Tagged News

• New facial recognition cameras installed at Valley ports of entry Play Video

  February 14, 2020 10:04 PM

  PROGRESO – New biometric technology is now activated at the border. Facial recognition tech was setup at Rio Grande Valley ports of entry this week. People walking back into the United States will have to go through an extra step in the verification process. Customs and Border Protection... more »

• Officers catch McAllen woman with 11 kilos of cocaine Play Video

  February 3, 2020 3:50 PM

  PHARR – U.S. Customs and Border Protection arrested a McAllen woman on Saturday, when she attempted to cross the Pharr bridge with 11 kilograms of cocaine, according to the federal criminal complaint against her. Yesmin Corona, 37, of McAllen attempted to cross the bridge from Reynosa to Pharr on... more »

• CBP Activates Special Response Team Amid Protest Play Video

  January 26, 2020 11:09 PM

  WESLACO - Customs and Border Protection activated its Special Response Team amid a protest. The protest happened Sunday on Mexico's side of the McAllen-Hidalgo International Bridge. Hundreds of people marched toward the U.S. Border. Watch the video above for the full story. more »

• CBP Investigating Possible Suicide of Mexican National at Jail in Hidalgo County Play Video

  December 23, 2019 9:30 PM

  LA VILLA – The feds are investigating the death of a Mexican national. The 42-year-old died at the East Hidalgo Detention Center on Saturday. He was taken into custody Friday at the Hidalgo port of entry. Customs and Border Protection officials say the man falsely claimed to be... more »

• CBP Officers to Receive New Sidearms at Ports of Entry Play Video

  December 11, 2019 6:38 PM

  WESLACO – Customs and Border Protection personnel will get new guns. Besides new sidearms, CBP officers at ports of entry will also have shotguns and rifles available. Most are armed with a handgun. "You can never have too much. You rather have more and have it accessible,... more »

• CBP: Security Upgrades Coming to 3 Valley Ports of Entry Play Video

  December 10, 2019 6:18 PM

  MCALLEN – Whether you drive or walk, every day, millions cross Rio Grande Valley ports of entry and are greeted by Customs and Border Protection officers. CBP’s ultimate duty is to detect crime entering the U.S. to the best of their ability. Now, with upgrades underway at the... more »

• Video Released of Migrant Death in Border Patrol Custody Raises More Questions Play Video

  December 5, 2019 6:12 PM

  WESLACO – New video was released leading to more questions about the death of a 16-year-old migrant in Border Patrol custody. Weslaco police are investigating the death of the Guatemalan migrant. He died at a Border Patrol holding station in May. The graphic video shows the final moments... more »

• Sick Honduran Toddler Admitted Into US after Hours-Long Wait Play Video

  November 14, 2019 10:26 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – A 2-year-old girl from Honduras is recovering from an undisclosed illness in the United States. The child was allowed into the country after spending hours in the cold waiting for permission to cross into Brownsville. She and her family were sent to Matamoros in August as... more »

• Former Valley CBP Immigration Officer Facing Possible Deportation Play Video

  November 14, 2019 9:28 PM

  WESLACO – A family secret left a disabled veteran facing deportation. Half a century living in the U.S., five deployments in the Navy nor national recognition prepared a federal employee for the ironic twist of fate. The path to citizenship can be long and arduous. Raul Rodriguez was... more »

• 3 People Shot in Mexico across Los Indios Port of Entry Play Video

  November 6, 2019 5:21 PM

  LOS INDIOS – A shooting in Tamaulipas that left two people dead ended at a Rio Grande Valley port of entry. Tamaulipas authorities are saying the shooting happened Tuesday on the Mexican side of the Los Indios International Bridge in the late afternoon. A Mexican customs employee was... more »

• $1.8 Million of Meth Hidden in Truck Carrying Tomatoes, Seized at Pharr Bridge

  October 18, 2019 9:18 AM

  PHARR- $1,800,000 worth of meth was seized by Customs and Border Protection officers at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge. On Thursday, a commercial truck transporting fresh tomatoes arrived from Mexico with 17 packages of alleged methamphetamine hidden inside a tire. The drugs weighed a total of 88 pounds. ... more »

• Judge Denies Injunction Against Valley CBP Play Video

  October 17, 2019 12:08 PM

  WESLACO – A federal judge ruled not to grant an injunction against Customs and Border Protection in the Rio Grande Valley. The decision came months after the request was made in August. A group of attorneys representing people who had been detained in crowded conditions. Testimony was... more »

