Tagged News

• Confusion looms over migrants at Valley port-of-entry after court halts policy Play Video

  February 28, 2020 10:23 PM

  UPDATE (10:35 PM): The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals voted to suspend an order it issued earlier Friday to halt the "Remain in Mexico" policy. --------- BROWNSVILLE – Migrant Protection Protocols, also known as the “Remain in Mexico” policy, was temporarily blocked by a California court Friday.... more »

• Call from Border Patrol Leads to Detention of 22 Immigrants in Mexico Play Video

  December 17, 2019 10:18 PM

  WESLACO – A call to Mexican authorities by Border Patrol resulted in the detention of 22 immigrants staged along the Rio Grande about to smuggle into the U.S. Border Patrol’s foreign operations branch works with authorities across the border. Officials told CHANNEL 5 NEWS these kind of communications... more »

• Renovations for New Migrant Shelter Continue in Raymondville Play Video

  December 5, 2019 10:32 PM

  RAYMONDVILLE – Work to get a new shelter for undocumented and unaccompanied minors is still underway in Raymondville. CHANNEL 5 NEWS reported about the New Day Resiliency Center back in August. The shelter will be at the old Walmart. We’re told renovations are still being done. Opening... more »

• Border Agents Apprehend 19 in La Joya Attempting to Enter the US Illegally

  November 22, 2019 4:36 PM

  LA JOYA – After attempting to enter the U.S. illegally, 19 people are in Border Patrol custody. McAllen border agents were patrolling in the area south of La Joya when they spotted 19 people load a pickup truck. As agents pursued the vehicle, the driver turned into a... more »

• Catholic Charities Opens Migrant Shelter to Valley Community amid Cold Weather Play Video

  November 12, 2019 10:24 PM

  MCALLEN – A McAllen shelter run by Catholic Charities is open to everyone, not just migrants. Catholic Charities made the decision to open their doors to the public in part because of the drop in temperature. Sister Norma Pimentel says it’s not just for homeless, but also for... more »

• Immigration Application Fees Set to Increase Play Video

  November 11, 2019 7:17 PM

  WESLACO – The cost of filing immigration applications is going up. The Department of Homeland Security will be posting the proposed United States Citizenship and Immigration Services fee increases on the federal registry Nov. 14, 2019. USCIS announced in a statement if they do not increase the fees,... 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 »

• Federal Gov’t to Expand Immigrant DNA Sampling Play Video

  October 23, 2019 10:19 PM

  WESLACO – The federal government announced its moving forward with plans to expand immigrant DNA sampling. The Department of Justice says it has the authority under the DNA Fingerprint Act of 2005. The law allows law enforcement to take DNA samples from people under arrest or in government detention.... more »

• Brooks Co. Officials See Increase of Smugglers Using Stolen Vehicles Play Video

  October 15, 2019 5:22 PM

  FALFURRIAS – A spike in immigration-related crime popping up just north of the Rio Grande Valley. Brooks County sheriff’s deputies are seeing an increase of stolen vehicles coming from north Texas. Many of the cars and trucks were used by human or drug smugglers. Sheriff Benny Martinez... more »

• McAllen and Other Agencies Hope to Receive Humanitarian Reimbursement Play Video

  September 18, 2019 6:18 PM

  MCALLEN – Four Rio Grande Valley organizations and one city wait to be paid back for expenses in caring for thousands of immigrants since January. It’s called the Emergency Food and Shelter Program. Twenty-five million dollars will be allocated to all southern border states. Five Hidalgo County... more »

• New Migrant Processing Facility Set Up near Laredo Port of Entry Play Video

  September 10, 2019 5:59 PM

  LAREDO – The program that sends immigrants back to Mexico to wait to see if they'll be let into the U.S. is now in Laredo. They're asylum seekers and there's now a new facility set up to help process their case. In Downtown Laredo, in the middle commerce... 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 »

• New Criteria for Legal Immigration to Affect Some Residents Play Video

  August 12, 2019 3:49 PM

  MCALLEN – The Trump Administration announced new criteria for those seeking legal immigration status or a change to their current status. The new rule says some depending on public government assistance could be denied the immigration status they seek. Hugo Alberto Gomez is in the process to obtain... more »

