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 »

• Hidalgo County DA concerned over ICE arrest at courthouse Play Video

  January 30, 2020 10:03 PM

  EDINBURG – The Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office says the Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrest of a woman at the courthouse Thursday will cause problems. ICE says she had multiple theft convictions and was ordered to be removed from the U.S. 15 years ago. The DA’s concern is... more »

• Gov’t Quickly Seeking Land for Border Wall South of Alamo Play Video

  December 27, 2019 9:49 PM

  NEAR ALAMO – The U.S. government is moving quickly to seize land in the path of their Donna-based border wall project. The government is particularly interested in building a wall south of Alamo, over the flood levee, where a pocket of homes are tucked away from everything else. ... more »

• CBP Confirms Plasma Contributions Could Jeopardize Travel Visas Play Video

  December 23, 2019 10:18 PM

  HIDALGO – Concerns are surfacing over the possibility of losing travel visas due to plasma sales. Customs and Border Protection confirmed they have the authority to pull the visas if they believe travelers are not following the rules. An immigration attorney we spoke to, Jaime Diez, says these... 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 »

• 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 »

• McAllen Approved to Receive More Than $109K Reimbursement for Migrant Care Play Video

  December 3, 2019 6:06 PM

  MCALLEN – The city of McAllen is getting back money for helping with the humanitarian crisis. From January to July, the city spent nearly $180,000 of taxpayer money on migrants. Earlier this year, the city applied for reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. On Monday, the... more »

• Valley Migrant Attorneys Seeking Federal Ruling on MPP Legalities Play Video

  December 2, 2019 10:28 PM

  DONNA – More than 10,000 migrants were sent back to Mexico under the Migrant Protection Protocols this year, so far. That's just through the Brownsville port of entry alone. Local attorneys are asking the government to reconsider its interpretation of the law for one client. That has the potential... 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 »

• Valley Law Enforcement Engaging in More Pursuits Linked to Human Smuggling Play Video

  November 20, 2019 6:41 PM

  MISSION – Pursuits are becoming a daily occurrence in the upper Rio Grande Valley. On Wednesday morning, state troopers were trying to stop a 28-year-old for a traffic violation on El Faro Road in Sullivan City. Then he went on a high speed chase leading to the discovery of... 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 »

• 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 »

• Body of Teen Found in Sullivan City near Military Road Play Video

  November 6, 2019 5:06 PM

  SULLIVAN CITY – The body of a teenager was found near a residential area in Sullivan City. The discovery was made Monday near Guadalupe Flores and Military roads. Sullivan City Police Chief Richard Ozuna says the body remains unidentified. Federal agents and police are investigating. Watch... more »

• Environmental Waivers For Border Wall Construction Play Video

  November 3, 2019 11:14 PM

  WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a waiver, which will ensure expeditious construction of approximately 65 miles of new border wall system within U.S. Border Patrol’s (USBP) Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Sector located in Starr, Hidalgo and Cameron Counties, Texas. These new miles are in... more »

• Questions Loom Among Recipients, Applicants of Immigration Assistance Play Video

  October 28, 2019 6:23 PM

  MCALLEN – Using public benefits services will not be a determination to be in the county legally. The proposed regulation, known as public charge rule, was blocked. The idea behind it is still causing some concerns for immigrants seeking medical and financial assistance. A Rio Grande Valley... 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 »

• Immigrant Visas to be Restricted for the Insured Play Video

  October 15, 2019 11:16 PM

  WESLACO – Immigrants seeking entry into the U.S. will soon be required to have health insurance or prove they can afford it if allowed an immigrant visa. President Donald Trump issued the proclamation early October. It would affect spouses, children and parents U.S. residents want to bring into... 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 Waits for Immigration Reimbursement as Charities Get Approval Play Video

  October 14, 2019 9:30 PM

  MCALLEN – Reimbursement checks are heading to the Rio Grande Valley as payback for helping during the immigration crisis earlier this year. A charity is already making plans for the more than a half million dollar refund. Last year, Catholic Charities racked up $601,000 in expenses for housing... more »

• 2 Migrants Arrested after Jumping into Unmarked Sullivan City Police Chief Unit Play Video

  October 11, 2019 5:07 PM

  SULLIVAN CITY – Two people who crossed into the country illegally through Sullivan City are now in federal custody. The police chief called in Border Patrol after he says the migrants tried to get inside his unmarked unit. Chief Richard Ozuna said when the incident happened Thursday, the... more »

• $2M in Federal Funding Headed to Valley Law Enforcement Play Video

  October 3, 2019 9:40 PM

  WESLACO – More money is headed for local law enforcement. Hidalgo and Starr counties are to receive more than $2 million in federal funding. The Operation: Stone Garden funds will help cover expenses for immigration and border-related calls. Hidalgo County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office assisted the feds... more »