• Border Patrol Ride Along Details New Valley Border Wall System Play Video

  October 11, 2019 4:40 PM

  WESLACO – Wooden stakes line the area where the new border wall will go up inside what is known as La Coma Refuge. “This is historically an area that is heavy with traffic for narcotics and individuals,” said Assistant Border Patrol Chief Carmen Qualia. She explained the area... more »

• More Than 200 Entry-Level Jobs at CBP Coming Soon Play Video

  October 3, 2019 5:36 PM

  WESLACO – More job openings coming soon for Customs and Border Protection. Congressman Henry Cuellar announced more than 200 entry level positions will be added. The agency’s manpower strained over the summer. During the migrant surge, Border Patrol pulled many agents from duties on the border to... more »

• Woman Arrested at Progreso Bridge for Attempting to Smuggle Fentanyl Play Video

  August 27, 2019 6:22 PM

  PROGRESO – A woman was allegedly caught trying to get a powerful drug into the U.S. Federal officials say they found it hidden in her clothes. The drug, fentanyl, is known to be 100 times more potent than morphine. The woman claimed the pills were for her... more »

• MPP Migrant Drowns Attempting to Re-Enter U.S. in El Paso

  August 1, 2019 3:39 PM

  EL PASO – A migrant woman under the Migrant Protection Protocol in El Paso drowned trying to enter the United States for a second time. Vilma Mendoza, 20, initially entered the United States on July 4, according to the Guatemalan Consulate in Del Rio. She was placed in... more »

• Edinburg Family Reunites with Loved One Wrongfully Detained by ICE Play Video

  July 24, 2019 4:23 PM

  EDINBURG – Conflicting reports and documents led to a U.S. citizen being detained. Francisco Erwin Galicia, 18, made it home to the Rio Grande Valley early Wednesday morning; his brother was deported. Galicia says he counted the days he was in custody. Immigration and Customs Enforcement tells... more »

• ICE, CBP Address Detention of Edinburg Teen

  July 24, 2019 10:07 AM

  WESLACO – Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection released a joint statement regarding the detention of an Edinburg teen who was born in the United States. Francisco Edwin Galicia, 18, was detained in June at the Falfurrias checkpoint and transferred to an ICE detention center in... more »

• CBP and BP Agents Rescue Father and Child from Rio Grande

  July 23, 2019 9:22 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – Customs and Border Protection officers rescued two people from the Rio Grande Sunday. Brownsville Border Patrol agents responded to a report of about 40 migrants, who crossed the Rio Grande underneath the Brownsville Bridge. Officers then noticed some migrants pinned in the middle of the river... more »

• Houston Woman Arrested after Drug Smuggling Attempt at Hidalgo Int'l Bridge

  July 22, 2019 3:02 PM

  HIDALGO – A Houston woman is in custody after attempting to smuggle methamphetamine through the Hidalgo port-of-entry. Customs and Border Protection says the 45-year-old tried driving through the bridge early Monday morning. Officers discovered 36 packs of the alleged narcotics hidden in the vehicle, weighing about 70 pounds.... more »

• CBP to Finalize Proposed Border Wall Route in Starr Co. Play Video

  July 11, 2019 6:14 PM

  ESCOBARES – About 52 miles of border wall is proposed for Starr County; where it will finally go up is a big question. The proposal with adjustments to try and limit negative impact was sent last week. Customs and Border Protection is asking county officials to meet their... more »

• Pharr Int’l Bridge Changes Hours of Operation to Implement Pilot Programs

  July 9, 2019 1:17 PM

  PHARR – Officials at the Pharr International Bridge announced new hours of operation in an effort to implement temporary pilot programs. According to a press release, the pilot programs are “designed to relieve congestion, increase truck throughput, and reduce border wait times” at the port of entry. The... more »

• Guards Frustrated over Lack of Manpower at Migrant Tent Facility in Donna Play Video

  July 3, 2019 5:07 PM

  DONNA – Several security guards who work at the migrant tent facility in Donna came forward to claim their work conditions are unfair. The guards claim there’s constant turnover and the only ones who remain are those who can’t afford to lose the paycheck. The Donna tent facility... more »

• Federal Government to Setup Additional Tent Facilities along Border Play Video

  July 1, 2019 6:21 PM

  WESLACO – The federal government is eyeing three new sites along the border to expand the Migrant Protection Protocols, a program also known as Remain in Mexico. One of the sites is in the Rio Grande Valley. The government seeks to construct temporary soft-sided facilities, or tents, that... more »

• Federal Judge Orders CBP to Address Conditions in Processing Centers Play Video

  June 28, 2019 12:28 PM

  MCALLEN – A federal judge reached a decision on concerns raised by immigration attorneys after visiting Customs and Border Protection facilities housing migrant children in Texas, including the Rio Grande Valley. On Wednesday, the Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law filed a temporary restraining order against the government... more »

