Public Safety

More than $25 million in methamphetamine seized in Pharr

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility seized a shipment of methamphetamine valued at $25,167,000, which was hidden inside a commercial shipment declared as cabbage, tomatillo, and cilantro. The operation took place on September 8 when a tractor-trailer coming from Reynosa, Mexico, was referred for a secondary inspection. The review included a non-intrusive technological scan and the intervention of a K-9 team, which led to the discovery of 1,164 packages weighing a combined total of 2,815.30 pounds (1,277 kg) of suspected methamphetamine. "Our officers continue to demonstrate their skills and expertise in dismantling another massive shipment of dangerous and illicit narcotics," said Carlos Rodríguez, Director of the Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. Following the seizure, the Field Operations Office (OFO) secured the narcotics and the cargo vehicle, while special agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) took over the criminal investigation.

Large Fire Causes Partial Closure of FM 490 in Willacy County

WILLACY COUNTY, Texas — Authorities and emergency crews are responding to a grass fire and a structure fire in Willacy County. The Willacy County Sheriff's Office reported that their officers are on the scene, along with volunteer firefighters from Raymondville, Lyford, Elsa, and Monte Alto. Due to the emergency, authorities have closed the westbound lane of FM 490 from FM 1015, with support from the Texas Department of Transportation. Officials are urging drivers to avoid the area if possible, reduce speed, and yield to emergency vehicles and services heading to the scene. Currently, there are no reports of injuries or the extent of damages.

Prosecutors Rule Out Death Penalty in Case Against Nick Reiner for Parents' Murder

Prosecutors announced on Tuesday morning that they will not seek the death penalty against Nick Reiner if he is found guilty in the case regarding the murder of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, at their home in Los Angeles in 2025. The Los Angeles County District Attorney, speaking to reporters before a pre-trial hearing in the case, stated that the decision was made after considering the wishes of the victims' loved ones, as well as aggravating and mitigating factors. 'After a careful and thorough review of all these factors, the District Attorney's office will not seek the death penalty in this case,' said District Attorney Nathan Hochman at a morning press conference. This means that the maximum sentence Mr. Reiner would face is life in prison without the possibility of parole. Hochman mentioned that his office spoke with Reiner's siblings but did not disclose whether the family requested a specific punishment. 'They made their opinions clear,' Hochman said. 'We took their views into account when ultimately deciding not to seek the death penalty.'

SpaceX Prepares for Starship Flight 14 from Starbase

STARBASE, Texas — SpaceX announced that it is preparing to conduct the fourteenth flight of Starship from Starbase in Cameron County as early as Tuesday, September 22, pending approval from regulatory authorities. According to the company, the launch window will last 75 minutes and will begin at 7:15 a.m. As part of safety measures for the launch, SpaceX will establish a perimeter in coordination with local authorities. This will include temporary closures of State Highway 4 and Boca Chica Beach. SpaceX warned that the scheduled date could change due to various factors related to flight preparations. The city of Starbase will be posting notices about the temporary closures of Boca Chica Beach and Highway 4. Interested individuals can also receive updates on closures and access delays by texting the word 'BEACH' to 1-866-513-3475. SpaceX reported that its flight broadcast will begin approximately 30 minutes before liftoff.

School District Employee Investigated for Alleged Inappropriate Conduct with Student

The Rio Grande City Grulla ISD school district reported that it recently became aware of alleged inappropriate conduct by one of its employees involving a student. In a statement, the district emphasized that it takes the accusation seriously and is fully cooperating with authorities and other agencies involved in the investigation. "The safety and well-being of students are the district's top priority," it stated. The district also indicated that it will comply with applicable laws, notification requirements, and its policies and procedures throughout the process. To protect the student's privacy and respect ongoing investigations, the district noted that it will not provide additional information about the accusation or matters related to the employee at this time. The statement also references an arrest warrant and a criminal investigation, although it does not provide information about potential charges or identify the individual involved. Questions regarding the arrest warrant or the criminal investigation should be directed to the law enforcement agency handling the case, according to the district.

RGCGISD School Bus Involved in Incident on Hospital Road

On the morning of September 15, a school bus from the Rio Grande City Grulla ISD (RGCGISD) was involved in a minor incident on Hospital Road. The bus involved was #38, and the district confirmed that no students were injured. RGCGISD emphasized its commitment to keeping families and the community informed about incidents related to its transportation system. The district stated, 'The safety and well-being of our students remains our top priority,' and expressed gratitude for the dedication of its transportation staff. Details about how the incident occurred or whether another vehicle was involved have not yet been released.

Bookie who collected nearly $3.8 million from high-rollers pleads guilty

McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A bookie who collected nearly $3.8 million from high-rollers in South Texas pleaded guilty to a federal conspiracy charge on Monday. Marco Antonio Cardenas, 48, of Mission — and other people who participated in the conspiracy — received nearly $3.8 million from March 2019 to March 2026. Cardenas collected nearly $2.9

Familicide in the Valley: What can drive someone to kill their own family?