• Trump Administration Moves Forward to Limit Legal Immigration Play Video

  August 12, 2019 12:26 PM

  WESLACO – The Trump Administration is moving ahead with one of its most aggressive steps to restrict legal immigration. The so-called public charge rule could deny green cards to immigrants who use Medicaid, food stamps, housing vouchers or other forms of public assistance. The change will likely make... more »

• First Look Inside McAllen Border Patrol Processing Center Play Video

  August 12, 2019 12:11 PM

  MCALLEN – There are more than 1,200 people inside the Border Patrol Processing Center in McAllen. Agents tell CHANNEL 5 NEWS those numbers have dropped over the last few months. The media was invited to tour the facility Monday to see where immigrants stay, shower and get medically... more »

• Valley Attorney Facing Bribery Charges Pleads Not Guilty Play Video

  July 25, 2019 11:30 AM

  MCALLEN – A Rio Grande Valley attorney facing bribery charges was granted bond Thursday. Roel Alanis is facing six counts of bribery and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. He pleaded not guilty before the federal judge in Brownsville Thursday morning. According to his indictment, the... more »

• ICE Audits Part of Nationwide Domestic Enforcement Efforts Play Video

  July 23, 2019 9:35 PM

  WESLACO – Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirms the audit notifications issued in the Rio Grande Valley last week were part of a larger enforcement operation. During a press call, Acting ICE Director Matthew Albence said there were 3,282 notices issued nationwide. This enforcement lets businesses know they are... 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 »

• Los Ebanos Woman Providing Aid to Migrants Passing Through Play Video

  June 20, 2019 6:31 PM

  LOS EBANOS – As hundreds of migrants are surrendering to Border Patrol agents every day in the Rio Grande Valley, some make their through the small town of Los Ebanos. There they are making a short stop at a church after they entered the country illegally. Miranda Barwick... more »

• USCIS to Start Enforcing Immigration Policy Play Video

  June 18, 2019 6:11 PM

  WESLACO – A presidential memorandum states if an immigrant receives public benefits, their sponsors have to repay the government for every dollar the immigrant gets. This is a reminder U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officers must reinforce to new or renewing sponsors. A woman who spoke with CHANNEL... more »

• 45 DAYS: Mexican Gov't on Fixed Timeline to Control Migrant Surge Play Video

  June 14, 2019 5:09 PM

  WESLACO – The threat of increased tariffs on Mexico is on pause for now. President Donald Trump threatened to raise tariffs on Mexico by 5% if they didn’t step in to help with the surge of migrants. CHANNEL 5 NEWS spoke to a man who lives in the... more »

• Migrant Protection Program to Expand along US Southern Border Play Video

  June 11, 2019 10:52 AM

  WESLACO – A backlog in immigration court is expected to grow. A federal program available at certain points along the border is set to expand. The Migrant Protection Protocols essentially makes some asylum seekers wait in Mexico while their cases proceed in U.S. immigration courts. The program... more »

• Gap Closures Along RGV Border Wall Making Progress Play Video

  June 6, 2019 5:25 PM

  LOS INDIOS – Gaps along the border wall in the Rio Grande Valley are closing. Border Patrol told us the gaps get exploited by taking agent’s time by standing guard or by serving as an easy pathway to cross. Federal surveillance footage shows the border wall progress near... more »

• Roma Church Combining Efforts with Border Patrol amid Migrant Surge Play Video

  June 4, 2019 7:13 PM

  ROMA – Non-profit organizations are set up to help in McAllen, Brownsville, Harlingen and Roma. It’s a fairly new operation relying on others as the migrant numbers continue to grow. Hundreds of asylum seekers came into Roma a few weeks ago and again a few days ago. ... more »

• Social Media Information Now Required for US Visa Application Play Video

  June 4, 2019 6:22 PM

  WESLACO – Social media information is now a requirement for those applying for a U.S. visa. The Department of State says this is in an effort to seek more information on visa applications. It began with President Donald Trump’s 2017 executive order to increase screening and vetting of... more »

• Humanitarian Group Finds Balance Helping Migrants While Working with Law Enforcement Play Video

  May 31, 2019 7:10 PM

  FALFURRIAS – A life-saving mission continues in remotes areas of South Texas, but it can come with risks. A humanitarian aide worker in Arizona is facing charges for helping migrants. One Rio Grande Valley organization continues helping while observing boundaries and relying on forged partnerships with law enforcement.... more »