• Woman and Partner Separated at Border Due to MPP Program Play Video

  October 3, 2019 6:39 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – She fled El Salvador after being targeted for her sexual orientation. After crossing the border illegally with her partner, they were separated. We’ll refer to her as “Andy” for this report. Andy’s partner was let go by immigration officials and is now living in the United... more »

• Immigration Backlog Reaches 1-Million Cases Play Video

  September 19, 2019 9:32 PM

  There are now over one million cases backlogged in immigration courts, according to federal data obtained by the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, or TRAC, at Syracuse University . The cases have been increasing since 2006. Cases include people who are in federal custody at a detention center and... more »

• Fake Social Media Accounts Being Used to Screen Migrants Seeking Benefits Play Video

  September 12, 2019 5:55 PM

  WESLACO – The government is using fake social media accounts to screen immigrants. Some applicants say that's crossing the line. According to a privacy impact assessment released by the Department of Homeland Security: "Immigrants applying for green cards, citizenship, work visas, and other immigration benefits are subject... more »

• Valley Family Loses Contact with Loved One in Immigration Custody, Seeks Answers Play Video

  September 10, 2019 5:17 PM

  WESLACO – A Rio Grande Valley family is looking for answers. Their nephew was detained by Border Patrol last week and since then they've been waiting for any word on him. The family says they understand why he was detained since he's undocumented, but they still want to... more »

• U.S. to use Fake Social Media Accounts to Vet Foreigners Play Video

  September 1, 2019 6:16 PM

  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officers can now create fictitious social media accounts to monitor social media information on foreigners seeking visas, green cards and citizenship. An updated Homeland Security Department review of potential privacy issues dated July 2019 that was posted online on Friday essentially reversed a... more »

• ‘Remain in Mexico’ Policy Causing Confusion Among Migrants Crossing US Border Play Video

  August 29, 2019 5:38 PM

  WESLACO – The Migrant Protection Protocol was put into place to slow down the flow of immigrants waiting in the states, having asylum seekers remain in Mexico. CHANNEL 5 NEWS is told the policy is causing some confusion. Juan Manuel Blanco, a reporter in Mexico, tells us the... more »

• Acting USCIS Director: Virtual Immigration Courtroom Test Successful at Brownsville Tent Facility Play Video

  August 20, 2019 12:26 PM

  MCALLEN – A top immigration official is visiting the U.S. southern border this week. On Tuesday, the acting director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services made a stop in the Rio Grande Valley. USCIS Acting Director Ken Cuccinelli briefly met with local reporters in a press... 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 »

• 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 »

• New Partnership with FEMA to Help Flood Victims with Immediate Assistance Play Video

  July 30, 2019 9:07 PM

  LA FERIA - A new partnership with FEMA to help flood victims get emergency assistance is now available. Representatives say they want more people applying for assistance at disaster recovery centers. Tuesday afternoon only about 45 people went to La Villa Youth Center to seek assistance. Maria... more »

• Soft-Sided Migrant Facility being Setup in Brownsville Play Video

  July 24, 2019 10:20 AM

  BROWNSVILLE – Tents are under construction at the Gateway International Bridge in Brownsville as part of processing migrants under the Migrant Protection Protocols. So far, the framework is still being put in place, but the soft-sided roofing is already stretched over the corners. Crews were seen working on... 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 »

• 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 »

• Gov't Expands Who Qualifies for Quicker Deportation Play Video

  July 23, 2019 6:52 PM

  WESLACO – Changes in effect as of Tuesday will allow for an increase in who can be deported from the country faster. A notice was issued Monday by the Department of Homeland Security which effectively increases the agency's reach of who it can place in expedited removal. Previously,... more »

• Acting DHS Secretary Details Improvements on Migrant Care in Letter to House Speaker

  July 19, 2019 10:09 AM

  WESLACO – The acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security sent a letter to the Speaker of the House highlighting the conditions and care of families in custody along the U.S. southern border. The letter is in response to another letter Speaker Nancy Pelosi sent to Acting Secretary... more »

• Former Valley Bond Dealer Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison Play Video

  July 18, 2019 9:18 AM

  MCALLEN – A former bail bond company and hotel owner will spend three years in prison. Hema Patel was sentenced for smuggling hundreds of people into the U.S. illegally. Authorities say she used forged documents to bond foreigners out of immigration custody. They say most of her... more »

• Honduran Man Speaks On Why Family Chose to Seek Asylum in U.S. Play Video

  July 15, 2019 5:45 PM

  WESLACO – A Honduran family is speaking out after they crossed two other countries to reach the Rio Grande Valley and encountered deterrents. Alexander Cabrera says his brother was killed by gang members because he didn’t want to be recruited. “I was scared they were going to kill... more »

