Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyLarge Methamphetamine Shipment Found at Pharr International Bridge
On May 16, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials seized a significant amount of methamphetamine at the Pharr International Bridge. The drugs were hidden in a truck carrying lettuce from Reynosa, Mexico. During a physical inspection, officers discovered 307 packages of suspected methamphetamine weighing approximately 1,644 pounds, valued at nearly $14.7 million on the black market. CBP has confiscated both the drugs and the vehicle, and Homeland Security Investigations agents have launched a criminal investigation into the matter.
Public SafetyAutopsy Reveals Cause of Death for Woman Who Fell into Manhole in New York
A 56-year-old woman, Donika Gocaj, tragically died after falling into an uncovered manhole on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. Witnesses reported that she screamed, 'I'm dying,' shortly after the incident, which occurred around midnight. An autopsy revealed that Gocaj died from severe injuries, including thermal inhalation burns and blunt force trauma to the chest, and her death was ruled accidental. Con Edison, the utility company responsible for the manhole covers, stated that surveillance footage indicated a large truck had dislodged the cover shortly before Gocaj parked her vehicle nearby. The company had a valid permit for work in the area at the time.
Public SafetyThe Rubio Murders: The Case
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — In March 2003, John Allen Rubio and Angela Camacho were both arrested and charged in the deaths of their three young children, Julissa, John, and Mary Jane. Given the gruesome crime scene and overwhelming evidence, it would’ve seemed the case was a slam-dunk for state prosecutors. “The evidence matched, the bodies were
Public SafetyBoil water notice lifted in Edinburg, city says
EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A boil water notice that was prompted by a water line break in Edinburg has been lifted, the city announced on Wednesday night. The notice was issued on Tuesday, affecting residents and businesses on McColl Road, Wisconsin Road, and Closner Boulevard. Residences one mile north of Canton Road and Jackson Road were
Public SafetyTwo crashes near Sebastian cause closure of southbound I-69E
Two accidents near Sebastian led to the closure of southbound I-69E, as reported by officials. Motorists are advised to avoid the area, anticipate delays, and seek alternate routes until the highway is reopened. The first rollover accident occurred at 1:42 p.m., followed by another crash at 2:30 p.m. The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating the incidents, with support from the Cameron County Precinct 5 Constable’s Office and Willacy County units managing traffic control.
Public SafetyLos Fresnos CISD coach identified as Brownsville driver killed in weekend rollover crash
Aaron Alejandro Garcia, a 22-year-old man from Brownsville, was identified as the victim of a fatal rollover crash that occurred early Saturday morning on May 16, 2026. The incident took place on State Highway 550, where Garcia lost control of his 2010 black GMC Sierra while driving at an unsafe speed. He was a paraprofessional and coach within the Los Fresnos CISD, working at Liberty Memorial and Resaca Middle Schools. The district's Athletic Director expressed deep sadness over his passing, highlighting Garcia's positive influence on students and athletes. The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating the accident.
Public SafetyFollowing OFAC Sanctions on Sinaloa Cartel Networks, Mexico Announces Investigation
Mexico's Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF) announced on Wednesday that it is investigating 12 individuals and two legal entities identified by Washington for their ties to the Sinaloa Cartel. The UIF conducted a financial, tax, and corporate analysis to identify potential networks or operations involving illicit funds. In a statement, the agency under Mexico's Ministry of Finance reported that it is 'strengthening' actions against these individuals, who were sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury through the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) for their connections to fentanyl trafficking and criminal groups associated with the Sinaloa Cartel, also known as the Pacific Cartel. 'Coordinated actions between Mexican and U.S. authorities enhance international cooperation mechanisms to prevent the misuse of the financial system, combat money laundering, and weaken the financial structures of organized crime,' the federal agency stated. The UIF's announcement follows OFAC's sanctions against more than 12 individuals and entities linked to the Sinaloa Cartel and its fentanyl trafficking operations into the United States. The two criminal structures are led by Armando de Jesús Ojeda Avilés, who heads a network dedicated to laundering money from fentanyl and other illicit drugs, and Jesús González Peñuelas, a fugitive who leads an organization with a long history of drug trafficking into the U.S. and money laundering for the cartel. The UIF reiterated its 'permanent coordination' with international authorities to 'protect the integrity of the financial system and mitigate risks associated with operations involving illicit funds.' This is not the first time OFAC has sanctioned individuals or businesses related to criminal organizations like the Sinaloa Cartel.
Public Safety19 Migrants Found Hidden in Drainage System at US-Mexico Border; Three Are Minors
A group of 19 Mexican migrants, including three minors, was found hiding in a drainage system at the border between California and Mexico, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported on Wednesday. The discovery occurred on the night of May 4, after the Border Patrol's remote surveillance system detected suspicious activity near the drainage tunnels. Immigration agents arrested sixteen adults and three unaccompanied minors attempting to enter the U.S. illegally. The Tunnel Team of the San Diego Sector had to clear the drainage system and ensure no additional individuals were hidden inside.
