Tagged News

• Government Vehicles Used in Starr County Candidates' Toy Giveaway Play Video

  December 31, 2019 7:11 PM

  ESCOBARES -- A video showing public safety vehicles providing an escort to campaigning candidates as they hand out toys is raising questions. The video was shot by a candidate for a justice of the peace office in Starr County. In it, it shows sirens blaring announcing Santa's early arrival... more »

• Local Congressman Discusses Impacts of Proposed Spending Bill Play Video

  December 17, 2019 6:03 PM

  WESLACO – The annual budget for the United States government is one step closer to getting approved. Part of the nearly $1.4 trillion budget includes border security. After the House of Representatives voted to pass the budget Tuesday , CHANNEL 5 NEWS spoke with Congressman Henry Cuellar. This... more »

• Govt. to Use Method for DNA Collection from Migrants Play Video

  October 25, 2019 9:52 PM

  BROWNSVILLE - The government is moving ahead with plans to take DNA from immigrants. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley's genetics lab explained the kind of method the government would use to test immigrants. It's called a cheek swab. It's the kind of method the government... more »

• U.S. Teen in 'Legal Limbo' as Gov't Seeks to Deport Play Video

  October 7, 2019 8:47 PM

  EDINBURG – A U.S. teen from Edinburg who was held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, then released in July, is encountering more problems. Late-September, the Department of Homeland Security notified him that his removal proceedings continue. Francisco Erwin Galicia is in what his attorney, Claudia Galan, describes as... more »

• Gov't Seeks to Claim Inmate's Property for Border Wall Play Video

  September 18, 2019 5:57 PM

  LOS EBANOS – A federal lawsuit was filed this week to gain access to a property in Los Ebanos, Texas. Similar lawsuits have been filed as part of the federal government's process of building fencing or walls near the border. The process requires notification to the owner who... more »

• 19 States File Lawsuit Against Government Over Flores Settlement Agreement Play Video

  August 26, 2019 4:00 PM

  WESLACO – A lawsuit was filed just days after announcing changes to the detention of migrant families. More than a dozen states are now suing the government to prevent those changes from taking effect. Nineteen states are now suing the government over its effort to change how migrant... more »

• Jim Hogg Co. Seeks Government Reimbursement for Housing Migrants Play Video

  August 22, 2019 5:06 PM

  HEBBRONVILLE – A small nearby county is looking for the federal government to pay up. They are using their facilities helping the Department of Homeland Security control the influx of immigrants being processed. This is the second plead for government reimbursement from the Jim Hogg County judge. ... more »

• Government Moves to Detain Migrant Families, Children Indefinitely Play Video

  August 21, 2019 7:56 PM

  WESLACO - Families seeking asylum in the U.S. could soon see changes to their detention. The Department of Homeland Security is considering holding families and unaccompanied children indefinitely, as a result of a final rule that will be posted Friday. It will re-interpret the Flores Settlement agreement which... more »

• Visitors to Valley Wildlife Refuge Worrisome after New Border Wall Map Released Play Video

  August 20, 2019 11:24 PM

  ALAMO – A new map was released and it calls the government’s promises into question. Last year, government planners agreed not to build a border wall within the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge after a big outcry. On Tuesday, they clarified what they're doing and assured they're sticking... more »

• Valley Lawyers File Immigration Lawsuit to Change Policy Play Video

  August 15, 2019 8:54 PM

  WESLACO - The number of days inside a processing center varies when the immigrant surge was at its peak this summer. Rio Grande Valley attorneys have filed a lawsuit wanting to change a government policy. Lawyer Lisa Brodyaga works at the non-profit organization Refugio Rio Grande Valley on... more »

• Starr Co. Businessman Wants Gov’t to Incorporate His Own Wall for Border Play Video

  May 30, 2019 6:27 PM

  NEAR FRONTON – Along the Rio Grande, the government has been wanting to build a wall for several years. A man who owns property has started constructing what he calls a “levee wall”. He wants the government to understand and work with the plan he already has. ... 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 »

• Harlingen Shelter Helping Immigrants Released from Gov't Custody Play Video

  March 28, 2019 10:40 PM

  HARLINEGN - A shelter for the hundreds of immigrants being released from federal custody is now open in Harlingen. Loaves and Fishes in Harlingen is joining the shelters in McAllen and Brownsville in providing help to immigrants. Natividad Montoya and her 5-year-old son were released from federal custody... more »

• Immigrants Released by Gov't due to Maximum Capacity at Detention Centers Play Video

  March 19, 2019 9:29 PM

  MCALLEN – A local respite center is seeing an increase in immigrants released by the federal government. Catholic Charities Respite Center says they've seen nearly 2,000 in just two days. Sister Norma Pimentel says Border Patrol notified her that processing centers are at capacity. “They needed to... more »

