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NationalVenezuelan Immigrant Dies in ICE Custody Four Days After Arrest
A Venezuelan immigrant, Jesús Manuel Arenas-Silva, 45, died while in ICE custody after being detained for four days. He was found unconscious on July 13 while being transported between detention centers in Georgia. Emergency services took him to Irwin County Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. ICE suspects a heart attack as the cause of death, pending further medical examination. Arenas-Silva had previously attempted to enter the U.S. legally in October 2021 and was later detained in a raid in Dallas, Georgia. His family expressed distress over his medical needs not being met during detention.
NationalUS Designates Juárez Cartel and Los Viagras as Terrorist Organizations
The U.S. government has designated the Juárez Cartel and Los Viagras as foreign terrorist organizations, adding them to a list of eight Mexican criminal groups labeled as such. This designation allows U.S. authorities to take more aggressive actions against these groups and their supporters. The Juárez Cartel, one of Mexico's oldest drug trafficking organizations, controls a crucial border crossing in Ciudad Juárez, adjacent to El Paso, Texas. Meanwhile, Los Viagras, a local group from Michoacán, emerged after the expulsion of previous cartels and is known for extortion and synthetic drug production. The U.S. State Department has offered a $5 million reward for information leading to the capture of Los Viagras' leader, Nicolás Sierra Santana.
SportsMessi vs Lamine Yamal in the World Cup Final, 19 Years After Iconic Photo Together
ATLANTA - Lamine Yamal, star of the Spanish national team, will fulfill his dream of facing his idol, Leo Messi, in the FIFA World Cup final nearly 19 years after the iconic photo of them together, where the Argentine star was bathing the Spanish player when he was just a few months old. "Well, I've grown a little and so has Leo. I hope to face Lionel Messi in the final, since we couldn't in the Finalissima," Lamine Yamal said during an interview with DAZN when shown the photo of a young Messi washing a baby. This photo was taken for a charity calendar by FC Barcelona in 2007. The baby, just a few months old, is now one of the stars of the Spanish national team, which Messi will face on Sunday at Metlife Stadium in New Jersey/New York. The story behind the photo was shared two years ago by its creator, Joan Monfort, with Agencia EFE. It all started with a post that Mounir Nasraoui, Lamine Yamal's father, shared on Instagram in 2024, showing a smiling baby enjoying a bubble bath in a small basin alongside his mother, Sheila Ebana, and a young Leo Messi. This 2007 image was included in a charity calendar. Since then, the image has gone viral. Messi and Lamine Yamal crossed paths in time and space nearly nineteen years ago, but only the young Barça player's parents knew this detail and had not shared it with anyone.
SportsNikki Rowe DAngelo Llarza signs letter of intent
D'Angelo Llarza, a baseball player from Nikki Rowe High School, has signed a letter of intent to continue his athletic career at Crowley Ridge College in Arkansas. Llarza, who played first base, was instrumental in leading the Warriors to a bi-district championship this past season. The team concluded the year with an impressive 22-11 record, showcasing their strong performance throughout the season.
SportsEdinburg Vela alum Mito Perez signs with the Texas Rangers organization
Mito Perez, a graduate of Edinburg Vela High School, has signed a contract with the Texas Rangers as an undrafted free agent. Perez played four years at Tarleton State University and recently completed a season with the Grand Canyon Lopes, where he started 40 games, achieving a batting average of .297 with 3 home runs and 18 RBIs. In high school, he excelled in both baseball and football, showcasing his athletic talent before moving on to collegiate sports.
SportsTJohnn Brown reunites with Head Coach Brandon Chambers
T'John Brown, a guard with NCAA Tournament experience, has joined the UTRGV men's basketball team after playing for McNeese. He reunites with head coach Brandon Chambers, who was an assistant during Brown's previous tournament run. Brown expressed excitement about his new role and aims to lead his teammates while adapting to the team's system. His positive energy has already influenced the squad, as noted by assistant coach Joseph Anderson. Brown is motivated by his family and his recovery from an injury, emphasizing the importance of communication and leadership on the court.
NationalUK urges FIFA to investigate Argentina over Falklands banner
The UK government has urged FIFA to investigate Argentina's national team after players displayed a banner claiming sovereignty over the disputed Falkland Islands following their 2-1 victory over England in the World Cup semifinal in Atlanta. The banner, which read "Las Malvinas son argentinas," was shown during post-match celebrations. UK Business Secretary Peter Kyle criticized the players' actions as inappropriate and called for a thorough investigation. FIFA's disciplinary code prohibits political messages at sporting events, with fines ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni emphasized the team's commitment to winning the World Cup final against Spain.
NationalTrump to Deliver Primetime Address to the Nation Expected to Address Election Issues
President Donald Trump is set to deliver a prime-time address to the nation, where he is expected to discuss election-related issues. Despite the findings of his own appointees confirming that he lost the 2020 election, Trump continues to assert his victory. He has surrounded himself with supporters of his election claims and initiated a review of the 2020 voting process. Senator Jon Ossoff recently pressed Trump's nominee for Director of National Intelligence during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing to clarify the election results. Trump has not disclosed the specifics of his upcoming speech but has hinted at 'really important news.'
