Public Safety

Tractor-trailer involved in human smuggling chase catches fire near Linn, Hidalgo County sheriff says

A tractor-trailer involved in a human smuggling pursuit caught fire on Thursday night near Linn, according to Hidalgo County Sheriff Eddie Guerra. The incident occurred on the southbound lane of U.S. 281, approximately six miles north of Linn, leading to its closure. The Texas Department of Transportation confirmed that the lane will remain closed until further notice. Sheriff Guerra did not provide further details, directing inquiries to the Texas Department of Public Safety, which in turn referred questions to U.S. Border Patrol. Channel 5 News is sending a crew to the scene for updates.

Ken Paxton announces investigation into energy drink company linked to death of Weslaco cheerleader

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated an investigation into Celsius Holdings, Inc., the manufacturer of the Alani Nu energy drink linked to the death of 17-year-old Weslaco cheerleader Larissa Rodriguez. Rodriguez's family filed a wrongful death lawsuit, claiming her death was caused by excessive caffeine consumption from the drink. Paxton aims to protect children from misleading marketing and dangerous caffeine levels, as each can contains 200 mg of caffeine, deemed unsafe for minors. The investigation follows reports of adverse health effects from energy drinks among young consumers nationwide. Distributors have denied the allegations and seek to dismiss the lawsuit.

Brownsville juvenile charged after using AI to create sexually explicit images of female classmates, police say

A juvenile in Brownsville has been arrested for using artificial intelligence to create sexually explicit images of female classmates, according to the Brownsville Police Department. The unnamed individual is facing 10 charges related to the unlawful production and distribution of deep fake sexually explicit media, with the arrest occurring on May 27. Authorities are urging anyone who believes they may be a victim of similar crimes to reach out to them. Police emphasized the potential for AI technology to be misused, highlighting the legal repercussions of creating or sharing such images without consent.

Bail ordered at $200K for Valley ICE agent wanted in Minnesota

A Minnesota judge has set bail at $200,000 for Christian Castro, an ICE agent arrested in Harlingen for assault and false reporting. Castro was taken into custody on May 29 at a home on Sun Chase Drive and is wanted in connection with a January shooting incident involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis. During a June 4 hearing, Cameron County DA Luis V. Saenz mentioned that extradition documents are being prepared. Castro, a Rio Grande Valley native, faces charges of aggravated assault and false reporting. If released, he must travel to Minnesota for arraignment. He remains in custody at Cameron County jail.

Input needed for proposed $14. 5M flood control project in Las Milpas area

Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 is proposing a $14.5 million flood control project in the Las Milpas area of Pharr, which could benefit over 1,000 property owners. The South Lateral Drain Phase Seven project aims to widen five miles of drainage channel and construct two detention ponds to manage stormwater. One pond will be located near Veterans Boulevard, covering 39 acres, while the other will be near Thomas Road, covering 11 acres. The project is currently in the environmental review phase, and public input is encouraged until June 12, 2026, to help finalize the plans.

ValleyCentral (KGBT) · Jun 5, 2026

Human smuggling pursuit ends in tractor-trailer fire on US 281: Sheriff

LINN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- A tractor-trailer involved in a human smuggling pursuit has caught fire, leading to road closures along U.S. 281, Hidalgo County Sheriff Eddie Guerra is reporting. The southbound lanes of U.S. 281 approximately six miles north of Linn are closed as first responders put out the fire. The affected roadway will be

PETA urges caution after reports of cat deaths in McAllen

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is urging residents to keep their pets indoors following reports of cat deaths in a north McAllen neighborhood. The call for action by the nonprofit organization PETA is followed by a social media post from U.S. Congressman Vicente Gonzalez, who said at least

Truck Allegedly Involved in Human Trafficking Catches Fire in Hidalgo County

A trailer truck, allegedly involved in human trafficking, caught fire in Hidalgo County, causing the southbound lane of Highway 281 to close six miles north of Linn. Sheriff Eddie Guerra announced the incident via social media, stating that law enforcement was pursuing the vehicle when the fire broke out. The situation is still developing, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.

RGV Mother and Daughter Face Prison After Human Smuggling Conviction

A federal jury has found a mother and daughter from the Rio Grande Valley guilty of human smuggling. The verdict came after a two-day trial where evidence showed they transported an illegal alien to a Border Patrol checkpoint near Kingsville on July 22, 2025. The passenger, who could not provide identification, testified he was smuggled into the U.S. and was headed to Houston. The defendants claimed they believed he was a U.S. citizen, but the jury rejected this defense. Sentencing is scheduled for September 1, with both facing up to 10 years in prison. The case is part of Operation Take Back America.