• Granjeno Woman Shares Experience Losing Family Property under Eminent Domain Play Video

  March 15, 2019 6:38 PM

  GRANJENO – A cautionary word for those listed in a local newspaper, don’t just ignore it. A floodway in Granjeno separates the United States from Mexico. For resident Aurora Anzaldua, childhood was very different growing up on her family’s land. There was no fence on her property,... more »

• U.S. Gov't to Send Final Notice of Condemnation Play Video

  March 14, 2019 4:56 PM

  WESLACO - The U.S. government is sending out a final notice of condemnation on Friday. The notice has been posted twice in a local newspaper. The notice can be found in the classified section, containing a list of more than 100 names and addresses of residents being sued... more »

• Banners in Tamaulipas Threaten More Violence as Tensions Build Between Gov't, Cartels Play Video

  March 13, 2019 5:01 PM

  WESLACO – Tension in Tamaulipas is building between the government and cartels. Banners hanging along public roads threatened more violence unless the governments complied. A photo of one banner, addressed to Mexican leaders, has been circulating online since Friday. KRGV’s Valerie Gonzalez reached out to former FBI... more »

• Local Family Unaware of Newspaper's Publication of Gov't Condemnation Play Video

  March 8, 2019 6:11 PM

  SULLIVAN CITY – A local family says they were surprised when they found out they were included in a local newspaper’s advertisement of the government’s notice of condemnation. The advertisement lists over 100 names and addresses of people being sued and their property condemned to make way for the... more »

• Valley Border Wall Construction at Standstill Play Video

  February 27, 2019 6:29 PM

  MISSION – Construction for one section of the border wall is at a standstill. The state property at Bentsen State Park sits right next to the tract where the border wall construction began about two weeks ago. This tract is called Parida Banco Tract and is located in... more »

• Local Man's Land Taken by Gov't While in Jail Play Video

  February 25, 2019 9:11 PM

  RIO GRANDE CITY – A local man says the federal government took a portion of his land while he was serving time in jail in 2008. Jesse Clarke says he received a letter a few months ago notifying him the government wants nearly 11 acres of his land for... more »

• Property Owners Could Use Court Order in Fight against Border Wall Play Video

  February 13, 2019 4:29 PM

  MISSION – Many property owners in the Rio Grande Valley who live near the border are fighting prevent the border wall from being built on their property. This week, the National Butterfly Center recently motioned to file a temporary restraining order against the federal government. KRGV’s Angelo Vargas... more »

• Tax Collectors Offer Payment Options to Avoid Debt Play Video

  February 8, 2019 11:25 PM

  WESLACO – Some federal employees say they were worried about missing payments due to the shutdown. Cameron County Tax Assessor, Tony Yzaguirre, said the office received a lot of calls prior to the government re-opening. Yzaguirre taxes were due on Jan. 31 and the next tax deadline isn’t... more »

• Machinery near National Butterfly Center not for Border Construction Play Video

  February 7, 2019 5:55 PM

  UPDATE (2/8): The Department of Homeland Security machinery found on Bentsen State Park is not for the construction of the border wall. A spokesperson for Customs and Border Protection Rod Kise says the machinery is used for maintenance such as brush removal and the leveling of roads. He... more »

• Federal Workers Still Seeking Help from Food Pantries Play Video

  February 6, 2019 5:07 PM

  SAN BENITO – Some federal employees are continuing to seek assistance from local food pantries. Staffers reported an increase in demand last month during the shutdown. The government has since re-opened, but some federal employees are still experiencing financial difficulties. The President of the San Benito Food... more »

• Surveyors Denied Access to La Lomita after Appropriations Bill Passed Play Video

  February 6, 2019 4:58 PM

  UPDATE (2/25): Land surveyors will not be allowed at the historic La Lomita church after President Trump signed the Appropriations Bill. The Appropriations Bill, passed on Feb. 15 , gives protection to the church. Attorney David Garza explains the terms for the surveyors were worked out. He... more »

• Aftermath of Gov’t Shutdown Affecting Valley Businesses Play Video

  January 31, 2019 6:21 PM

  WESLACO – The government is completing its first week of being fully operational following the temporary end of the partial shutdown. The aftermath of the 35-day impasse is now being calculated and has had an impact on Rio Grande Valley businesses, according to the Valley Chamber of Commerce. ... more »

• Local CBP Officers Work Diligently Despite Gov't Shutdown Play Video

  January 29, 2019 6:44 PM

  WESALCO – Despite the government shutdown, the Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol worked diligently. Customs and Border Protection officials say agents seized more than 120 pounds of cocaine, 108 pounds of methamphetamine, and more than 300 boxes of steroids. Agents also arrested 32 people with outstanding warrants and... more »

