Tagged News

• Former La Joya mayor pleads not guilty to wire fraud charges Play Video

  February 13, 2020 7:26 PM

  MCALLEN – Former La Joya Mayor Jose A. “Fito” Salinas pleaded not guilty to federal wire fraud charges on Thursday. Fito Salinas, 81, of La Joya pleaded not guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud during a hearing Thursday at the federal courthouse in McAllen. ... more »

• Edinburg Woman Concerned about Illegal Dumping in Neighborhood Play Video

  December 23, 2019 6:34 PM

  EDINBURG – Some residents are fed up with strangers who use their homes as a dumping site. It's a battle residents on Gastel Circle in Edinburg are constantly fighting. People over filling trash containers and then leaving big items on the side, such as couches, TVs and lots of... more »

• Int’l Treaty Enforced in Similar Case as Construction of Private Border Wall in Mission Play Video

  December 5, 2019 9:49 PM

  MISSION – A court order was place Thursday against a privately funded border wall in Mission. The main concern: the plans could transform the Rio Grande and literally redraw the border. An attorney representing the government’s concerns argued big construction and heavy land clearance could actually alter the... more »

• Attorney Explains Options for Hidalgo Co. Residents Being Charged 13 Years of Back Taxes Play Video

  November 6, 2019 6:26 PM

  EDINBURG – An entire neighborhood on the outskirts of Edinburg is looking for answers as to how and why they're being charged for 13 years of back taxes. The taxes date back from 1990 to 2003. The majority of the people the irrigation district is looking to collect... more »

• Former La Joya Official Out on Bond after Guilty Plea Play Video

  October 22, 2019 4:53 PM

  MCALLEN – In federal court, a former La Joya official is out on bond after pleading guilty to theft Tuesday. Mike Alaniz is now scheduled for sentencing in January; his legal troubles due to a property purchase. Authorities say he used more than $39,000 to buy a lot... more »

• Santa Rosa Homeowner Finds Property Deed after Years of Waiting Play Video

  October 4, 2019 8:10 PM

  SANTA ROSA - A property deed lost in the system and a Santa Rosa man wasn't getting any answers. Without it, selling his property wouldn't be possible. Roy Gonzales is paying taxes on his three Santa Rosa lots, but he had questions about one of them. Gonzales... more »

• Pharr City Officials to Raise Water and Property Taxes Play Video

  September 26, 2019 6:43 PM

  PHARR – Two unanimous decisions by Pharr city officials will be raising rates on water and property taxes, but some residents had no idea about the changes . Pharr's water rate will be increased nearly 8 dollars starting October first. Property taxes will go up 8% effective next... more »

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

  September 18, 2019 5:57 PM

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

• Woman Seeks Help after Tree Falls on Car in Harlingen Apartment Complex Play Video

  August 22, 2019 5:25 PM

  HARLINGEN – A Harlingen woman is dealing with an unusual situation. She’s been waiting to fix her car after a tree fell on top of it. Nestora Cortez lives was asleep in her apartment last Saturday when she heard a knocking on her door. It was a... more »

• Indian Hills Man Wants Abandoned Property Next Door Cleaned Play Video

  August 19, 2019 5:37 PM

  INDIAN HILLS – An Hidalgo County man is sharing his concerns about an abandoned home next to his. Daniel Romero has lived in an Indian Hills colonia for almost 30 years; he says the home next door has been empty for about half of that. He says it... more »

• Uncertainty at National Butterfly Center due to Border Wall Play Video

  May 6, 2019 8:55 PM

  UPDATE (5/7): Customs and Border Protection says funding gained by the national emergency declaration will not be spent in the Rio Grande Valley. We're told the $3.6 million will be spent in El Paso and in Yuma, Arizona. The money will be used to build 53 miles of... more »

• South Texas Ranchers Affected by Patrols on Private Property Play Video

  April 30, 2019 10:45 PM

  WESLACO – A new immigration-related expense is affecting South Texas ranchers. Most of the land being patrolled in Jim Wells and Brooks counties is private property. "Our roads get abused and torn up. These roads are extremely expensive... And they utilize these roads like they are public roads... more »

• Police Advise Property Owners to Use Caution with Potential Tenants Play Video

  April 5, 2019 11:02 PM

  SAN JUAN – San Juan police are urging property owners to thoroughly check their potential tenants. Taking extra measures can help prevent your property from being used for illegal activity such as stash houses, much like the bust that took place Thursday . The chief of police tells... more »

• Federal Gov't Taking Steps to Seek Land for Border Wall Play Video

  March 11, 2019 5:51 PM

  WESLACO – The federal government is continuing to take steps to seek land for the border wall project. Some land owners received letters from the government asking for permission to survey their property. Texas Civil Rights property attorney, Ricardo Garza, says if there is no response from property... more »

