Public Safety

Texas Border Business · Jul 22, 2026

$2.7 Million in Cocaine Intercepted at Pharr International Bridge

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Pharr International Bridge seized nearly $2.8 million in cocaine hidden in a shipment labeled as bottled beverages. The interception occurred on July 15 when a tractor trailer from Reynosa, Mexico, was subjected to a secondary inspection. Using advanced nonintrusive inspection technology, officers detected irregularities in the trailer. A subsequent physical inspection revealed 79 packages of cocaine weighing a total of 208.33 pounds. The narcotics and the vehicle were confiscated, and Homeland Security Investigations has launched a criminal inquiry into the case.

ValleyCentral (KGBT) · Jul 22, 2026

Investigation underway after decomposed body found in Brownsville, police say

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — An investigation is underway after a decomposed body was found in Brownsville on Tuesday, according to the Brownsville Police Department. At about 9:15 p.m., police responded to the 2100 block of Central Boulevard after a pedestrian who was walking in the area called to report what appeared to be a dead

Investigation Underway After Pickup Truck Falls into Drainage Canal

A black Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck fell into a ditch next to a drainage canal on Wednesday afternoon at the intersection of Hackberry Avenue and 2nd Street in McAllen. The vehicle ended up at the bottom of the ditch, next to the drain, for reasons that have yet to be determined. Images from the scene show that the truck sustained significant damage, particularly on one side. The condition of the driver and the number of passengers in the vehicle remain unknown. Authorities have not yet disclosed the causes of the accident. The investigation into the causes is ongoing.

Traffic Stop in Elsa Ends in Arrest for Alleged Drug Possession

A 24-year-old man from Edcouch, identified as David Isaiah Gutiérrez Jr., is facing a charge for possession of a controlled substance, in an amount of four grams or more but less than 200 grams. His bond has been set at $50,000. Elsa Police reported that the stop was conducted under the Stonegarden Operation at the intersection of North Austin Avenue and West 7th Street, noting that approximately 30 grams of suspected crack and $858 in cash were found during the traffic stop on Tuesday, July 21.

Scammers Use Police to Extort Money from Residents in Rio Grande City

The Rio Grande City Police Department issued a warning to the community about a phone scam in which criminals impersonate police employees and demand money. The police clarified that the scammers call victims to falsely inform them that they are being investigated and require them to send money to prevent their information or situation from being posted on social media. The police emphasized that these calls are fraudulent and reminded that the department never asks for money over the phone or demands payments to avoid investigations or threats of publishing personal information. They recommend that anyone receiving such a call: do not send money, do not provide personal or financial information, and hang up immediately. If you believe you have been a victim of a scam, you can contact the Rio Grande City Police Department directly at (956) 487-8892.

ValleyCentral (KGBT) · Jul 22, 2026

Nightly closures planned for westbound expressway lanes in Donna

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A portion of the westbound expressway lanes in Donna will be closed overnight for pavement repairs, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. The westbound lanes of Interstate 2 (I-2) are expected to have nightly closures between FM 493 Salinas Blvd and FM 1423 Valverde Rd in Donna through Friday. Crews

Texas Border Business · Jul 22, 2026

FBI Apprehends Notorious Fugitive in $547 Million Medicare Fraud Case

Khalid Satary, a 54-year-old foreign national, was arrested at Washington Dulles International Airport for his role in a $547 million Medicare fraud scheme involving unnecessary genetic testing. Charged in 2019, Satary allegedly operated diagnostic labs that billed Medicare for expensive tests, using deceptive marketing and illegal kickbacks. He had been on the run since 2022, fleeing the country after failing to appear in court. His apprehension on July 20, 2026, followed a coordinated effort by the FBI and other agencies. Satary faces multiple charges, including health care fraud and conspiracy, with potential prison sentences totaling up to 20 years.

Texas Border Business · Jul 22, 2026

Nightly closures planned on WB I-2 in Donna thru July 24th

Westbound lanes of Interstate 2 (I-2) in Donna will be closed for pavement repairs from FM 493 (Salinas Blvd.) to FM 1423 (Valverde Rd.) nightly from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. until July 24. During this time, traffic will be redirected to the I-2 frontage road. Motorists are advised to anticipate delays and plan their travel accordingly to avoid inconvenience.