• Gov’t Seeking Land near Boca Chica Beach for Border Wall Play Video

  January 29, 2019 6:33 PM

  NEAR BROWNSVILLE – The government is looking to acquire more land for the construction of a border wall near Boca Chica Beach. Texas Parks and Wildlife confirmed that the Army Corps of Engineers is asking to complete environmental assessments and land surveys for border infrastructure. This is taking... more »

• Gov't Sending Thousands of Troops to Border Play Video

  January 29, 2019 5:23 PM

  WESLACO – The government says they will be sending several thousand more troops to the border. The Acting Defense Secretary announced the troops will be assigned to lay down sections of concertina wire. The government explains the coiled wire will be put in areas where there are gaps... more »

• Former CBP Agent Sentenced to 2 Years for Accepting Bribe Play Video

  January 29, 2019 3:54 PM

  MISSION – A former Customs and Border Protection officer was sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison for accepting a $500 bribe. Jose Javier 'J.J.' Gonzalez pleaded guilty to bribery of a public official. Prosecutors say in 2014 the 38-year-old accepted a bribe to issue... more »

• Local Taxpayer Wants Help from Gov't to Prepare Taxes Play Video

  January 29, 2019 3:35 PM

  WESLACO – A local resident wants help from the government to prepare her taxes because of all the changes that have taken place. Maria Luisa Castillo Del Castillo says trying to figure out new tax laws is difficult. She says it would be beneficial for local government to... more »

• Local Disabled Mother Reacts to Gov't Shutdown Agreement Play Video

  January 25, 2019 6:36 PM

  WESLACO - A local woman says she is relieved by the temporary re-opening of the government. Maria Ordaz says she is dependent on the housing authority to keep a roof over her head. She says she is living off of a disability check and providing for her daughter... more »

• Los Indios Mayor Speaks Out on Border Wall Decision Play Video

  January 25, 2019 5:49 PM

  LOS INDIOS – The decision of the proposed border wall is put on hold for three weeks. KRGV’s Angelo Vargas spoke with Los Indios Mayor Rick Cavazos about the government’s temporary re-open. Cavazos has long advocated for a border wall. He says his main focus is border... more »

• Local Resident under SNAP Food Program Affected by Gov't Shutdown Play Video

  January 25, 2019 5:20 PM

  PHARR – Families under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program food benefit program are being affected by the government shutdown. KRGV’s Christian Colón spoke with a Rio Grande Valley resident affected financially by the government shutdown. Fabiola Alvarez says she benefits from the SNAP food program. Alvarez was... more »

• Upcoming Census can Create Difficulty for Local Residents Play Video

  January 24, 2019 11:29 PM

  WESLACO – Cameron County clerk says the upcoming census will be unlike any others in the past. The Cameron County clerk, Sylvia Garza Perez says the federal government has decided to digitalize the census. She says that data helps ensure each county receives the federal funds they need.... more »

• Federal Employees Can Apply for Unemployment Benefits

  January 24, 2019 9:36 PM

  WESLACO – The Texas Workforce Commission is considering all federal employees as laid off, meaning they can apply for unemployment benefits. KRGV’s Sierra Pizarro spoke with the spouse of a federal employee. “There's people with mortgages, there's people with kids, you name it. Everyone is going through something,”... more »

• Immigration Court Cases No Longer on Hold Play Video

  January 24, 2019 6:59 PM

  UPDATE (1/29): Immigration court cases are no longer on hold. The cases that were paused affected people who are not in immigration detention centers. The Department of Justice confirmed the courts are fully operational. ----- WESLACO – Thousands of cases in court are on hold due... more »

• Restaurant Owner Waiting for Decision on Border Wall before Re-Opening Restaurant Play Video

  January 23, 2019 6:24 PM

  MISSION – The owner of a popular restaurant is in limbo after a flood left his place a mess. The River, formerly known as Pepe’s on the River, is now closed. He says he’s waiting for clarity on where the government stands regarding the border wall until he... more »

• Gov't Shutdown Increasing Demand at Local Food Pantry Play Video

  January 23, 2019 4:53 PM

  SAN BENITO – The government shutdown is generating more traffic at the San Benito Food Pantry. With each passing day of the government shutdown, the pantry expects more people to feed. KRGV’s John Paul Barajas spoke with a federal employee who is working without pay. He says... more »

• Valley Congressman Speaks about Gov't Shutdown Play Video

  January 21, 2019 10:08 PM

  WESLACO – One of the Rio Grande Valley’s Congressional Representatives is speaking out about the shutdown and the impact on border security. KRGV’s Sierra Pizarro spoke with Congressman Henry Cuellar over the phone. Cuellar explains he is in Washington, where Congress continues to pitch proposals to end the... more »

