Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyICE Center in Texas Lost Track of Firearm and Did Not Conduct Tuberculosis Tests, According to Report
The largest ICE detention center in the country lost track of a loaded firearm, failed to provide treatment to detainees with chronic health issues, and did not conduct tuberculosis tests on immigrants, according to a report from the Government Accountability Office released on Tuesday. The investigation by the congressional oversight body revealed 'serious performance and oversight issues' at the East Montana Camp, located at Fort Bliss, just outside El Paso, Texas. The report noted that in one case, evidence related to a detainee's death was lost or destroyed. Initially classified as an 'apparent suicide,' the local coroner later ruled it a homicide, and the FBI and inspector general are currently investigating the case. The facility, composed of tents, has faced a troubled history since its opening on the Army base less than a year ago—in August—beginning with a fatal construction accident and the deaths of three detainees within six weeks, including the homicide. There have also been outbreaks of tuberculosis and measles. The GAO pointed out that after ICE took over the management of the East Montana Camp contract—previously managed by the Army—in October, contractual requirements continued to be unmet. ICE itself issued eight discrepancy reports and one oversight report regarding the East Montana Camp, identifying 'serious problems' at the facility, according to the GAO. The discrepancy reports formally document deficiencies in the performance of the facility operators, who are then required to propose and implement corrective actions. One discrepancy report indicated that in January 2026, a contracted security guard 'lost his loaded firearm on the premises,' and according to an ICE official, 'despite several searches of the facility, by March 2026 the weapon had not been recovered,' the GAO noted. The investigation indicated that, according to ICE officials, by March the agency was still waiting for the contractor to respond to some of the reports. The document does not mention any specific contractor. Another discrepancy report issued by ICE revealed that a contractor had not conducted mandatory tuberculosis tests and instead relied on symptom questionnaires; this resulted in a foreign individual with tuberculosis being housed alongside the general population, according to the GAO report. In December, ICE's Health Service Corps determined that the contractor did not conduct comprehensive health assessments, and as a result, 'detainees with chronic illnesses did not receive treatment or care in accordance with National Detention Standards,' the GAO stated. 'For example, none of the detainees with diabetes or HIV had an established treatment plan,' the investigation indicated. A February discrepancy report from ICE related to the death of a detainee—classified as a homicide by the local coroner—revealed that the contractor did not provide ICE with reports on the use of force and the death as required, the GAO reported. 'Additionally, evidence related to the incident was missing or had been destroyed,' the investigation noted. In mid-March, ICE terminated the contract with Acquisition Logistics LLC, the company managing the facilities. The company lacked prior experience in managing immigrant detention centers, and its 77-year-old CEO appeared to run the business from his private home. Acquisition Logistics did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report. 'Both the Army and DHS made decisions that contributed to the serious problems at Camp East Montana,' the report states. 'Therefore, we continue to believe that both agencies should evaluate the contracting process and identify lessons learned to guide future contracts in support of ICE's detention operations.' A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security stated that ICE hired a new provider 'after the termination of the previous contract inherited from the Department of War.' 'ICE is constantly looking for ways to improve its detention centers to ensure that we provide the best care to undocumented individuals in our custody,' the spokesperson said. 'This new contractor will allow Camp East Montana to continue meeting the strictest detention standards while providing greater medical care on-site,' the statement noted. 'ICE will exercise even greater oversight over the contractors at this center. Far from closing, Camp East Montana is being modernized.' At the end of last month, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other legal organizations filed a lawsuit against ICE due to allegations of inhumane conditions at the center, which included 'serious medical neglect, disease outbreaks, dangerous and unsanitary conditions, and the use of force by agents, among other issues.' The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit. 'These findings confirm part of what I have been denouncing since the center opened ten months ago; however, incredibly, they do not even come close to reflecting everything I have discovered and shared with the public during my oversight visits,' stated Representative Veronica Escobar (Democrat, Texas). 'Camp East Montana needs to be closed, the contracting company investigated, and the destruction of evidence referred to authorities; moreover, Republicans should work with us to redirect these funds to meet the needs of working Americans.' This story was translated from Spanish with the help of a generative artificial intelligence tool. An editor from Telemundo Digital reviewed the translation. This story was originally written in English by Daniella Silva from our sister network NBC News.
Public SafetyAngelina was everything to u: Family of slain Brownsville sailor reacts to killer plea deal
Jeremiah Copeland, a 21-year-old Navy sailor, was sentenced to 44 years in prison for the murder of fellow sailor Angelina Resendiz from Brownsville. Copeland pleaded guilty to unpremeditated murder, and charges of aggravated assault and sexual contact were dropped as part of a plea deal. Resendiz's body was discovered on June 9, 2025, near Naval Station Norfolk. Her brother, Juan Resendiz, expressed relief but believes the murder was premeditated. Angelina's mother, Esmeralda Castle, attended the hearing and emphasized the importance of sharing her daughter's story for justice. Seven witnesses spoke at the hearing, reflecting on Angelina's vibrant spirit.