• CBP Officers Discover Nearly $14M in Meth Hidden Inside Coconuts

  June 7, 2019 3:55 PM

  PHARR – Customs and Border Protection officers prevented nearly $14 million worth of liquid methamphetamine from making its way into the U.S. The seizure happened at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge. On Thursday, CBP officers made the discovery in a commercial shipment containing coconuts and limes. Officials seized... more »

• Cuban Man Faces Federal Charges after Jumping Border Bridge Barrier Play Video

  June 4, 2019 11:57 AM

  HIDALGO – A Cuban man is facing federal charges for trying to run into the U.S. at a Rio Grande Valley bridge. It happened at the Hidalgo port of entry Monday. According to a court document, the man jumped over a barrier and ran from the Mexican side... more »

• Edinburg Man Caught Smuggling Liquid Meth at Port of Entry Play Video

  May 31, 2019 12:13 PM

  HIDALGO – An Edinburg man is behind bars for trying to smuggle more than $1.5 million worth of liquid meth into the country. The bust happened Wednesday at the Hidalgo International Bridge. Officers found the packages of the highly addictive drug hidden within a track driven be a... more »

• Migrants Transported from Valley to California Showing Signs of Illness Play Video

  May 24, 2019 4:48 PM

  WESLACO – Sixteen asylum hopefuls are now showing signs of the flu and are under quarantine in California. They were recently transferred from the Rio Grande Valley. This latest “health alert” comes days after a migrant flu outbreak temporarily shut down the McAllen processing center . Thirty-two... more »

• ICE Looking to Create Tent Facility in Valley Play Video

  May 22, 2019 6:33 PM

  WESLACO – More tents for housing immigrants are slotted to make their way to the Rio Grande Valley. This time, they're serving a different purpose. The details are described in a contract posted this week on a federal bidding site. Read the full 121 page contract here.... more »

• 5th Migrant Child Dies in Border Patrol Custody Play Video

  May 20, 2019 11:28 AM

  WESLACO – The government says a 16-year-old from Guatemala died Monday at the Weslaco Border Patrol station, becoming the fifth death of a migrant child since December. Customs and Border Protection said in a statement that Border Patrol apprehended the teenager May 13. The agency says the teenager... more »

• Increase in Immigrants Results in 4 Additional Soft-Sided Temporary Facilities Play Video

  May 17, 2019 4:55 PM

  MCALLEN – U.S. Customs and Border Protection are adding more temporary facilities in order to provide additional shelter for immigrants awaiting their turn to be processed. Agents and other personnel tasked to patrol the border have been re-assigned to construct four temporary structures at both the McAllen and Rio... more »

• US Mother Arrested for Attempted Child Smuggling Play Video

  May 16, 2019 4:08 PM

  MISSION – A Mission mother is accused of bringing someone into the country illegally on Wednesday at a Rio Grande Valley port-of-entry. The woman identified through court records as Daina Loper went before a federal judge Thursday. She's accused of trying to bring a Mexican child she didn't... more »

• ACLU Claims Electronic Device Search at Border Crossings Unconstitutional Play Video

  May 8, 2019 10:04 PM

  WESLACO – A case against U.S. Customs and Border Protection is working its way through court. The American Civil Liberties Union is suing the government for an excessive search of electronic devices at border crossings and airports. According to the lawsuit, CBP searched the phones and laptops of... more »

• CBP Destroys Man-Made Tunnel Found along US Riverbank in Hidalgo

  April 19, 2019 3:10 PM

  HIDALGO – A tunnel discovered leading into Mexico was destroyed by Customs and Border Protection personnel. The unfinished tunnel was discovered in January along the U.S. riverbank in Hidalgo. Border officials had determined it was being used for criminal activity. CBP contractors filled the man-made tunnel Wednesday... more »

• Contract for CBP Tent Processing Centers Approved Play Video

  April 19, 2019 10:44 AM

  WESLACO – The contract to begin construction of "soft sided structures" that will function as temporary processing centers along the border was approved Thursday, Apr. 18. Customs and Border Protection filed the fast-tracked contract six days prior to its approval. Within the documents they stated they needed to... more »

• Immigration Processing Tent to be Setup in Donna Play Video

  April 17, 2019 5:55 PM

  DONNA – The need for additional processing center and detention space is forcing the government to build a “soft sided” facility in Donna. CHANNEL 5 NEWS spotted military personnel working in the area. A spokesperson for the U.S. Army tells us the constructions of soft sided facilities are... more »