Public SafetyOver 1,600 pounds of meth hidden in lettuce shipment at Pharr bridge: CBP
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized 1,644 pounds of alleged methamphetamine hidden within a lettuce shipment at the Pharr International Bridge over the weekend, according to the federal agency. CBP officers said a tractor-trailer traveling from Reynosa, Mexico, was sent to a secondary inspection on Saturday. A nonintrusive inspection of
Public SafetyMemorial Day Weekend Travel Tips
AAA Texas predicts that 3.7 million Texans will travel at least 50 miles from home this Memorial Day Weekend, despite rising fuel prices. To minimize traffic congestion, especially on Thursday and Friday afternoons, travelers are advised to leave early. Key travel tips include checking vehicle conditions, maintaining proper tire pressure, and adhering to speed limits for better fuel efficiency. Additionally, the TxDOT's Click It or Ticket campaign emphasizes seatbelt use, with increased enforcement until May 31. Drivers should also remember to yield to emergency vehicles and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Public SafetyRollover crash reported south of Sebastian
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Traffic is coming to a stop on the southbound expressway near Sebastian due to a rollover crash, the Willacy County Sheriff's Office announced Wednesday afternoon. According to the sheriff's office, one vehicle rolled over on the floodway south of Sebastian. First responders are on the scene. The sheriff's office is advising
Public SafetyDPS identifies man killed in weekend rollover crash near Port of Brownsville
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Department of Public Safety on Wednesday identified a man who was killed in a rollover crash over the weekend near Brownsville. Troopers say Aaron Alejandro Garcia, 22, of Brownsville, died from his injuries at Valley Regional Medical Center on Saturday. According to DPS, the crash occurred on State Highway
Public SafetyFormer U.S. Border Patrol Agent Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Taxpayers
A former U.S. Border Patrol Agent, Ramon Heriberto Cerda Jr., 41, from Eagle Pass, pleaded guilty in Del Rio federal court to defrauding the government. He misused official duty hours to run his personal business, El Eagle Mail, while falsely reporting work hours and collecting bi-weekly paychecks. Surveillance revealed that between April and June 2025, he spent work hours at home and at his business instead of fulfilling his duties. Cerda faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 after pleading guilty to one count of wire fraud. The FBI continues to investigate the case.
Public SafetyVictim Identified in Weekend Accident in Weslaco Area
The accident that occurred in the early hours of Saturday, May 16, took place on State Highway 550, north of SH 48, as it passes through Weslaco. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the driver was identified as Aaron Alejandro García, 22, a resident of Brownsville. Based on preliminary investigations, the black 2010 GMC Sierra was traveling northwest at an unsafe speed while navigating a curve. Emergency services later transported the young man to Valley Regional Medical Center, where he died from injuries sustained in the accident. DPS continues to investigate the circumstances of the crash.
Public SafetyEdinburg Police Release Most Wanted List
The Edinburg Police Department is seeking community assistance to locate individuals on their list of the top 10 most wanted. Raúl Lozano, who was already being sought, has been arrested. The remaining individuals on the list include Juan Miguel Herrera Gómez, wanted for murder; Francisco Arispe-Gil, accused of continuous sexual abuse of a minor; and Luis Gerardo Gutiérrez Escamilla, facing charges of sexual assault of a minor. Also listed are Pedro Domínguez, wanted for robbery; Julio David de la Garza, for evading arrest; and Celinda Salas, accused of belonging to a criminal organization, as well as manufacturing, delivering, and possessing marijuana. Additionally, David Beiza Valdez is wanted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, while José Ignacio Sánchez faces charges for assaulting a police officer. The police have urged residents to report any information related to the whereabouts of these individuals, even if it seems minor. Those with information can call 956-383-TIPS or 956-289-7700.
Public SafetyEdinburg, Alton police discuss social media dangers for kids
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Edinburg Police Department and the Alton Police Department are warning parents about children's internet use and providing tips to help make online use safer for kids. Alton police released a graphic of popular online apps that children may be using on their phones, tablets, or their parents' phones. The list of
Public Safety42 migrants found in hot trailer at Sarita checkpoint
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — An Oklahoma man has been charged with trying to smuggle dozens of migrants through a South Texas federal checkpoint. Juan Nasario-Reyes, of Beaver, Oklahoma, was stopped on Friday at the Sarita checkpoint, which is 85-miles north of the U.S. Mexico border. Border Patrol agents say he appeared nervous when he was
Public SafetyEdinburg Issues Boil Water Advisory
The Edinburg Utilities Department has advised residents and businesses in several areas to boil water as a precaution after a contractor damaged a main water line. The advisory affects the area near Allen Drive, covering streets between McColl Road, Wisconsin Road, Closner Boulevard, and up to one mile north of Canton Road and Jackson Road, according to municipal authorities. Although repairs have been completed, the city issued the advisory as a precaution while they continue to monitor the system. Authorities recommend boiling water before consuming it, cooking, or using it for brushing teeth until further notice.
Public SafetyWater line break prompts boil water notice in Edinburg
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Tuesday night, the City of Edinburg announced that its Utilities Department issued a boil water notice for residents living near McColl Road, Wisconsin Road, Closner Boulevard, and one mile north of the intersection of Canton Road and Jackson Road. According to the city of Edinburg, a contractor struck a main water line