OLMITO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Two deadly family shootings in the Rio Grande Valley this year have raised questions about a rare but devastating form of violence: familicide. Familicide, sometimes referred to as family annihilation, occurs when a person kills multiple members of their own family. Following the killing of four people in Cameron County, local officials

Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) · Sep 14, 2026

Our son could have died: reckless driver crashes into a fence of a home in Texas

DALLAS, Texas – A child is alive by a miracle after a driver crashed their car into the fence of a home in a residential neighborhood in Fort Worth. According to the police report, the incident occurred on Sunday, September 13, around 7:00 PM, near the 1500 block of Heritage Trace. Once officers arrived at the scene, they were able to locate the suspect's vehicle. The driver, approximately 22 years old, was taken to the hospital and received a citation; authorities stated he was speeding and driving recklessly. The homeowners and family members were not injured. The fence was destroyed. The affected Van Dusen family issued the following statement: "What happened to our family was not just an accident. It was a terrifying reminder of how quickly a reckless driver can cause a tragedy. Our two-year-old son was in our backyard, just inches from where a vehicle crashed into our fence. Our five-year-old twins were also in the pool." "Our son could have died. Our twins could have been injured or killed. In a matter of seconds, our home and our yard, places where our children should be completely safe, became a scene where we had to face the possibility of losing one of our children." "We are incredibly grateful to be here today with our children alive. But we cannot ignore how close we were to suffering a devastating loss for our family. What we find unacceptable is the idea that something so dangerous could result in little more than a citation and a $200 fine. A monetary penalty does not adequately reflect the danger created when someone decides to drive recklessly and at excessive speeds in a residential neighborhood. A fence can be repaired. Property can be replaced. But a child's life cannot. We are not interested in just pointing fingers. We want to turn what has happened to our family into meaningful change." It appears that street racing has also been seen in the neighborhood.

Edinburg Police Chief Jaime Ayala announces retirement

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- Edinburg Police Chief Jaime Ayala is set to retire next month, ending more than five years of service as chief with the Edinburg Police Department. The city of Edinburg on Monday announced Ayala's intention to retire, citing that Ayala will return to North Texas to spend time with his family. Ayala

Bond denied for Honduran man acused of fatally shooting 4 near San Benito

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A judge denied bond for a Honduran man accused of shooting and killing four people near San Benito early Sunday morning. Joel Christian Pacheco Maldonado is facing charges of capital murder of multiple persons and three counts of abandoning or endangering a child. During a bond hearing before 103rd state District

Bond denied for Honduran man accused of fatally shooting 4 near San Benito

Honduran man denied bond in 4-person shooting case near San Benito

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A judge denied bond for a Honduran man accused of shooting and killing a family of four near San Benito early Sunday morning. Joel Christian Pacheco Maldonado is facing charges of capital murder of multiple persons and three counts of abandoning or endangering a child. During a bond hearing before 103rd

Texas Border Business · Sep 14, 2026

Edinburg Police Chief Announces Retirement

Edinburg Police Chief Jaime Ayala has announced his retirement, effective October 30, 2026. Ayala, who has led the department since October 2021, expressed gratitude for the support he received from city leadership, officers, and the community during his tenure. A graduate of Edinburg High School, he began his law enforcement career as a volunteer and later served 32 years with the Arlington Police Department. Under his leadership, the Edinburg Police Department implemented innovative programs like the Drone as a First Responder and the Business Watch Program. The city will soon announce the process for selecting a new police chief.

Meth found in shipment of cilantro and other vegetables

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Pharr International Bridge discovered more than $25 million worth of methamphetamine hidden in a shipment of vegetables. On Tuesday, Sept. 8, a tractor trailer traveling from Reynosa to Pharr was ordered to undergo a secondary inspection. That's when CBP officers say they found

Meth found in shipment of cilantro and other vegetables

Texas Border Business · Sep 14, 2026

CBP Officers Seize more than $25M in Meth at Pharr International Bridge

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Pharr International Bridge seized over $25 million in methamphetamine on September 8. The drugs, valued at $25,167,000, were hidden in a shipment labeled as cabbage, tomatillo, and cilantro, transported by a tractor trailer from Reynosa, Mexico. During a secondary inspection, which included a nonintrusive scan and canine screening, officers discovered 1,164 packages of meth weighing a total of 2,815.30 lbs. (1277 kg). The narcotics and the vehicle were seized, and a criminal investigation has been initiated by Homeland Security Investigations.

Texas Border Business · Sep 14, 2026

SDTX continues Take Back America efforts with 212 new cases

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas has charged 218 individuals in immigration-related cases from September 4 to 10. Among them, 21 are accused of human smuggling, including nine illegal aliens. There are 36 complaints for illegal entry and 150 for felony reentry after removal, with many having prior felony convictions for narcotics and violent crimes. The cases are part of Operation Take Back America, aimed at enhancing border security and public safety. If convicted, offenders could face up to 20 years in federal prison. The office serves over 10 million people across 43 counties.