• Local Attorney Involved in Detention Center Employee Bribery Case Play Video

  May 31, 2019 5:38 PM

  RAYMONDVILLE – A Rio Grande Valley attorney is at the center of a corruption case involving immigrants who crossed the border illegally. According to federal court documents a licensed Texas attorney in the Rio Grande Valley paid money to co-conspirators in return for receiving detainee rosters. Local immigration attorney Priscilla... more »

• McAllen Makes Upgrades to Building to be Used as Respite Center

  May 31, 2019 5:19 PM

  MCALLEN – The city of McAllen is working on improvements to the building that will temporarily be used by the respite center. The city selected an old store front on South 15 th Street to house immigrants; it’s about a half block from the bus station. Upgrades to... more »

• Former Valley Detention Center Employees Charged with Bribery Play Video

  May 29, 2019 6:36 PM

  RAYMONDVILLE – The information of immigrants in federal detention was sold for profit by former employees, now charged with this crime. According to a federal indictment, three people working in Raymondville are currently charged with conspiracy to commit bribery and bribery. Benito Barrientez, of Lyford, worked at the... more »

• Brownsville Shelter’s Clinic No Longer able to Pay for Medicine Play Video

  May 28, 2019 6:21 PM

  BROWNSIVLLE – A Brownsville shelter is now facing a new challenge of not being able to provide medication and vaccines to those who need treatment. The Good Neighbor Settlement House can no longer provide proscriptions or over-the-counter medications. The clinic at the shelter is open every Tuesday for... more »

• New Border Patrol Position to get Field Agents Back to Frontline Play Video

  May 28, 2019 11:38 AM

  WESLACO – A new position at the U.S. Border Patrol could help get agents out of the office and back on the frontline. Border Patrol officials tell CHANNEL 5 NEWS the new processing coordinator position will assist agents with administrative work. The coordinator will primarily assist in processing... 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 »

• Sponsors of Non-Citizens with Welfare will be Required to Pay Back Money Play Video

  May 24, 2019 3:33 PM

  WESLACO – President Donald Trump signed an order requiring reimbursement of welfare benefits awarded to some immigrants. The law it enforces has been on the books for years, originally signed by Former President Bill Clinton. The act would treat welfare benefits as loans. Non-citizens who get welfare... more »

• Nearly 150 Migrants Surrender to Border Patrol in Los Ebanos Play Video

  May 23, 2019 6:49 PM

  LOS EBANOS – A large group of migrants are waiting to be taken into Border Patrol custody after they crossed into the U.S. illegally to seek asylum. The scene is still active along El Faro Road, leading to Los Ebanos. Wildlife service officers along with Sullivan City police... more »

• La Bestia: Dangerous Train Being Used by Immigrants Again Play Video

  May 23, 2019 6:02 PM

  WESLACO – After six years, a dangerous train known as La Bestia that transports immigrants is being used again. La Bestia or “The Beast” is a federal Mexican train that immigrants ride near the southern border, known for danger and extortion. CHANNEL 5 NEWS spoke to a Honduran... more »

• 6 Arrested in Unique Smuggling Attempt involving Porta Potty Play Video

  May 23, 2019 5:33 PM

  DONNA - A unique smuggling attempt was foiled in South Texas on Monday. A group of immigrants were caught hiding in a unique container. The incident happened just south of Donna, an area known for smuggling according to court documents. The criminal complaint identifies Alberto Vite-Parrilla. ... 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 »

• Immigrants Claim to be Bribed by Mexican Officials Play Video

  May 22, 2019 6:24 PM

  WESLACO – Thousands of immigrants claim to have been blackmailed as they headed to the border. Some told CHANNEL 5 NEWS the violence and corruption they thought they left behind is being seen along the U.S. southern border. They tells us they are willing to pay the price,... more »

• 32 Confirmed Cases of Influenza at McAllen Migrant Processing Center Play Video

  May 22, 2019 3:55 PM

  MCALLEN – Customs and Border Protection announced they re-opened their central processing center in McAllen after Tuesday night's temporary closure. According to CBP officials, there were 32 people in their custody who were determined to have influenza. They were all at the processing facility operated by the Rio... more »

