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 »

• CBP Implements New Asylum Processing Program in the Rio Grande Valley Play Video

  January 1, 2020 8:13 PM

  WESLACO - Migrants seeking asylum through the Rio Grande Valley are entering a new program called the Prompt Asylum Claim Review, or PACR. It's meant to move their cases along faster, but critics say it's too fast cutting out important steps in the process. Customs and Border Protection... 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 »

• 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 »

• 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 »

• Matamoros Migrants Threatened with Child Separation Play Video

  November 1, 2019 8:20 PM

  MATAMOROS, TAMPS, Mex. – The threat of family separation surfaced on the other side of the border Friday morning. Matamoros migrants are saying state officials are threatening to take their children away. U.S. asylum policies have left migrants waiting for months on the Mexican side of the border.... more »

• Migrant Toddler Struck in Hit-and-Run in Matamoros Dies

  October 28, 2019 10:35 PM

  MATAMOROS, TAMAULIPAS – A migrant toddler died after he was struck in a hit-and-run incident in Matamoros, Tamaulipas. The 2-year-old boy was hit Oct. 20 by the driver of a Cherokee SUV who fled the scene. He and his family are indigenous migrants from the Southern Mexican state... 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 »

• 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 »

• Revenue Lost in Cameron Co. during Int’l Bridge Closure in Brownsville Play Video

  October 10, 2019 9:19 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – Asylum seekers weren’t the only ones affected in the international bridge closure in Brownsville. Every hour the bridge was closed cost the city more than $1,000. In the downtown area Thursday, traffic was slower and stores appeared deserted. Storeowners and managers told CHANNEL 5 NEWS... more »

• New Site to Help Migrants Under Remain in Mexico Program Play Video

  October 8, 2019 10:00 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – A new site will soon help migrants waiting in Matamoros under the Remain in Mexico program. The Resource Center for Asylum Seekers in Mexico Network will help migrants find work, legal housing and medical care. It's a block away from the Gateway International Bridge in Matamoros.... more »

• Prolonged Processing Times Persist at CBP RGV Facilities Play Video

  October 4, 2019 7:19 PM

  BROWNSVILLE - Fewer migrants are in federal custody in the Rio Grande Valley, but there are recent lawsuits highlighting problems with the 72-hour processing deadline. These problems are one of the main focuses in an ongoing federal injunction filed against CBP in the Rio Grande Valley. Migrants apprehended... more »

• Reassigned CBP Officers Back to Valley Ports of Entry Play Video

  September 26, 2019 4:37 PM

  WESLACO - Manpower is back to normal at international bridges across the Rio Grande Valley. Customs inspectors were reassigned to help border patrol agents in the field earlier this year. It happened during the height of the migrant surge. The reassignment resulted in travel delays and heavy... more »

• 2 Separate Cases Under Investigation in Sullivan City Play Video

  September 19, 2019 12:44 PM

  SULLIVAN CITY – Separate incidents happened in Sullivan City on Thursday. Authorities arrested seven people after a chase erupted when the driver of a black SUV refused to stop for a state trooper. The pursuit ended in a neighborhood around 3 p.m. Hidalgo County sheriff deputies are... 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 »

• Drastic Drop in Migrant Families Released to Valley Shelters Play Video

  August 22, 2019 9:17 PM

  WESLACO – A drastic change in the number of migrant families released at shelters is visible across the Rio Grande Valley. Last October, McAllen began seeing more migrant families dropped off at the Catholic Charities Respite Center. In April, a mass release was seen across the Valley. In... 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 »

• 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 »

• Hidalgo Co. Woman Concerned Smuggling Activity Taking Place in Neighborhood Play Video

  July 30, 2019 4:36 PM

  WESLACO - An Hidalgo County woman is worried about what is happening on her block. She says she thinks her neighbor is taking part in illegal activity. At first, this was going to be a story about a contractor who was accused of not finishing a... 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 »

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

  July 23, 2019 9:22 PM

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

• 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 »