• Local Homeowner to be Reimbursed for Property Tax Mistake Play Video

  March 6, 2019 3:40 PM

  WESLACO – A local homeowner says she has been taxed for an extra house on her property that she didn’t have. Maria Escobedo says she found out about the extra property tax through a real estate agent. “I’ve noticed that they are taxing me for a greenhouse that... more »

• Neighbors Say Human Smuggling Common in Area Where Homeowner Shot Immigrant Play Video

  March 5, 2019 11:01 PM

  MISSION – Some people who live in an area south of Mission are uneasy after a man in the country illegally was shot by a homeowner earlier Tuesday. A neighbor who saw what happened said close to 3:00 p.m., Border Patrol and a vehicle with 12 people suspected to... more »

• Valley Homeowners Warned about Letter Asking for Proof of Ownership Play Video

  March 4, 2019 4:07 PM

  WESLACO – Homeowners in the Rio Grande Valley are being warned about letters being sent in regards to property ownership. Letters are being sent out from a company called ‘Homestead Recording Service’ that asks homeowners to send money to prove they are the owners of their property. The... more »

• Harlingen Woman's Inherited Property in Danger of Foreclosure Play Video

  February 26, 2019 6:15 PM

  HARLINGEN – A Harlingen woman’s home is in danger of being foreclosed due to inherited debt. Marisol Puente says she found out $18,000 is owed to a house she inherited from her father when he passed away. “They came to sue the property owners but unfortunately I’m not... more »

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

  February 25, 2019 9:11 PM

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

• Hidalgo Man Claims City Employees Dumping Waste near Property Play Video

  February 25, 2019 4:38 PM

  HIDALGO – A local man claims city employees are dumping waste across from his home. Homero Llanas says he lives across from a drainage canal southeast of Weslaco. He says he has video of what he believes are Precinct 1 employees dumping waste across the street. "What... more »

• Furloughed Sailor Warning Others to be Cautious When Purchasing Property Play Video

  February 22, 2019 3:55 PM

  EDINBURG – A Rio Grande Valley sailor, who has been furloughed, is warning others to be cautious before investing in property. He claims the apartment complex he purchased has problems. Raylin Schannette explains it’s been a faulty construction job since the beginning; he adds he’s attempted to reach... more »

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

  February 13, 2019 4:29 PM

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

• City Offering Free Land to Stimulate Economy and Growth Play Video

  February 8, 2019 10:37 PM

  LA VILLA – The City of La Villa’s Development Program is looking to give residents land to build homes on. The program wants people to help contribute to the city by building homes, as long as residents meet a few requirements. The program was originally started back in... more »

• Rancher Claims Neighbor Running Illegal Gun Range Play Video

  February 8, 2019 5:46 PM

  EDINBURG – A rancher claims his neighbor should be held accountable for the death of his bull. Ruben Elizondo says he was feeding his herd of eight cattle when he noticed there was only seven and smelled a strong odor. He says he found his bull dead on... more »

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

  February 7, 2019 5:55 PM

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

• Local Residents Living South of Proposed Border Wall Concerned about its Impact Play Video

  February 7, 2019 5:26 PM

  PHARR – American residents south of the proposed border wall are concerned about the effects it may bring. Arturo Hernandez says after years of saving money, he was able to purchase property to build a home for his seven kids and 15 grandchildren. “We are going to be... more »

• Landowner Protects Property to Keep Trespassers Out Play Video

  February 6, 2019 5:25 PM

  BLUETOWN – A Cameron County man says his property is a corridor for illegal trespassers and thieves. Robert Martinez says over the years, he’s put up several lines of defense to protect his property from trespassers. Martinez says many of them are people crossing the border illegally. ... more »

• Local Rancher Worried Sandhill Cranes are Losing Habitat Play Video

  February 4, 2019 5:00 PM

  RIO HONDO – A Rio Grande Valley rancher says it is the first time she has seen a migratory sandhill crane on her property. Mary Jo Bogatto has worked on her land, located east of Rio Hondo, for 25 years. She says as the years go by she... more »

• Gov’t Attempting to Acquire Land at Historic Site in Roma Play Video

  February 1, 2019 6:24 PM

  ROMA – The government is attempting to acquire land in another historic area of the Rio Grande Valley. Roma’s national historic district has several buildings that have stood for decades. This week, the government filed a condemnation lawsuit to take a portion of the property that starts close... more »

