Tagged News

• 1 detainee killed and 2 others critically injured in Dallas ICE facility, Homeland Security says

  September 24, 2025 9:32 AM

  DALLAS (AP) — A shooter with a rifle opened fire from a nearby roof onto a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement location in Dallas on Wednesday, killing one detainee and wounding two others in a transport van before taking his own life, authorities said. The suspect has been identified... more »

• US judge bars government from sending Guatemalan children back, for now

  August 31, 2025 12:41 PM

  HARLINGEN, Texas (AP) — A U.S. judge at least temporarily blocked the government Sunday from deporting a group of Guatemalan children who had crossed the border without their families, after their lawyers said the youngsters were loaded onto planes overnight and in violation of laws affording protections for migrant kids.... more »

• Federal judge issues order blocking Trump effort to expand speedy deportations of migrants

  August 30, 2025 12:37 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from carrying out speedy deportations of undocumented migrants detained in the interior of the United States. The move is a setback for the President Donald Trump's efforts to expand the use of the federal expedited removal statute... more »

• As hurricane season collides with immigration agenda, fears increase for those without legal status

  August 21, 2025 2:57 PM

  If a major hurricane approaches Central Florida this season, Maria knows it's dangerous to stay inside her wooden, trailer-like home. In past storms, she evacuated to her sister's sturdier house. If she couldn't get there, a shelter set up at the local high school served as a refuge if needed.... more »

• Brownsville ISD responds to program cuts following federal funding freeze Play Video

  July 17, 2025 2:16 PM

  Budget cuts were announced on Wednesday by the Brownsville Independent School District. The district is working to find out what will happen to some of their programs after millions of dollars were put on hold. Two programs seeing the cuts are migrant and bilingual education. "They need... more »

• Trump administration hands over Medicaid recipients' personal data, including addresses, to ICE

  July 17, 2025 11:45 AM

  WASHINGTON (AP) — Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials will be given access to the personal data of the nation's 79 million Medicaid enrollees, including home addresses and ethnicities, to track down immigrants who may not be living legally in the United States, according to an agreement obtained by The Associated... more »

• Prayer vigil for immigrants held in McAllen Play Video

  July 12, 2025 6:44 PM

  A prayer vigil took place on Saturday in McAllen for immigrants. South Texas Grassroots Coalition held the vigil in front of Rio Grande Valley Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz's office on North McColl Road. The coalition said the goal for the vigil is for people to speak out... more »

• With only 8% built, Texas quietly defunds state border wall program

  June 17, 2025 11:48 AM

  " With only 8% built, Texas quietly defunds state border wall program " was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues. Sign up for The Brief , The... more »

• Troops begin detaining immigrants in national defense zone at border in escalation of military role

  June 11, 2025 8:37 PM

  EL PASO, Texas (AP) — U.S. troops have begun directly detaining immigrants accused of trespassing on a recently designated national defense zone along the southern U.S. border, in an escalation of the military's enforcement role, authorities said Wednesday U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Chad Campbell described in detail the first... more »

• Immigration officers intensify arrests in courthouse hallways on a fast track to deportation

  June 11, 2025 5:42 PM

  SEATTLE (AP) — A transgender woman who says she was raped by Mexican cartel members told an immigration judge in Oregon that she wanted her asylum case to continue. A Venezuelan man bluntly told a judge in Seattle, "They will kill me if I go back to my country." A... more »

• ‘It was my turn for ICE to get me,’ Man deported to Matamoros following arrest at San Benito restaurant Play Video

  June 10, 2025 10:26 PM

  A 22-year-old man was deported to Matamoros after he was arrested Monday at his place of work. Alexis Vasquez said he is with his family after he was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. “Unfortunately, it was my turn for ICE to get me there at... more »

• Supreme Court lets Trump end legal protections for over 500,000 immigrants from 4 countries

  May 30, 2025 10:44 AM

  WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Friday again cleared the way for the Trump administration to strip temporary legal protections from hundreds of thousands of immigrants for now, pushing the total number of people who could be newly exposed to deportation to nearly 1 million. The justices lifted... more »

• 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 »