Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyGovernor Celebrates Game Warden, State Park Police Officer Graduation
Governor Greg Abbott honored a new class of Texas Game Wardens and State Park Police Officers during a graduation ceremony at the Texas Capitol. He emphasized their vital role as protectors of the state's natural resources and communities, stating they embody courage and integrity. Abbott highlighted their lifesaving efforts during last year's Fourth of July floods and their work against illegal wildlife trafficking. The graduating class includes 24 Game Wardens serving 26 counties and 4 Park Police Officers assigned to three state parks. The ceremony was attended by various state officials, including Texas Parks and Wildlife Department leaders.
Public SafetyICE officer wanted for shooting a man during the Minneapolis crackdown is arrested in Texas
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A federal immigration officer wanted for shooting a Venezuelan man during the Trump administration’s Minnesota crackdown was arrested Friday in Texas, authorities said. Christian Castro, of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, was taken into custody 11 days after Minneapolis prosecutors charged him with assault and falsely reporting a crime in the
Public SafetyDPS Finds 20 Illegal Immigrants Inside Truck Tractor in Webb Co.
On May 18, 2026, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) discovered 20 illegal immigrants hidden in a truck tractor during a traffic stop on IH-35 in Webb County. The incident occurred around 6:00 p.m. when a trooper stopped a white Volvo truck. The driver, 25-year-old Miguel Angel Velazquez Chavez, attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended. A search revealed the immigrants, including four minors, concealed in the sleeping area of the vehicle. Velazquez was charged with evading arrest and human smuggling and is now in Webb County Jail. The investigation is ongoing by DPS' Criminal Investigations Division.
Public SafetyPolice identify man and woman found dead at Brownsville hotel
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Brownsville Police Department on Friday identified the man and woman who were found dead at a Brownsville hotel on Thursday afternoon. The man was identified as German Navarro Lopez, 39, and the woman was identified as Shelsy Solis Sosa, 38. Police say evidence indicates that Lopez shot Solis Sosa before
Public SafetyMore than 80 Pounds of Cocaine Found Hidden in Progreso Border Bridge
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers seized 33 packages containing approximately 88 pounds of suspected cocaine hidden in a vehicle at the Progreso International Bridge. The discovery was made on May 23, during the Memorial Day weekend, with an estimated street value of $1,175,085. CBP utilized non-intrusive inspection technology and conducted a thorough physical inspection of the 2026 GMC Sierra driven by a U.S. citizen. Both the vehicle and the drugs were ultimately confiscated by authorities.
Public SafetyBloods Member on Most Wanted List Captured in Austin
Devonshae Aikeis Fisher, a 32-year-old member of the Bloods gang, was apprehended in Austin on May 21, 2026, after a brief vehicle chase. The pursuit began when he failed to stop for law enforcement officers from the Austin Police Department and Texas Highway Patrol. Fisher had been on the Texas 10 Most Wanted list since July 2024 due to parole violations related to a prior felony conviction for firearm possession. He was previously sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for drug-related charges and five years for unlawful firearm possession, being released on parole in April 2023.
Public SafetyShocked and Happy: Rescued Students from Texas Roller Coaster
Eight students were rescued after being trapped for nearly four hours on the Iron Shark roller coaster at Pleasure Pier in Galveston, Texas. The incident occurred when the ride, which stands over 100 feet tall, experienced a mechanical failure during its initial ascent. Fire Chief Mike Varela confirmed that all students were safely evacuated and examined by medical personnel. While they were initially shocked, there was a visible sense of joy as they reached solid ground. The Houston Independent School District confirmed that some of its students were among those trapped. The ride's operator is investigating the cause of the malfunction.
Public SafetyRaymondville mother being questioned following death of 8-month-old child, police chief says
The Raymondville Police Department is investigating the death of an 8-month-old child, with the mother being interviewed regarding suspicious circumstances. Police Chief Uvaldo Zamora reported that the child was taken to Valley Baptist Medical Center on Thursday and died shortly after 5 p.m. The incident occurred on South King Street. While the investigation is ongoing, no one has been taken into custody at this time. Further details about the case have not been released as authorities continue to gather information.
Public SafetyCrews in Dallas search for missing after massive apartment fire kills 3
A massive explosion at an apartment complex in Dallas on May 28, 2026, resulted in three fatalities and several injuries. Firefighters were responding to a reported gas leak when the blast occurred. Dallas Fire-Rescue announced that the focus has shifted from rescue to recovery as they search through the debris for missing individuals. At least four people were hospitalized, and a family reunification center was established at a nearby high school. Atmos Energy reported that a construction crew damaged a gas pipeline, leading to the incident. Residents expressed concern for loved ones who remain unaccounted for.