Body of a man found in an advanced state of decomposition in Brownsville

Brownsville Police reported that the body was discovered on the night of Tuesday, July 21, after a citizen walking in the 2100 block of Central Boulevard came across what appeared to be a corpse and immediately alerted emergency services by calling 911. Upon arrival, officers located the body of a man in an advanced state of decomposition. Police stated that, so far, there are no obvious signs of foul play. However, an autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death. The identity of the deceased has not yet been established as the investigation continues.

Suspect Sought in Harlingen Sam's Club Theft

Harlingen Area Crime Stoppers has released a photograph of the suspect and is inviting anyone who may recognize her or know her whereabouts to provide information. Those with details about her identity can contact Harlingen Area Crime Stoppers anonymously at 956-425-8477 (TIPS), submit a report through the P3 Tips app, or visit the website www.425TIPS.com.

ValleyCentral (KGBT) · Jul 21, 2026

Six academy cadets officially join ranks of McAllen Fire Department

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Six academy cadets officially joined the ranks of the McAllen Fire Department on Tuesday. After completing a nine-month academy, earning multiple certifications, and fulfilling their one-year probationary period, the graduates can now serve the McAllen community. McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos, City Manager Isaac J. Tawil, and Fire Chief Juan A. Gloria

ValleyCentral (KGBT) · Jul 21, 2026

Driver accused of leaving scene of single-vehicle crash in Escobares

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Escobares Police Department is searching for a driver accused of leaving the scene of a single-vehicle crash on Tuesday morning. Police were dispatched to the crash site on Old Highway 83 in the Garceno area. At the scene, a crashed SUV was found unoccupied on the roadway. According to Escobares

Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) · Jul 21, 2026

Breaking: Heavy Police Presence in the City of Palmview

There is a significant police presence reported near Palmview, Texas, specifically around Mission, between Abraham Road, Clara Boya Lane, and Jewel Drive. Law enforcement agencies on the scene include Border Patrol, the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office, SWAT teams, and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Helicopters are also seen flying over the area. This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

ValleyCentral (KGBT) · Jul 21, 2026

Truck's exhaust causes 50-acre brush fire in Donna

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A pickup truck's exhaust ignited a fire that engulfed 50 acres of land along Val Verde Road on Monday night, according to Donna Fire Chief David Simmons. Simmons said the truck was traveling southbound on Val Verde Road when it drove off the roadway. According to Simmons, the truck's exhaust was

Starr County judge signs disaster declaration over screwworm infection

Starr County Judge Eloy Vera declared a disaster on Monday after the first case of New World screwworm was confirmed in the Rio Grande Valley, specifically in a calf north of Roma. The Texas Animal Health Commission has designated most of western Starr County as an infested zone, restricting cattle movement without state approval. Judge Vera emphasized the need for medicines and equipment to combat the parasite, which can harm warm-blooded animals. Local rancher John 'Jackie' Ramirez recalled his father's experiences with screwworms in the 1970s and is now vigilant as his heifers are due to give birth soon. Residents are urged to report any infected animals.

50-acre blaze in Donna sparked by vehicle fire

A vehicle fire ignited a 50-acre blaze in Donna on Monday night, according to Fire Chief David Simmons. The incident occurred when a pickup truck being towed broke down on North Val Verde Road, veered off the road, and caught fire in a brush pile. The flames spread due to wind, affecting vegetation and palm trees. Fire crews faced access challenges due to a fence but managed to protect a nearby farm. Assistance came from multiple local fire departments, and while no homes were damaged, residents with respiratory issues were advised to stay indoors. The cause is under investigation.

Driver flees scene following single-vehicle crash in Starr County, police say

A driver abandoned their vehicle after a single-vehicle crash in Starr County on Tuesday. The incident took place on Old Highway 83 near Garceño, where police found an unoccupied SUV on a bridge. Escobares Interim Police Chief Lt. Jesse Alvarez reported that the driver fled before officers arrived and is believed to be injured in a nearby wooded area. The severity of the driver's injuries is currently unknown. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash.

Man withdraws guilty plea in connection with fentanyl-related overdoses in Cameron County

Eric Castillo, accused in a series of fentanyl-related overdoses that resulted in eight deaths in Cameron County, has retracted his guilty plea. Initially, Castillo pleaded guilty on June 1 to four counts of possession of a controlled substance, facing a potential life sentence. However, just ten days later, his defense filed a motion to withdraw the plea. Castillo is alleged to have distributed THC, cocaine, meth, and fentanyl, with his arrest linked to fatal overdoses in Brownsville and Harlingen in October 2023. His next court hearing is set for September 3, with the trial beginning on September 14.