• Gov't Shutdown Impacts Local Food Pantry Supplies Play Video

  January 18, 2019 6:05 PM

  SAN BENITO – The partial government shutdown is attracting more people in need at the San Benito Food Pantry. KRGV’s John Paul Barajas spoke with the president of the organization, Forest Walker. He assures people in need that there is still food available, but donations are still needed.... more »

• Gov't Shutdown Impacting Preparations for Hurricane Season Play Video

  January 18, 2019 5:25 PM

  HARLINGEN – Specialists say the partial government shutdown is impacting hurricane season preparedness. Harlingen resident Ralph Reyna says after experiencing Hurricane Dolly in 2008, he knows preparation is important. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, but Reyna says he knows it is never too early... more »

• Residents Warned Over Fake Gov. Shutdown Calls Play Video

  January 17, 2019 9:34 PM

  WESLACO – Fake Social Security calls are using the government shutdown angle to retrieve personal information. Local resident Veronica Galvan says a caller told her she needed to update her personal information due to a “wiped out” government database. “Due to the government shutdown, my social security number... more »

• Gov't Surveyors Working on Border Wall Assessment in Rio Grande City Play Video

  January 16, 2019 5:49 PM

  RIO GRANDE CITY – Government surveyors are working on border wall assessments in Rio Grande City. The Rio Grande City Consolidated School District board members approved U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s ability to conduct survey and site assessments. A survey marker has been laid flat near Rio Grande... more »

• Valley Residents Collect Hundreds of Dollars for Border Wall Play Video

  January 9, 2019 9:54 PM

  WESLACO – Several Rio Grande Valley residents have collected hundreds of dollars to help pay for the border wall. The residents say they have collected about $12,000 for the border wall. Local resident Marilou Prudencio says she collected hundreds of donations after telling friends from across the country... more »

• Gov't Shutdown Impacting Financial Aid Process for College Students Play Video

  January 9, 2019 5:14 PM

  UPDATE (1/18): According to a financial outreach specialist at South Texas College, the Department of Education is now accepting paper tax returns from FAFSA applications. This move is designed to eliminate Internal Service Revenue-related delays. --------- WESLACO – The partial government shutdown is making the financial aid... more »

• Local Residents Remain Conflicted over Border Security following Presidential Address Play Video

  January 8, 2019 11:15 PM

  HIDALGO –Residents are concerned about border security and funding after the partial government shutdown continues. After President Donald Trump spoke about the need for upgraded border security, residents are raising differing opinions. “I'm not a true believer in the wall but I am a true believer in national... more »

• Almost 200 RGV Border Patrol Employees Furloughed during Gov't Shutdown Play Video

  January 7, 2019 9:53 PM

  WESLACO – Almost 200 Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol employees have been furloughed during the partial government shutdown. This Friday will be the first paycheck they miss if a deal isn't made. Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz says 70 Border Patrol agents arrived from the northern border. ... more »

• RGV Nature Enthusiast Concerned about Gov't Restrictions Play Video

  January 4, 2019 9:42 PM

  MISSION – Some local nature enthusiasts are concerned the government is putting more restrictions on the locations they can visit near the border. A tradition called the Christmas Bird Count takes place at the same time every year. Bird-watchers count up all the birds and add them to... more »

• Victim of Domestic Violence in Section 8 Housing Impacted by Slow Processing Time for Transfer Play Video

  January 3, 2019 7:34 PM

  EDINBURG – Victims of domestic abuse who live in public housing can request a move with government help. In some cases where houses might not be close by, there could be a wait; paperwork can make the process even longer. KRGV’s Christian von Preysing spoke with a Section... more »

• Local Attorneys Hopeful to Clarify Citizenship Issues Impacting People Born near Border Play Video

  December 27, 2018 9:49 PM

  WESLACO – An issue affecting many born near the U.S.-Mexico border could soon be in the hands of the U.S. Supreme Court. It's brought forth by Rio Grande Valley attorneys hoping they clarify where people can wait while the fate of their revoked or denied passports is determined. ... more »

• Government Gains Access to Pharr Oratory Play Video

  December 18, 2018 2:30 PM

  UPDATE (5 p.m.): The government now has access to the property of the Pharr Oratory. The government will be able to conduct a land survey, which was opposed by the oratory. The government seeks to acquire the levee on the property for border infrastructure construction. The agreement... more »

• Feds Warning about Callers Posing as Gov’t Officials Play Video

  July 17, 2018 9:59 PM

  WESLACO – The government is warning about callers who are posing as government officials. The impostors are targeting migrants who are trying to make a home here in the U.S. They will pose as consular officers, shelter administrators, Border Patrol agents and Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. Border Patrol says... more »