Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
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 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 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 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.
Public SafetyHidalgo County Sheriff's Office swears in 20 peace officers
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A graduation ceremony was held on Thursday to swear in a class of cadets who completed a nine-month training program to become peace officers. The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office swore in 20 cadets who completed the program, known as the Basic Peace Officer Academy. Thursday's ceremony celebrated the 41st class of
Public SafetyDPS Launches Operation Safe Summer
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has initiated Operation Safe Summer, aimed at enhancing safety in high-traffic pedestrian areas across Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, and Fort Worth this summer. The operation is designed to deter crime and ensure that both residents and visitors can enjoy various events, including the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin emphasized the importance of this initiative in response to the expected influx of tourists. Local police departments will collaborate with DPS to provide increased patrols in busy areas like stadiums and entertainment districts, adapting to pedestrian traffic patterns and event schedules.
Public SafetyFormer IRS Agent Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murdering His Wife and a Man
The former IRS agent convicted in a deadly identity theft scheme targeting his wife and an unknown man was sentenced on Friday to the mandatory life imprisonment. Brendan Banfield, 40, was found guilty in February of two counts of aggravated murder, one count of using a firearm in the commission of a felony, and endangering a child, for the 2023 homicides of Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan at the Banfield home in Herndon, Virginia. The couple's au pair involved in the scheme, Juliana Peres Magalhaes, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Peres Magalhaes initially faced second-degree murder charges but received a lesser sentence after cooperating with authorities and testifying for the prosecution in Banfield's trial in Northern Virginia. On Friday, Judge Penney Azcarate sentenced Banfield to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Public SafetyBorder Patrol hands over fugitive wanted in Mexico for alleged rape
The individual, identified as Esgar Serrato-Gómez, was wanted by Mexican authorities and was handed over to officials from that country at the Brownsville-Matamoros International Bridge. After the transfer process, the man is now in the custody of Mexican authorities, where he will face the appropriate legal proceedings. The Border Patrol emphasized the existing cooperation to transfer certain individuals wanted for serious crimes so they can face justice in the relevant jurisdictions.
Public SafetyMultiple Charges for Elsa Man Over Drugs and Weapons in Municipal Park
Mauricio Rocha Jr., a 24-year-old resident of Elsa, was arrested on June 2 after police discovered drugs and a firearm during an investigation at Mario Leal Park. Officers found a suspicious vehicle parked after hours and, upon investigation, seized a loaded.38 caliber Taurus revolver, marijuana, cocaine, THC vape devices, drug paraphernalia, ammunition, and cash. Rocha faces multiple charges, including manufacturing or distributing a controlled substance in a drug-free zone, possession of marijuana in a drug-free zone, and illegal possession of a firearm. His bail is set at $535,000, and he is currently in Hidalgo County Jail.
Public SafetyAnimal Cruelty Cases Alerted Involving Several Cats in McAllen
The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has launched an investigation into the deaths of at least five cats found in the Fox Run neighborhood of McAllen since January. Reports indicate that some of the cats were discovered mutilated and abandoned on properties where residents regularly fed them. Congressman Vicente González (TX-34) has been seeking information on the case and providing updates to the community. McAllen Animal Care Services is also investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths, but no arrests or suspects have been publicly identified. PETA urges pet owners to keep their cats indoors to prevent abuse and other dangers.
Public SafetyTractor-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.