• CBP Warns Travelers Crossing Border During Holiday Week Play Video

  April 15, 2019 4:44 PM

  WESLACO – U.S. Customs and Border Protection is warning travelers planning a trip across the border this holiday week. A CBP supervisor tells CHANNEL 5 NEWS people still try to sneak in fruits, candies, liquor and other items that are strictly prohibited. CBP also reminds people cascarones are... more »

• Army Crews Seen Installing Concertina Wire at Int’l Bridge Play Video

  April 9, 2019 4:13 PM

  PROGRESO – Military personnel are installing concertina wire near the Progreso International Bridge. A U.S. Army spokesman told CHANNEL 5 NEWS there are currently 2,200 active duty service members in Texas to help Customs and Border Protection. They will help to provide force protection, as well as medical,... more »

• Additional Levee Wall Construction Expected to Begin in the Valley Play Video

  April 4, 2019 11:48 AM

  WESLACO – U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced that construction of a levee wall system will start as soon as Thursday. CBP along with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will start construction of the system west of Green Road in Mission. The USACE awarded $145 million in... more »

• CBP Processing Impacted with Recent Surge of Migrants Play Video

  March 22, 2019 6:58 PM

  WESLACO – Thousands of immigrants seeking asylum continue passing through the Rio Grande Valley's border; but this week was different. Hundreds were released daily to local shelters with a scheduled immigration court date. In collaboration with The Monitor, CHANNEL 5 NEWS surveyed 100 immigrants to learn what may... more »

• CBP Arrest 2 in Separate Drug Smuggling Incidents at Port of Entry

  March 22, 2019 10:17 AM

  PHARR – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers made two arrests in separate drug smuggling incidents. CBP seized a total of $340,000 worth of cocaine at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge. On Tuesday, officials encountered a 25-year-old American woman arriving from Mexico. During a secondary inspection, CBP officers... more »

• CBP Arrest Man Attempting to Smuggle Nearly $1M in Methamphetamine

  March 15, 2019 12:48 PM

  HIDALGO – A man was arrested at the Hidalgo International Bridge after attempting to smuggle methamphetamine Wednesday. U.S. Customs and Border Protection says the 44-year-old Mexican national was referred to secondary inspection on the bridge when K9 officers alerted officials. CBP discovered $940,000 worth of methamphetamine, weighing 47... more »

• Special Report: 'La Trampa', a Trap Laid Out for Migrants in Reynosa Play Video

  March 14, 2019 10:30 PM

  MCALLEN – The dangers immigrants face as they journey to the United States range from injury to kidnapping and death; the risks increase in Reynosa. A CHANNEL 5 NEWS investigation found cartels don't pose the only danger to migrants in Mexico. Immigrants know getting past the U.S.-Mexico border... more »

• State Dept. Monitoring Investigation of American Citizen Killed in Shooting at Port of Entry Play Video

  March 13, 2019 5:31 PM

  NEAR SAN BENITO – The state department says it is monitoring the investigation of a U.S. citizen who was killed in Mexico. A shooting took place last Thursday at the Los Indios Bridge. It claimed the life of Rocio Aledrete and injured several others. U.S. Customs and... more »

• CBP Arrest Man Attempting to Smuggle Nearly $200K Worth of Cocaine

  March 11, 2019 9:59 AM

  PHARR – Customs and Border Protection officers arrested a man attempting to smuggle nearly $200,000 worth of cocaine. The 30-year-old Reynosa man was stopped at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge last Thursday. Ten packages of the drug were discovered within the man’s vehicle during a secondary inspection. CBP... more »

• Granjeno Resident Near Border Says She’s Not Concerned about Caravan Play Video

  February 5, 2019 5:26 PM

  GRANJENO – A Granjeno woman says she’s not worried about migrant caravans crossing into the U.S. Aurora Garcia, 76, says she’s witnessed people crossing the border her whole life. She says she still sees people in the country illegally near her home on a regular basis. KRGV’s... more »

• Owner of Non-Profit Fighting Against Border Wall Project Play Video

  February 4, 2019 12:53 PM

  MISSION – Construction for a border wall project is expected to begin this week. U.S. Customs and Border Protection says equipment is expected to start rolling in as early as Monday. Staffers at the National Butterfly Center fear the project will run through their property. KRGV’s Frank... more »

• CBP Says Construction Equipment Heading to Valley Play Video

  February 1, 2019 5:52 PM

  HIDALGO – U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced heavy machinery and construction equipment is on the way to the Rio Grande Valley. CBP says the equipment will be used to begin construction of the levee system. The construction of the wall is set to begin this month. ... more »

