Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetySailor pleads guilty to killing Angelina Resendiz
Jermiah Copeland, the Seaman accused of killing Angelina Resendiz, pleaded guilty to unpremeditated murder and several other charges on Monday morning.
Public SafetyTwo Men Face Federal Charges Following Alleged Human Smuggling Case
HARLINGEN, Texas — Two men are facing federal charges for their alleged involvement in a human smuggling operation that ended with the rescue of 39 people from a trailer that caught fire after a chase in South Texas, according to documents filed in federal court. The accused have been identified in the criminal complaint as 33-year-old Jairo Juli Holguín-Florentino and 29-year-old Cristian Johansel Mirambeaux-Martínez. Both face charges of conspiracy to transport individuals who were illegally in the United States in a manner that allegedly endangered the lives of others. According to a sworn affidavit from a special agent with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the incident occurred on the night of June 4 when a tractor-trailer arrived at a Border Patrol checkpoint in Falfurrias. During a routine immigration inspection, a K9 agent alerted to the trailer, prompting agents to direct the driver to a secondary inspection. However, the complaint states that the driver allegedly ignored the instructions and fled the scene. Authorities report that Border Patrol agents initiated a pursuit and requested assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The documents indicate that officers were able to deflate the tractor-trailer’s tires using a spike strip, but the vehicle continued south until it caught fire in northern Hidalgo County. According to the complaint, agents removed Holguín-Florentino and Mirambeaux-Martínez from the burning vehicle and arrested them. Meanwhile, officers heard screams coming from the trailer and suspected that people were trapped inside. Court documents indicate that agents attempted to open the trailer unsuccessfully because it was secured with a lock. They later allegedly found a key inside the tractor's cabin and managed to open the door to rescue 39 migrants before the flames completely consumed the unit. The complaint states that the rescued individuals claimed to be from Brazil, Cuba, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela. According to authorities, none had documentation allowing them to remain legally in the United States. Additionally, the documents include statements attributed to some of the rescued migrants. A Honduran woman reportedly told investigators that she entered the country illegally near Miguel Alemán, Mexico, and planned to be transported to Houston for $18,000. She also claimed to have stayed in stash houses in Roma and Edinburg before being loaded into the trailer. Another Honduran migrant allegedly stated that he agreed to pay $11,000 to be taken to North Carolina. According to the complaint, the man claimed to have been taken to several stash houses before being placed in the trailer with over 30 others. Investigators also note that Mirambeaux-Martínez provided a statement after being read his rights and allegedly identified Holguín-Florentino as the driver of the tractor-trailer. Additionally, some of the migrants reportedly identified both defendants in photo lineups as the individuals who loaded them into the trailer. As of now, the charges remain at an initial stage and will be evaluated by the federal court. Like all criminal proceedings, the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Public SafetyAuthorities Seek Two Suspects in Multiple Thefts in Harlingen
Harlingen, Texas — Crime Stoppers is seeking community assistance to identify and locate two suspects linked to a series of thefts at a Home Depot store. Police report that the individuals are featured in images released by authorities and are believed to be involved in multiple robbery incidents at the location. Crime Stoppers urges anyone who recognizes the suspects or has information about their identity or whereabouts to contact them confidentially. A reward of up to $1,000 is offered for information leading to an arrest. Tips can be submitted via phone at 956-425-TIPS (8477), website 425TIPS.com, or the P3 Tips mobile app. All reports are anonymous.
Public SafetyPlane that crashed in the Dominican Republic was picking up former player Yadier Molina
A plane that crashed in La Romana, Dominican Republic, was on its way to pick up former MLB player Yadier Molina, along with his family and friends, in Texas. Molina expressed his condolences on social media for the pilots who lost their lives in the accident. He shared that the aircraft, operated by Aibonito Aviation LLC, was returning to Puerto Rico after the pickup. The plane, with registration N318JF, had a pilot and co-pilot on board at the time of the crash. Molina's post highlighted his gratitude for life amid the tragedy.
Public Safety'Agents could hear screams': 2 face federal charges after trailer hauling 39 migrants catches fire
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The driver and passenger accused of hauling a trailer with 39 people that ultimately caught fire during a chase are facing federal charges. Jairo Juli Holguin-Florentino and Cristian Johansel Mirambeaux-Martinez are charged with conspiracy to transport aliens in a manner that places in jeopardy the life of any person. According to the criminal complaint,
Public Safety4 boats, 1 building damaged in overnight Port Isabel fire
PORT ISABEL, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Four boats and a building caught on fire early Sunday morning in Port Isabel, according to city officials. The Port Isabel Volunteer Fire Department responded to the fire around 1:45 a.m. on Pompano Street. Crews from the Laguna Vista Volunteer Fire Department and the South Padre Fire Department also responded. When
Public SafetyDrainage improvement project in Willacy County to bring flood relief
A flood prevention project is set to begin this summer in Willacy County, aimed at alleviating flooding issues in Sebastian. Residents like Dan Fern, who experienced significant flooding last March, are hopeful for improvements. The project includes widening a drainage canal from 70 to 100 feet and constructing a new 10-acre detention pond. This initiative is a collaboration between Willacy County, its drainage district, and Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, with a budget of nearly $3 million, half funded by a state grant. Construction may start later this month or in early July, pending state approval.