• New Immigration Rule: Asylum Seekers to Ask for Aid in 'Third Country' before the US Play Video

  July 15, 2019 5:20 PM

  EDINBURG – A new immigration rule is expected to begin Tuesday. The new rule states all asylum seekers must seek help from a third country before making a claim in the United States. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley professor, William Gordon, explains what a third country means.... more »

• Democratic Congress Members Visit Respite Center Play Video

  July 13, 2019 10:37 PM

  MCALLEN - 20 Democratic members of the U.S. Congress toured Valley immigration centers Saturday. Their visit comes one day after Republican members of congress came to the Valley with Vice President Mike Pence. Lawmakers from both parties were in the Valley following an Department of Homeland Security Office... more »

• Border Patrol RGV Chief Looks to Reimplement DNA Pilot Program

  July 5, 2019 5:33 PM

  WESLACO – Texas Senator Ted Cruz and Border Patrol Rio Grande Valley Sector Chief, Rodolfo Karisch, say a rising problem that needs to be stopped is people crossing with children who aren’t theirs. Karisch says it’s becoming a more common practice for those want easier access into the United... 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 »

• Cameron Co. Physician Assistant's License Temporarily Suspended amid Child Porn Charges

  June 28, 2019 2:12 PM

  UPDATE 7/2: The license of a Harlingen physician assistant arrested on child pornography charges has been temporarily suspended. The Texas Physician Assistant Board temporarily suspended the license of Stephen Allen Pichler upon learning of his arrest. The suspension will remain in place until further notice. --------- ... 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 »

• 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 »

• Tamaulipas Shelters Brace for Changes Under New US-Mexico Agreement Play Video

  June 17, 2019 11:04 PM

  REYNOSA, TAMAULIPAS – Overcrowded migrant shelters across the border are bracing for changes part of Mexico's bi-national agreement to reduce migration into the U.S. The country agreed to expand a program that sends migrants back to Mexico while they await U.S. immigration proceedings. State-run shelters in Tamaulipas are... 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 »

• Border Patrol See Increase in Heat-Related Rescues

  June 11, 2019 4:39 PM

  FALFURRIAS – With temperatures on the rise, Border Patrol agents are seeing a spike in heat-related rescues. Customs and Border Protection released a video of border agents saving a group of 10 people in the ranchlands of Brooks County. It happened Friday afternoon, so far, one of 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 »

• McAllen Mayor Calls for Additional Re-enforcements at Int’l Ports of Entry Play Video

  June 5, 2019 6:08 PM

  MCALLEN – McAllen mayor is calling for re-enforcement at the international bridges. On Wednesday, Mayor Jim Darling told CHANNEL 5 NEWS he wants the federal government to increase the help in immigration issues especially on the bridges. He says border officials added barriers with concertina wire to prevent... 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 »

• Brooks Co. Rancher: Migrants Taking Risks Traveling through Open Areas Play Video

  June 3, 2019 6:16 PM

  FALFURRIAS – A rancher rescues a migrant at his front gate. CHANNEL 5 NEWS was initially meeting Dan Miller about how he’s notified by authorities if they find human remains on his property. Miller is one of the owners of Jones Alto Colorado Ranch in Brooks County. ... 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 »

• Valley Congressman Working on Federal Reimbursement for Migrant Surge Play Video

  May 30, 2019 9:31 PM

  MCALLEN – A Rio Grande Valley congressman is working to secure federal reimbursement for migrant care that fell on local tax payers this year. The reimbursements would apply to cities, counties, and non-government agencies along the border. McAllen resident, Enrique Temkin, says the migrant surge is too much... more »

• Starr Co. Land Owners Seek Higher Compensation Over a Decade Later Play Video

  May 30, 2019 5:34 PM

  RIO GRANDE CITY – More than a decade later, border land owners continue to fight for their property. On Thursday, three cases filed in 2008 were in federal court. Paxton Warner with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in McAllen says they’re handling over 40 cases from 2008. Most... 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 »

• Man Arrested during Money Laundering Raid in Cameron Co. Takes Plea Deal

  May 29, 2019 6:08 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – A man arrested during a money laundering raid has taken a plea agreement. CHANNEL 5 NEWS reported about the raids at a Cameron County home and two businesses last month. George Rafidi is charged with lying to immigration officials while he was trying to become a... more »

• Gov't to Assist in Purchase of New McAllen Transit Administration Building

  May 29, 2019 12:02 PM

  MCALLEN – McAllen commissioners approved the purchase of a new downtown transit administration building Tuesday. The federal government will be assisting with the purchase. The Federal Transit Administration has agreed to pay for 80% of the total purchase; the city of McAllen will pay for 20% of 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 »