NationalTrump to Address the Nation in Expected Election-Focused Speech
President Donald Trump is set to deliver a prime-time address to the nation, where he is expected to discuss election-related issues. Despite the consensus among officials he appointed that he lost the 2020 election, Trump continues to assert his victory. He has surrounded himself with supporters of his election claims and initiated a review of the 2020 voting process. The speech's content remains undisclosed, but Trump has hinted at announcing 'really important news.' This comes amid ongoing scrutiny from both Republican and bipartisan investigations confirming the election results.
PoliticsMore border buoys ready to go into Rio Grande in South Texas
Dozens of giant orange border buoys have been put near the Roma International Bridge, ready to be placed in the Rio Grande.
WeatherSaharan dust and hazy conditions continue in the forecast
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Another wave of Saharan dust is on the move again, stretching from Africa across the Atlantic, sweeping through the Caribbean and the Gulf, and yes, more of it is headed for the Valley. As this haze settles in over the next several days and likely into next week, here are six practical ways to
Community'We really need it': Salvation Army distributes 150 box fans to Raymondville residents
RAYMONDVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — As triple-digit temperatures continue across the Rio Grande Valley, dozens of Raymondville residents received some relief Wednesday when the Salvation Army distributed 150 box fans to help families stay cool during the summer heat. The Raymondville giveaway is part of the Salvation Army's goal to distribute 600 box fans throughout Cameron
CommunityFood Bank RGV to distribute free produce in Hidalgo
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Food Bank RGV will give out free fruits and vegetables to residents on Thursday in Hidalgo. A pop-up mobile produce distribution event will take place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Payne Arena located at 2600 N. 10th St. A picture ID is requested. Organizers ask that residents
PoliticsHarlingen City Commission to further discuss proposed policy on public comment
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- A meeting will be held at Harlingen City Hall on Wednesday to further discuss an ordinance aimed at adopting a new policy for the public comment period at city meetings. A draft of the proposed rules was presented at the previous city meeting held on July 1. Images of the proposed
Public SafetyInvestigation underway after body found in Donna
An investigation is currently in progress following the discovery of a body in Donna, Texas. Police Chief Gilbert Guerrero reported that the body was found on Wednesday in the 2400 block of Bonita Street after officers responded to a welfare check. The identity of the victim has not yet been confirmed. Authorities are treating this as an ongoing investigation, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Public SafetyValley Border Patrol agent faces new child sex assault charge in separate case
Derek James Dominguez, a Border Patrol agent from Mercedes, faces new charges of child sexual assault. According to Hidalgo County jail records, he was booked on July 2 after a victim reported incidents occurring in March and April 2016. The victim, who has known Dominguez since childhood, expressed feelings of guilt for not reporting sooner, partly due to his previous legal troubles. Dominguez was previously arrested in August 2025 for indecency with a child related to a separate case. He was released on July 3 after posting a $10,000 bond. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has not commented on the matter.
Public SafetyICE use of unmarked cars and shooting into vehicles during Houston killing could violate policy, policing experts say
Experts are questioning the tactics used by ICE agents during the fatal pursuit of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston on July 7. Salgado Araujo, a 52-year-old construction worker, was shot by agents who were in unmarked vehicles without emergency lights. Witnesses and video footage suggest that the aggressive driving tactics employed by ICE may violate established protocols. The Department of Homeland Security claims the shooting was in self-defense, alleging Salgado Araujo attempted to run over an agent. The incident has sparked protests and calls for an independent investigation, as concerns grow over the use of deadly force by federal agents during traffic stops.
CommunityHidalgo County hike and bike trail getting $850K in safety upgrades
Hidalgo County is set to enhance safety on the hike and bike trail located on North Breyfogle Road with an investment of $850,000. The upgrades will include the installation of seven security cameras and 911 emergency call boxes, scheduled for late August 2026. Currently, 151 solar lights are already installed along the trail. Precinct 3 Commissioner Everardo Villarreal emphasized the importance of communication with residents to ensure the trail meets their needs and keeps them safe.
NationalDetainees at El Paso ICE detention say theyre frequently beaten, report says
A recent report by Human Rights Watch and the ACLU reveals alarming conditions at the ICE detention facility, Camp East Montana, in El Paso, Texas. Out of 71 detainees interviewed, 90% reported experiencing or witnessing physical abuse by guards. The report details inadequate medical care, unsanitary living conditions, and insufficient food. Detainees also faced restrictions on contacting family and legal representatives. The facility has seen multiple deaths, including a homicide ruling in one case. Advocates demand the closure of the camp and independent investigations into the reported abuses and deaths, emphasizing the need for humane treatment of detainees.
PoliticsWoman found guilty in connection with Mission CISD bribery scheme
A federal jury found Veronica Inez O’Caña guilty of bribery, money laundering, and witness tampering related to a contract from Mission Consolidated Independent School District. The case, which dates back to 2018, involved a $30,000 bribe to influence her sister, Patricia O’Caña, then president of the school board, to support a contract with Performance Services Inc. O’Caña is currently out on bond, with sentencing scheduled for October 7, 2026. Key testimonies included former board member Roy Vela, who stated that he was pressured to favor Performance Services. Antonio Gonzalez III, who orchestrated the bribery, has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.