• Top Democratic Senators Tour Valley Immigration Centers Play Video

  July 19, 2019 6:17 PM

  MCALLEN - A week after the Vice President and republican lawmakers visited the Rio Grande Valley, top democratic senators toured immigration centers and facilities to get their own firsthand look at conditions. The group of senators led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer finished their tour in the McAllen Ursula... 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 »

• 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 »

• Local Parishioners Bring Relief to Asylum Seekers Waiting on Int’l Bridge Play Video

  June 14, 2019 6:04 PM

  PROGRESO – It’s the legal way to enter the United States, but it’s not necessarily the fastest. A man who has been waiting for 29 days on the Progreso International Bridge says he’s thankful for a group of local parishioners who stop by to feed them. Among the... more »

• New Respite Center Receives Blessing

  June 9, 2019 9:34 PM

  MCALLEN – It's been five years since Catholic Charities started helping migrants crossing into the Rio Grande Valley. Sunday, the site of a new respite center received a blessing. Auxiliary Bishop, Mario Aviles gave the blessing at the new 15th Street location. The current facility is on... 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 »

• 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 »

• 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 »

• 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 »

• 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 »

• 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 »

• 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 »

• 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 »

• Migrant Apprehensions at Border Could Pass 900,000 Play Video

  May 10, 2019 6:15 PM

  FRONTON – Migrant apprehensions could pass 900,000 for the entire border this fiscal year, according to federal law enforcement. “I have more people in my custody than I have Border Patrol agents along the Southwest border,” says Border Patrol Chief Carla Provost. KRGV’s Angelo Vargas has been covering... 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 »

• Good Neighbor Settlement House Now Open 24/7 Play Video

  May 9, 2019 4:46 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – The Good Neighbor Settlement House in Brownsville is now open 24/7. The center’s director says hours were extended because bus station drop-offs are happening at all times of the day. We’re told staffers are helping up to 125 visitors a day – not all of them... 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 »

• Donna Woman Living near Tent Facility Concerned for Safety Play Video

  May 6, 2019 5:37 PM

  DONNA – A Donna woman living near the temporary processing center says she feels she needs more security. Eva Munos says news of immigrants being held at a facility four miles from her home is a cause of concern for her. She says she supports the idea of... 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 »

• Survivor of Rio Grande Reflects following Fatal Accident Play Video

  May 3, 2019 9:56 PM

  SULLIVAN CITY – Three migrants who fell into the Rio Grande are still missing. A 10-month-old baby, who was part of the group, was found dead. Thousands of migrants cross this river on a daily basis. A Sullivan City man went through a similar situation at just... 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 »

• 320 Troops to be Deployed to Border Play Video

  April 30, 2019 4:24 PM

  WESLACO – More troops are heading to the border. The approval for 320 more troops came following a new report from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. These border assignments will cost taxpayers more than $7 million. Authorities say more migrants crossed the border illegally in March compared... 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 »

• Migrant Child Continues with Sponsor Family

  April 29, 2019 9:47 PM

  WESLACO – An 8-year-old migrant child is continuing to live with his sponsor family. The child was caught in the middle of a custody battle between the feds and his parents in Guatemala for nearly a year. The dispute began after the boy’s father chose to leave him... 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 »

• 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 »

• 24 Hours at an Immigrant Shelter: Adaptation to Challenges Play Video

  April 2, 2019 11:20 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – Hundreds of immigrant families have been recently released at a newly-converted shelter in Brownsville. Unlike in McAllen, Good Neighbor Settlement House had no formal system in place for accepting immigrants; that all changed last week. A 24-hour stay at the shelter during the night they had... more »

• DHS Secretary Orders Increase of Federal Officers along Border

  April 1, 2019 10:42 AM

  WESLACO – The Department of Homeland Security announced steps the agency must take to speed up the processing phase for migrants entering the U.S. “The crisis at our border is worsening, and DHS will do everything in its power to end it,” said Secretary Kristjen Nielsen. “We will not... more »