• Flu-Related Illnesses Confirmed at Migrant Processing Center Play Video

  May 21, 2019 10:16 PM

  MCALLEN – Medical staff at a processing center in McAllen identified a large number of people in custody with high fevers, displaying signs of a flu-related illness. Medical staff is currently working to provide people affected with proper medical treatment before being released. A Customs and Border Protection... more »

• McAllen Shelter Reopens its Doors to House Migrants Play Video

  May 21, 2019 5:47 PM

  MCALLEN – The Salvation Army is back on rotation to house immigrants. A spokesperson for the shelter says they need to adjust the amount of help they can provide this time. The Salvation Army in McAllen is once again housing immigrants overnight. They received their first group... more »

• Border Patrol Rescues 33 Immigrants Discovered in Trailer in Falfurrias Play Video

  May 21, 2019 12:06 PM

  FALFURRIAS – Customs and Border Protection officers in Falfurrias rescued more than two dozen illegal immigrants crammed in a trailer. The failed human smuggling attempt happened Monday night. Officers at the checkpoint referred the driver of a pickup truck hauling a trailer to a secondary inspection. Watch... more »

• Local Shelters, Volunteers Overwhelmed amid Immigration Surge Play Video

  May 20, 2019 6:23 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – Shelter resources across the Rio Grande Valley are stretched thin as immigrants keep making their way into the country. So far, nearly 500,000 people have crossed the southern border this year; it’s presenting problems for more than just law enforcement. Volunteer groups taking care of migrants... more »

• BP: Immigrants being Transported Out of the Valley to Aid Surge Play Video

  May 17, 2019 5:26 PM

  WESLACO – Border Patrol is flying immigrants caught in the Rio Grande Valley to other parts of the United States. There will be three flights a week from the Valley to San Diego. Border agents will only fly family units and up to 135 people at a time.... more »

• Brooks Co. Sees Increase in Bailouts Involving Immigrants Play Video

  May 17, 2019 5:14 PM

  FALFURRIAS – Two hours north and close to 100 miles from the southern border, the scenery is different. Hundreds of immigrants are surrendering to Border Patrol agents and local police in the Rio Grande Valley, but some manage to slip by. Many of them end up in Brooks... more »

• Immigrants Flown from RGV to Del Rio for Processing Play Video

  May 13, 2019 9:23 PM

  DONNA - The overflow of immigrants in the Rio Grande Valley sector has led to a temporary inter-sector relocation of immigrant families. Border Patrol responds to numerous arrivals of immigrant families on the border, but they're reporting challenges to their processing space. At the beginning... more »

• Federal Agents Possibly Preparing for Migrant Group at Int’l Bridge Play Video

  May 9, 2019 11:21 PM

  HIDALGO – U.S. officials asked Mexico to place some federal agents on the Hidalgo International Bridge, according to our media partners in Reynosa. A CHANNEL 5 NEWS crew waited at that bridge for hours but was unable to spot activity. We were sent a photo of agents –... more »

• Shelters in Mexico Overwhelmed with Asylum Seekers Play Video

  May 9, 2019 10:25 PM

  UPDATE (5/10): The pastor at Senda de Vida Church and Shelter says he thought two of the migrants there had smallpox but it turns out they actually have chicken pox. ----- WESLACO – Local authorities say there’s not enough room for migrants; now we’re hearing the same from... more »

• New Tent Facility in Donna Filled to Capacity

  May 8, 2019 8:59 PM

  DONNA – The new tent facility in Donna is now filled to capacity. The facility just opened up on Saturday, not even a week ago. "There are 2,500 family beds and we are funded for 42,000 single adult beds. So we have greatly surpassed at this point,” explains... more »

• Consulates Offering Assistance, Immigrants Hesitant to Ask Play Video

  May 6, 2019 6:31 PM

  WESLACO – Thousands of immigrants leave their home countries in Central America for a new life in the U.S. Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras all have consulates in the Rio Grande Valley; they’re willing to help but some immigrants are afraid to ask. KRGV’s Christian Colón spoke with... more »

• Donna Tent Facility Opening Brings Hope to New Business Owner Play Video

  May 5, 2019 9:31 PM

  DONNA - Immigrants were bused to a temporary processing center in Donna Sunday. The soft-sided tent facility went up in April near the Donna International Bridge. Denora Pineda's restaurant is about a mile away from the facility says she noticed a difference over the past month.... more »