• Pharr Disabled Woman Claims Complaint Led to Eviction Play Video

  January 31, 2019 10:08 PM

  UPDATE (2/1): Maria Flores says she is fighting back. She says she is working with a lawyer and plans to take the property management and owner to court. She tells CHANNEL 5 NEWS she decided to move out. ----- PHARR – A local woman with disabilities... more »

• Brownsville Landlord Finds 18 People in US Illegally in Apartment Play Video

  January 30, 2019 6:27 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – A local landlord says his rental apartment was being used as a hideaway for people in the U.S. illegally. He says he has done business in the lower part of the Rio Grande Valley for 35 years and for the first time, people in his neighborhood are... more »

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

  January 29, 2019 6:33 PM

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

• Family Impacted by Potential Border Wall for Second Time Play Video

  January 29, 2019 6:26 PM

  WESLACO – With the possibility of a border wall, a Rio Grande Valley family is reflecting back to a similar situation. Nearly 10 years ago, a border wall was built through their parents’ property. “All we had left is two acres of land and we would have had... more »

• Frequent Guest Concerned following Accidental Shooting at McAllen Motel Play Video

  January 28, 2019 3:48 PM

  MCALLEN – An investigation is underway following an accidental shooting at a motel in McAllen. A man who often stays at La Copa Inn wants to know why the property doesn’t have signs to prohibit weapons. Michael Rendon believes signs should be posted on the premises. "I... more »

• Clean Up Begins at Toxic Paint Site Property in Rio Hondo Play Video

  January 17, 2019 4:14 PM

  RIO HONDO – Work has begun to clean up a toxic paint site, which sparked a massive fire several years ago near Rio Hondo. The owner of the property, which is located at the corner of FM-106 and FM-803, is now taking responsibility, as ordered by the court. ... more »

• Raymondville Homeowner Affected by Construction Vehicles on Lawn Play Video

  January 15, 2019 5:56 PM

  RAYMONDVILLE –A local man says he is being affected by construction vehicles placed on his lawn for a road project. Raymondville resident Esteban Lovera says the three construction vehicles have been there since November. KRGV’s Frank McCaffrey spoke to the contractor responsible for putting the equipment on the... more »

• New Respite Center Sparks Property Value Conerns Play Video

  January 14, 2019 10:22 PM

  MCALLEN – Concerned neighbors are raising questions about the location of a respite center in McAllen. Hundreds of migrant families pass through the Rio Grande Valley weekly, leading to the relocation of the center. The respite center is temporarily located on Hackberry Avenue and Second Street in McAllen.... more »

• Cameron Co. Leaders Waiting on Millions of Dollars in Unpaid Property Taxes Play Video

  January 11, 2019 7:07 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – Cameron County leaders are waiting on millions of dollars in unpaid property taxes. Those who owe taxes have been notified and have until the end of this month to pay up or work out a payment agreement. "We did a mail out of 106,000 parcels or... more »

• Alamo Farmer Hopes Gov't Border Wall Decision Brings Safety Play Video

  January 9, 2019 5:39 PM

  ROMA – A local farmer says he expects safety and protection from the government’s border wall decision. Ruperto Escobar’s family has lived in Roma for over 250 years. Escobar says he has received letters from the government asking to survey his property for a border wall. Markers... more »

• Park Rangers on Alert, Residents Advised to Take Precautions during Holidays

  December 18, 2018 6:16 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – Cameron County park rangers say residents should take precautions to protect their property during the holidays. Park Ranger Police Chief Horacio Zamora says during this season they keep a watchful eye on parks like Isla Blanca Park. "The northern part of the beach is... more »

• Government Gains Access to Pharr Oratory Play Video

  December 18, 2018 2:30 PM

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

• Messy Mercedes Lot Being Cleaned Up Play Video

  January 25, 2018 4:31 PM

  MERCEDES – A messy Mercedes neighborhood is being cleaned up after some residents voiced their frustrations. People living in the South Colorado Avenue neighborhood were upset after finding a pig and a goat living near their property . The Mercedes building inspector and code enforcer said the property owner was... more »

• Residents Want Cameron Co. to Clean Neighboring Property Play Video

  April 3, 2017 6:20 PM

  HARLINGEN – Some Harlingen residents are frustrated with a property, they said, is harboring disease-carrying rodents and mosquitoes. The home on Dilworth Road is fenced in but the mounds of plastic and trash are evident to anyone that passes by. People who live nearby said they want the county to... more »

• Edinburg Woman Requesting Illegal Dumpsite to be Cleaned Up Play Video

  March 15, 2017 6:21 PM

  EDINBURG – A Rio Grande Valley woman wants to know why the county isn’t cleaning an illegal dumpsite near her home. For seven years, Ines Gomez has been raising three sons in Edinburg. She lives blocks away from the illegal dumpsite and worries her children will be in danger when... more »