Public SafetyMcAllen man charged for allegedly selling more than 100 counterfeit items from his home
A 23-year-old McAllen resident, Hazael Martinez, was arrested on April 30 for allegedly selling counterfeit goods valued at approximately $4,055 from his home. The Hidalgo County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Task Force began investigating him in January 2024. Reports indicate that Martinez used a Telegram account to promote counterfeit items, including luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Rolex. During the arrest, authorities found 119 counterfeit products in his home and a setup for displaying counterfeit apparel. Martinez claimed to have sourced these items from China. He is currently held on a $25,000 bond at the Hidalgo County Jail.
Public SafetyState of Texas: Governor expands emergency declaration to fight screwworm threat
Texas and federal officials are working together to quickly contain the New World screwworm after the flesh-eating parasite was detected in a calf in La Pryor, roughly 100 miles southwest of San Antonio. It marks the first confirmed case on the Texas side of the U.S. - Mexico border in roughly six decades.
Public Safety'Something must be going on': Third dead cat found on same Peñitas street
PEÑITAS, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A disturbing discovery in Peñitas has prompted an investigation by the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office. A dead cat was found with a cord tightly wrapped around its neck, raising concerns about possible animal cruelty. The latest incident occurred on Wednesday along a street where several dead cats and dogs have been
Public Safety2 people arrested in human smuggling case that ended in fiery crash near Linn
Two individuals were arrested following a fiery crash near Linn on Thursday night. U.S. Border Patrol discovered 39 undocumented migrants inside the truck after it ignited. All migrants were rescued and are currently in federal custody. The incident began when the truck driver fled from the Falfurrias checkpoint, leading law enforcement on a chase. Despite the Texas Department of Public Safety deploying spike strips, the driver continued until the tires caught fire, prompting the stop.
Public SafetyWoman's body recovered at the Port of Brownsville
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A woman's body was recovered at the Port of Brownsville on Friday afternoon, according to officials. The Port of Brownsville Police and Security Department responded to a welfare concern at the port's Fishing Harbor after a family reported a female was missing, according to a news release from the Port of Brownsville.
Public SafetyElsa man arrested on drug and weapon charges
On June 2, an Elsa man named Mauricio Rocha Jr. was arrested at Mario Leal Park on drug and weapon charges. The Elsa Police Department reported that officers noticed a suspicious vehicle after park hours and approached Rocha. During their investigation, they discovered a Taurus .38 special revolver, marijuana, cocaine, THC vape devices, drug paraphernalia, ammunition, and cash in the vehicle. Rocha faces multiple charges, including the manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance in a drug-free zone and unlawful carrying of a weapon. He is currently held at the Hidalgo County jail with a bond set at $535,000.
Public SafetyA body was found at Port of Brownsville after woman reported missing
Authorities discovered a body in the water at the Port of Brownsville on Friday following a report of a missing woman. The Port of Brownsville Police and Security Department responded to concerns raised by the woman's family. During the search, officers were informed by a third party about the body, which matched the woman's description. The Port of Brownsville Police Department, along with the Cameron County Sheriff's Department, is conducting an investigation into the incident, while the Brownsville Fire Department is aiding in the recovery operations.
Public SafetyState Mobilizes Response Following New World Screwworm Detection
Governor Greg Abbott announced a disaster declaration for Zavala and Uvalde Counties after the detection of the New World Screwworm (NWS) in Texas. He emphasized the mobilization of state resources to combat this threat, including the acceleration of sterile fly production in Edinburg. The NWS is a parasitic fly that can harm livestock and wildlife. Abbott urged Texans to inspect their animals for wounds and report any suspected infestations to the Texas Animal Health Commission. The state is collaborating with federal partners to implement a containment strategy using the Sterile Insect Technique to eradicate the pest.
Public Safety2 arrested, 39 migrants in custody after tractor-trailer fire on US 281
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — State troopers and Border Patrol agents arrested two people and detained 39 people believed to be in the country illegally after a human smuggling pursuit left a tractor-trailer in flames and shut down southbound U.S. 281 for hours. According to a news release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, at approximately
Public SafetyMan arrested, loaded gun and drugs seized at Elsa park
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — An Elsa man was arrested after police say they found him in a drug-free zone with a loaded gun, drugs and cash. Mauricio Rocha Jr, 24 of Elsa, faces the following charges: On Tuesday night, police came across a suspicious vehicle parked at Mario Leal Park after operating hours. Police identified
Public SafetyMinor accused of creating sexually explicit AI images of female classmates
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Brownsville Police Department issued a warning on Thursday and reminded the public that using artificial intelligence technology to create sexually explicit images without a person's consent comes with criminal consequences. On May 27, Brownsville police arrested a juvenile accused of creating sexually explicit images of female classmates based on photos
Public SafetyDPS Uncovers Stash House, Captures Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrant Gang Member
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) discovered a stash house in Eagle Pass during Operation Lone Star, leading to the arrest of a wanted gang member. On May 29, 2026, DPS Troopers acted on a tip about suspicious activity at a hotel. Inside, they found four illegal immigrants from Honduras, including 21-year-olds Joseph Angel Gusman and Daniel Castillo Dionisio, both affiliated with the Rollin’ 30s Crips gang. Dionisio was wanted for armed robbery and aggravated assault. Two U.S. citizens, Juella Monet Brown and Starr Ricki Drake, were also arrested for operating the stash house. DPS encourages the public to report suspected stash houses for potential rewards.