Public SafetyMan and woman found dead in Brownsville hotel, police say
A man and woman were found dead at the Holiday Inn on Sunrise Boulevard in Brownsville on Thursday afternoon. Police arrived at the scene around 12:34 p.m. after hotel staff reported the discovery. Both individuals were found in bed with apparent gunshot wounds to the head, and a firearm was recovered. Authorities are investigating the incident as a possible murder-suicide, suggesting that the man shot the woman, with whom he had an on-and-off relationship, before taking his own life. Further details from the investigation have not been released yet.
Public SafetyRaymondville police investigating death of 8 month old
RAYMONDVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Police are investigating the death of an infant, according to Raymondville police chief Uvaldo Zamora. Police say the infant died under suspicious circumstances. Sources say the incident occurred at approximately 2:44 p.m. on Thursday on South King Street in Raymondville. Chief Zamora confirmed that the infant was 8 months old. This is
Public SafetyBrownsville police investigating possible murder-suicide at hotel
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man and a woman were found dead with gunshot wounds to their head inside a Brownsville hotel on Thursday afternoon, according to the Brownsville Police Department. Police said that at approximately 12:34 p.m., officers responded to the 600 block of Sunrise Blvd regarding a death investigation. At the scene, officers
Public SafetyTRAFFIC ALERT- Eastbound I-2 frontage road closure in McAllen due to water main break
The eastbound frontage road of I-2 in McAllen, located between 23rd and 26th Streets, is closed due to a water main break. This closure will last until tomorrow morning, May 29th, although this timeline may change. Repairs may necessitate cutting into the roadway to access the water line for further work. Drivers are advised to seek alternative routes during this period.
Public SafetyTexas DPS Enhances Aerial Surveillance Capabilities with New Fleet Additions
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has added a Bell 407 helicopter to its fleet, the first since the 1980s, enhancing its aerial law enforcement capabilities. This aircraft, capable of carrying six passengers and reaching speeds of 135 knots, will be based in Austin and support operations across Central Texas. DPS plans to upgrade the helicopter by 2026 with advanced technology, including police radio systems and thermal imaging. The Aircraft Operations Division (AOD) is one of the largest airborne law enforcement units in the U.S., with over 27 aircraft and 100 personnel dedicated to various missions, including border security and crime scene investigations.
Public SafetySeveral People Rescued from Roller Coaster on the Texas Coast
HOUSTON – Authorities responded to an incident at Galveston's Pleasure Pier after several people became trapped on a ride. This is a developing story, and we will update this information.
Public SafetyVehicle Theft Sparks Chase, Ends with Two Arrests in Edinburg
Authorities arrested a man and a woman following a chase related to the alleged theft of a vehicle in Hidalgo County. According to María Hernández, spokesperson for the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the pursuit began after the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a stolen vehicle. DPS later joined the operation and successfully apprehended the suspects in the area of Tower Road and Wisconsin, north of Edinburg. Authorities have not disclosed the identities of those arrested or additional details about the case. The Department of Public Safety is in charge of the investigation.
Public SafetyRoad remains closed after water line break reported near South McAllen Water Plant
City officials reported a water line break near the South McAllen Water Plant, potentially leading to temporary water service disruptions. The break, located at the intersection of S. 23rd Street and Expressway 83, was identified on Wednesday evening. As a result, the eastbound I-2 frontage road in McAllen is closed between 23rd and 26th Streets. A spokesperson from the Texas Department of Transportation confirmed the closure remains in effect as of Thursday morning. Additionally, residents may experience lower water pressure. No timeline for repairs or the cause of the break has been provided, and drivers are urged to find alternate routes.
Public SafetyBrownsville Police Investigate Deaths of Two People in Hotel
The Brownsville Police Department is investigating the deaths of two individuals found inside a hotel room on Thursday afternoon. Authorities reported that the incident occurred around 12:34 p.m. at the Holiday Inn located in the 600 block of Sunrise Blvd. According to preliminary information, hotel staff discovered an adult man and an adult woman deceased in the room, both appearing to have gunshot wounds to the head. A firearm was also located at the scene. Investigators indicated that, at this time, the case is being handled as a possible murder-suicide. The investigation remains active, and authorities stated that no further details are available at this moment. This is a developing story, and we will provide more information as authorities release it.
Public Safety26 Migrants Rescued from Sealed Wooden Container at Falfurrias Checkpoint
Border Patrol agents rescued 26 undocumented migrants who were being transported inside a completely sealed wooden compartment in a trailer near the Falfurrias, Texas immigration checkpoint. According to authorities, among the migrants were two unaccompanied minors. The compartment was hidden beneath bags of mulch and had been nailed shut from the outside, leaving no escape for those inside. The Border Patrol reported that a K9 alerted to the gooseneck trailer during a routine inspection, leading agents to discover the hidden compartment. Authorities noted that all 26 migrants were successfully rescued and are undergoing immigration processing pending deportation. The driver of the vehicle was arrested and now faces federal charges related to human trafficking. Federal authorities described the case as an example of the dangers faced by individuals due to human trafficking networks and reiterated their commitment to pursuing such crimes.