Caught with cocaine, man said he planned to visit ‘my friend, my hoes’ near Corpus Christi

McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man who told Border Patrol he planned to visit “my friend, my hoes” near Corpus Christi was caught transporting nearly six pounds of cocaine on Wednesday, according to the criminal complaint against him. Francisco Javier Palafox Jr. stopped at the U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint near Sarita on Wednesday afternoon. The

Bail set at $200K for ICE officer wanted in Minneapolis shooting

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer wanted in Minnesota for allegedly shooting a Venezuelan man had a bail of $200,000 set during a hearing Thursday morning in Cameron County. Christian J. Castro, 52, originally had no bail set when he appeared before a judge on May 30. He is charged

DPS Finds 20 Migrants Hidden in Truck Tractor Near Laredo

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) discovered 20 undocumented migrants hidden in a truck tractor during a traffic stop on IH-35 near Laredo on May 26, 2026. The stop was part of Operation Lone Star, conducted by a DPS Trooper around 4:00 p.m. The migrants, from Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala, were found in the sleeping area of the vehicle. The driver, 47-year-old Antonio Brown from Nevada, was arrested and charged with human smuggling. This incident marks the second time in less than ten days that DPS has uncovered a similar situation, with another 20 migrants found on May 18.

KRGV (NBC 5) · Jun 4, 2026

Bail ordered at $200, 000 for ICE agent arrested in Harlingen on assault charges out of Minnesota

Christian Castro, an ICE agent, has been arrested in Harlingen on assault charges stemming from an incident in Minnesota. A judge set his bail at $200,000 following his arrest on May 29 at a residence on Sun Chase Drive. Castro is accused of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and falsely reporting a crime related to a nonfatal shooting of Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis on January 14. Minnesota officials are preparing extradition documents for Castro, who may face up to seven years in prison if convicted. The case has drawn scrutiny, with investigations into the officers' accounts of the incident.

Authorities Investigate Case of Alleged Use of Artificial Intelligence to Create Fake Explicit Images

Brownsville – According to authorities, a minor was arrested on May 27, 2026, following an investigation that alleges he used photographs of female classmates obtained from social media to create sexually explicit images using artificial intelligence tools. The Brownsville Police Department stated that the minor faces 10 charges related to the alleged illegal production or distribution of sexually explicit material generated through 'deepfake' technology. As in all criminal cases, the charges represent accusations and must be proven in court. Authorities noted that while artificial intelligence has numerous positive applications, it can also be used in ways that cause significant harm to others. The police reminded the community that creating, distributing, or disseminating sexually explicit images generated by artificial intelligence without consent can constitute a crime and lead to legal consequences. They also advised the community to be cautious with the photographs shared online, especially those involving children and teenagers. According to the Brownsville Police, once an image is posted online, it can be copied, modified, or used by third parties without authorization. Authorities also recommend avoiding friend requests or followers from unknown individuals and reporting any suspicious activity or potentially harmful content on social media. The Brownsville Police indicated that anyone who believes they have been a victim of such situations can contact the department for guidance and support at (956) 548-7000.

Texas AG investigating Celsius following Weslaco cheerleader's death

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Texas Attorney General and Republican candidate for U.S. Senate Ken Paxton announced Thursday his office is launching an investigation into Celsius Holdings, Inc., the parent company of Alani Nutrition, LLC, which is linked to a wrongful death lawsuit involving a Weslaco cheerleader. Paxton said his office will investigate whether the company

Sounding the Alarm Over Suspected Texas Screwworm Case

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has raised concerns over the first suspected case of New World screwworm in Texas, criticizing the USDA for its slow response that allowed the pest to spread from Mexico. He urged President Trump to implement the Screwworm Adult Suppression System (SWASS) to combat the infestation. Miller emphasized the need for immediate action, including funding for SWASS deployment, establishing a U.S.-Mexico task force, and enhancing surveillance efforts. The screwworm poses a significant threat to livestock and wildlife, potentially leading to severe economic impacts for Texas ranchers and the agricultural sector.

DPS Advises Public to Download iWatchTexas Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

As Texas gears up to host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is promoting the iWatchTexas program. This initiative allows individuals to report suspicious activities anonymously, enhancing safety during the event. With millions expected to visit, DPS emphasizes that safety is a collective responsibility. Reports can be made via the mobile app, online, or by phone, and are reviewed by law enforcement. The program aims to prevent potential threats by encouraging the public to report concerning behaviors, ensuring a secure environment for all attendees.

Explosion at a Warehouse with Four Gas Tanks in Mexico Leaves Injured

MEXICO CITY – An explosion at a warehouse storing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanks in the Mexican state of Puebla resulted in three injuries, who are currently receiving hospital care, state governor Alejandro Armenta reported on Thursday. According to available information, the explosion of the four gas tanks occurred at 9:53 local time, but the causes of the accident are currently unknown. "The individuals involved in this incident have already been transferred... I have information here about three injured people. We want them to be treated immediately, and that is being done," the governor stated to the media. So far, authorities have not reported any fatalities.

Ford recalls nearly 420,000 vehicles due to seatbelt issue that could cause injury

Ford is recalling nearly 420,000 vehicles due to a seatbelt problem that could lead to injury in the event of a crash. The recall affects certain 2018 to 2022 model year Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The issue involves seatbelts that may inadvertently lock, preventing them from retracting or extending. The NHTSA report states that a seatbelt that does not retract or extend could result in injury during a crash. Individuals could also be injured in some cases if the seatbelt retracts rapidly. This recall replaces and expands upon two previous NHTSA recalls. The report indicates that Ford Motor Co. is aware of two warranty claims and two field reports related to the latest recall. The company is also aware of one injury.