• Pres. Trump Speaks about Border Security in Surprise Briefing Play Video

  January 3, 2019 8:22 PM

  WESLACO – The president held a surprise briefing Thursday afternoon. He invited three members of the National Border Patrol Council to speak about the border wall. The president spoke about the need for the wall and said thousands of people with criminal histories were attempting to come into... more »

• Over $3M worth of Meth Seized at Anzalduas International Bridge

  November 15, 2018 2:37 PM

  NEAR MISSION – Customs and Border Protection seized over $3 million worth of methamphetamine at the Anzalduas International Bridge. According to a press release, on Wednesday, the driver of a Chevy Colorado pickup truck was sent to a secondary station. Upon inspection, CBP officers found 20 packages of meth hidden... more »

• CBP to Send Valley Officers to CA, AZ Ahead of Caravan’s Arrival Play Video

  November 14, 2018 3:42 PM

  WESLACO – Customs and Border Protection is sending officers from around the country to the California-Mexico border, including officers working in the Rio Grande Valley ports of entry. A CBP spokesperson tells CHANNEL 5 NEWS officers from the CBP Laredo Field Office, which includes ports of entry from Del Rio... more »

• CBP Surveillance Blimp Worth Millions Ripped to Shreds Play Video

  November 13, 2018 6:19 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – A government surveillance blimp worth millions is ripped to shreds due to strong winds. CHANNEL 5 NEWS reported on U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s aerostat last month . The blimp is used to combat smuggling, drug trafficking, illegal immigration and fishing off the South Texas shoreline.... more »

• Military, CBP Training, Exercises Underway Play Video

  November 5, 2018 12:31 PM

  HIDALGO – The military and Customs and Border Protection officers continue their training and exercises in the Rio Grande Valley. The activity is in response to the caravan headed north to the U.S. A CHANNEL 5 NEWS crew saw as CBP officers in tactical gear, Border Patrol agents on horseback... more »

• Dozens in Custody Following 2 Stash House Busts on Same Day

  October 25, 2018 6:24 PM

  EDINBURG – U.S. Customs and Border Protection says immigration agents continue to crack down on stash houses in the Rio Grande Valley. According to a press release issued out Thursday, law enforcement busted two stash houses in Hidalgo and Starr counties. On Monday, Oct. 22, Border Patrol agents and the... more »

• Federal Law Enforcement Monitoring Southbound Traffic at Ports of Entry Play Video

  October 24, 2018 6:10 PM

  HIDALGO – Escalating violence across the border has federal law enforcement keeping a closer eye on suspicious activity going south of the border. U.S. Customs and Border Protection say their main goal is to prevent anything that shouldn’t be in the country from getting in. “It’s common knowledge that a... more »

• $1.6M in Meth Seized at Hidalgo International Bridge Play Video

  September 24, 2018 12:13 PM

  HIDALGO – U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized over 200 pounds of methamphetamine at the Hidalgo International Bridge last week. On Thursday, Sept. 20, a grey 2004 Chevy pickup truck was referred to secondary inspection, according to a press release sent out Monday. CBP officers then found 54 packages of... more »

• Mexican National Arrested Following $347K Cocaine Bust in Pharr Bridge

  April 23, 2018 12:28 PM

  PHARR – U.S. Customs and Border Protection say over $347,000 in alleged cocaine is now off the street. According to a press release the agency issued out Monday, last Thursday, a white 2003 Honda Accord LX was sent to a secondary station for inspection at the Pharr International Bridge. During... more »

• Paralegal Says Landowners Along Border Can Fight for Just Compensation Play Video

  April 17, 2018 10:56 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – The federal government will be reaching out to landowners to discuss rights of entry. Simply put, they want to start building new access roads and new portions of the wall and they'll likely need private property along the Rio Grande Valley to do it. Filled with beautiful trees... more »

• More than $20K in Marijuana Seized at Brownsville Port of Entry Play Video

  December 14, 2017 1:12 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Brownsville seized more than $20,000 worth of marijuana on Tuesday. CBP officers at the Gateway International Bridge stopped a 21-year-old Brownsville woman trying to smuggle the narcotics into the U.S. During the vehicle inspection, officers found 88 packages of marijuana hidden inside... more »

• CBP, ICE Conduct Southbound Traffic Inspections Play Video

  October 25, 2017 4:08 PM

  WESLACO – Immigration and Customs Enforcement are doing their part to keep guns and large sums of cash out of the wrong hands in Mexico. The customs spokesperson representing the Hidalgo, Pharr and Anzalduas bridges said a team is responsible for southbound checks on vehicles. That team goes from bridge... more »