifer De La O is named director, Field Operations for Laredo Field Office
Jennifer De La O has been appointed as the new director of Field Operations for the Laredo Field Office of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). She previously served in the same role for the Boston Field Office. De La O takes over from Donald R. Kusser, who is moving to the Los Angeles Field Office. In her new position, she will manage nearly 3,500 employees across eight ports of entry along the Southwest Border. During FY 2025, the Laredo Field Office seized over 71,000 pounds of narcotics valued at $674 million while processing millions of travelers and commercial vehicles.