• ICE to Begin DNA Testing Trial for Immigrant Family Units Play Video

  May 2, 2019 6:57 PM

  WESLACO – A federal agency will soon depend on science to help determine units claiming to be families. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement will begin a pilot program to test the DNA of immigrants. A mother who is seeking asylum with her six-year-old daughter tells CHANNEL 5 NEWS... more »

• Donna Donating Thousands to Help McAllen with Immigration Issues Play Video

  May 1, 2019 5:58 PM

  DONNA – The city of Donna has pledged to donate nearly $10,000 to McAllen to help with the immigration surge. The city of McAllen spends nearly $3,000 of taxpayer money to help with immigration. McAllen Mayor Jim Darling says he is very appreciative of Donna’s donation. He... more »

• Authorities in Mexico Now Deporting Migrants Play Video

  April 29, 2019 10:40 PM

  WESLACO – Migrants in Tamaulipas are being deported before they claim asylum in the U.S. It’s happening at a new temporary detention space set up in Matamoros by the federal government. On Monday, a group of about 180 migrants were picked up by five charter buses and taken... more »

• DHS Requesting More Troops at Border Play Video

  April 26, 2019 9:00 PM

  WESLACO – The Department of Homeland Security is requesting 300 more troops be sent to the border. The troops could be placed in roles which would place them in direct contact with detained migrants, such as driving the buses and providing them with meals. The request also includes... more »

• Residents Questioning Permit Granted for Respite Center Play Video

  April 24, 2019 10:32 PM

  MCALLEN – The city of McAllen is moving forward to relocate the respite center . The move will be temporary and officials will continue to look for a permanent home. Some nearby residents are upset with the city’s decision; they’re now wondering if the city would be responsible... more »

• Respite Center Relocation Sparks Concerns within Community Play Video

  April 23, 2019 6:31 PM

  MCALLEN – As the city of McAllen prepares to relocate an immigrant respite center, those nearby are voicing their concerns. The city worked with Catholic Charities to select and approve a new spot near the McAllen Bus Station – they believe this spot will work better. The owner... more »

• Medical Volunteers Treating Immigrant Families at Respite Center Play Video

  April 19, 2019 5:13 PM

  MCALLEN – Central American children and their parents continue to cross through the Rio Grande Valley border and many are ill. Those lucky enough to pass through the Catholic Charities Respite Center might get a chance to see a medical professional. Due to the influx of immigrants passing... more »

• Body Cam Footage Details Failed Smuggling Attempt Involving Lyft Driver Play Video

  April 19, 2019 4:39 PM

  SULLIVAN CITY – A 17-year-old allegedly used a rideshare driver to move two immigrants illegally in the country. Court documents reveal Jose Vigil took his mother’s credit card to pay for the Lyft ride. CHANNEL 5 NEWS obtained officer body cam video from the arrest earlier this month.... more »

• Local Shelters Seeing Fewer Migrants Play Video

  April 18, 2019 9:13 PM

  MCALLEN – Shelters across the Rio Grande Valley are seeing fewer migrants. The Salvation Army in McAllen told CHANNEL 5 NEWS they stopped housing migrants last Saturday. Sister Norma Pimentell says they’re staying steady at the respite center but she’s expecting the numbers to decrease soon. The... more »

• NFL Players to Visit the Valley in Support of Migrants and Asylum Seekers

  April 17, 2019 9:24 AM

  WESLACO – NFL players Josh Norman of the Washington Redskins and Demario Davis of the New Orleans Saints will visit the Rio Grande Valley to help provide resources for asylum seeking families. The pro players are teaming up with Cambio Texas, a Rio Grande Valley based non-profit and advocacy... more »

• CBP's New Tent Facilities to Speed Up Immigrant Processing Play Video

  April 16, 2019 7:43 PM

  WESLACO – Customs and Border Protection is working to construct tents in the Rio Grande Valley and El Paso. The federal government set a deadline for the end of April; the facilities will house the overflow of immigrants. In documents filed by CBP April 12 at a federal... more »

• Border Patrol Burdened by Trash Left Behind by Immigrants Play Video

  April 16, 2019 6:34 PM

  ROMA – Hundreds of immigrant families leave their mark in South Texas. Items and trash left behind is becoming more work for border cities. KRGV’s Angelo Vargas learns it’s up to the city, county and federal authorities to clean up the mess. The city manager tells us... more »