Public SafetyFatal overnight crash under investigation in Mission
A man died early Tuesday morning in a single-vehicle crash in Mission, Texas. The accident occurred around 2:30 a.m. near the intersection of Glasscock Road and Angus Street, when the vehicle collided with a sign, resulting in downed power lines. The Mission Fire Department reported that the man was later hospitalized but succumbed to his injuries. Authorities are currently investigating the incident, and further details have not yet been released. This story is still developing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Public SafetySailor receives 44-year sentence in murder of Angelina Resendiz
Jermiah Copeland, 21, has been sentenced to 44 years in prison for the murder of Angelina Resendiz, a Navy Seaman from Brownsville. Copeland pleaded guilty to unpremeditated murder and several other charges, including aggravated assault and obstruction of justice. Resendiz was reported missing on May 29, 2025, and her body was discovered nearly two weeks later near the Virginia naval base where she served. She was a culinary specialist and had been stationed at Norfolk Naval Station for over a year. The case continues to develop, and further updates are expected.
Public SafetyTexas teen convicted of murder in a fatal stabbing at a high school track meet
A Texas teenager was convicted of murder for fatally stabbing a 17-year-old rival athlete during a high school track meet. Karmelo Anthony, now 19, received a 35-year prison sentence after a jury dismissed his self-defense claims. The incident occurred last year when Anthony refused to leave a tent belonging to Austin Metcalf's team. Witnesses described escalating tensions leading to the stabbing. Prosecutors argued that Anthony was the aggressor, while the defense claimed Metcalf had no right to confront him. The trial attracted significant attention, partly due to social media discussions surrounding race, although both sides maintained the case was not racially motivated.
Public SafetyFeds Indict 26 Trinitarios Gang Members Linked to Five Murders in Massachusetts
Federal authorities have indicted 26 alleged members of the Trinitarios gang in Massachusetts on charges related to racketeering, five murders, and 19 attempted murders. This action is part of a broader effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office to dismantle the gang, which has been linked to a total of 56 members charged since 2017. The gang is accused of drug trafficking, extortion, and violent crimes, including witness tampering. The investigation revealed the gang's extensive recruitment efforts, particularly among Dominican immigrants, and their organized structure. Law enforcement officials emphasize that these arrests will make communities safer.
Public SafetySailor sentenced to 44 years after pleading guilty to killing Angelina Resendiz
NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)-- Jermiah Copeland was sentenced to 44 years in prison Tuesday after pleading guilty to multiple charges in the death of Angelina Resendiz. Captain Frank Hutchinson sentenced Copeland to 44 years confinement with credit for 1 year served. The judge denied the motion that was argued Friday where the defense asked
Public SafetyMission police investigating fatal crash
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Mission police are investigating a fatal crash. The crash occurred at approximately 2:35 a.m. Tuesday on Angus Street and Glasscock Road. According to Mission police, one person is dead after striking a pole. The crash remains under investigation.
Public SafetyPolice activity seen in Harlingen
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Police activity was seen in Harlingen on Tuesday morning. A spokesperson with the Harlingen Police Department confirmed a raid took place on the 800 block of W. Buchanan St. Photos provided to ValleyCentral show that at least two Harlingen units responded to the scene. This is a developing story. Check back
Public SafetyTwo suspected of multiple thefts at Home Depot: Harlingen Crime Stoppers
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- The Harlingen Area Crime Stoppers is asking the for the public's help to identify two people suspected of committing multiple thefts at a Home Depot location. Anyone who recognizes the people in the image below is asked to contact the Harlingen Crime Stoppers. Tips can be submitted anonymously online or by
Public SafetyTexas City Man Gets more than 3 years for Illegally Possessing a Machine Gun
A 32-year-old Texas City man, Jaleel Filer, has been sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for illegally possessing and transferring a machine gun. Filer pleaded guilty on March 5, 2026, after an investigation revealed his involvement in selling firearms and illegal machine gun conversion devices, known as 'switches.' The investigation began in January 2023, leading to multiple undercover purchases, including a firearm sold for approximately $2,200 that functioned as a machine gun. Following his sentencing, Filer was taken into custody and will be transferred to a federal prison facility soon.
Public SafetyJury finds Miguel Ángel Ortiz guilty in case of 2-month-old baby who died
A jury found Miguel Ángel Ortiz guilty of injury to a child by omission related to the death of a two-month-old baby in Pharr, Texas. The verdict was reached after hours of deliberation in Hidalgo County Court. Testimonies included that of the forensic doctor who performed the autopsy, revealing that the baby died from a severe head injury and had other injuries on his body. The prosecution argued that Ortiz failed to protect the child from harm. Sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday at 1:30 PM, and Noticias Telemundo 40 will cover the proceedings.
Public SafetyDPS Reminds Drone Operators to Follow FAA Restrictions Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup
As Texas gears up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is urging drone operators to adhere to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) around stadiums. With heightened security expected, DPS stresses the importance of lawful drone operations for public safety. Unauthorized drone flights within a three nautical mile radius of event venues are prohibited and can lead to legal consequences. Operators are advised to register their drones, stay informed about regulations, and avoid flying near emergency services. More details on restrictions can be found on the FAA's SEAMS website.
Public SafetyMan Arrested for Sneaking onto United Airlines Flight at Texas Airport
A 25-year-old man, Abdulrahman Oriyomi, was arrested for attempting to board a United Airlines flight with a fake boarding pass at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. The incident occurred on May 18, when Oriyomi was seen struggling with his boarding pass before passing through security. He managed to board Flight 469 to Los Angeles but was later discovered hiding in the bathroom after another passenger alerted the crew. The flight was delayed for three hours due to the incident. Oriyomi has been charged with intentionally disrupting critical infrastructure and is currently held at the Harris County Jail awaiting a court appearance.
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,