Tagged News

• DPS, Border Patrol apprehend 15 undocumented migrants in Starr County during joint operation Play Video

  April 12, 2026 12:53 PM

  The Texas Department of Public Safety Brush Team assisted U.S. Border Patrol in apprehending 15 undocumented migrants in a joint anti-smuggling operation, according to DPS spokesperson Lt. Chris Olivarez. The apprehensions occurred on Thursday, April 9. 15 Apprehensions in Starr County During Joint Operation 4/9/26: The @TxDPS... more »

• Department of Defense installs buoys on the Rio Grande in Cameron County Play Video

  December 5, 2025 9:52 PM

  Contractors with the Department of Defense placed buoys on the Rio Grande in Cameron County, a Pentagon official confirmed to Channel 5 News. Viewer submitted videos of the buoys show that they are at the mouth of the Rio Grande between Playa Bagdad and Boca Chica Beach where the... more »

• A drying-up Rio Grande basin threatens water security on both sides of the border

  November 20, 2025 8:00 PM

  ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — One of North America's longest rivers, the Rio Grande — or Rio Bravo as it's called in Mexico — has a history as deep as it is long. Indigenous people have tapped it for countless generations, and it was a key artery for Spanish conquistadors centuries... more »

• Mexico rejects Trump's offer of military strikes against cartels — again

  November 18, 2025 3:07 PM

  MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico's president on Tuesday ruled out allowing U.S. strikes against cartels on Mexican soil, a day after U.S. President Donald Trump said he was willing to do whatever it takes to stop drugs entering the U.S. "It's not going to happen," Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum... more »

• Trump administration plans to build border wall in Laredo, mayor says

  November 4, 2025 1:46 PM

  McALLEN — The Trump administration is moving forward with plans to build a border wall "along the entire southern border," including in the city of Laredo, Mayor Victor D. Treviño announced Monday. City officials were notified during a regular meeting with officials from U.S. Border Patrol and the U.S.... more »

• Operation River Wall boosts border security along Rio Grande Play Video

  October 24, 2025 2:08 PM

  The Trump Administration is expanding its presence along the Rio Grande. It's called Operation River Wall, and it involves putting more U.S. Coast Guard boats on the water. Commander of Coast Guard Forces Rio Grande Captain Christopher Cumberland is leading the mission to intercept migrants illegally crossing the... more »

• Government set to deploy buoy barrier along Rio Grande near Brownsville Play Video

  October 17, 2025 1:18 PM

  Water barriers are one step closer to making their way to Rio Grande in Cameron County, and it's being funded by the Big Beautiful Bill signed by President Donald Trump. The government is set to deploy buoys in the river near Brownsville, and the Department of Homeland Security says... more »

• Mexico facing end-of-month deadline to deliver water to Rio Grande Play Video

  October 14, 2025 6:53 PM

  Mexico has until the end of the month to make good on a promise to deliver water to the United States. In April, the U.S. and Mexico signed a deal requiring Mexico to send a certain amount of water to the Rio Grande. Hidalgo County water advocate Sonny... more »

• DHS announces deployment of 17 miles of ‘waterborne barrier’ in Cameron County

  October 12, 2025 5:52 PM

  Seventeen miles of “waterborne barrier” that will be deployed in Cameron County are part of $4.5 billion in contracts that were awarded to build hundreds of miles of new border wall, according to the Department of Homeland Security. On Friday, DHS and U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced 10... more »

• Border Patrol agents find body near Boca Chica Beach

  October 12, 2025 3:44 PM

  U.S. Border Patrol agents found a body Sunday morning near Boca Chica Beach, officials confirmed to Channel 5 News. The man’s body was found at around 9 a.m., shortly after authorities from Mexico alerted Border Patrol of a possible drowning that occurred on a beach near Matamoros, according to... more »

• DPS seizes more than $2 million worth of cocaine in Starr County Play Video

  September 9, 2025 3:49 PM

  The Texas Department of Public Safety seized approximately 69 pounds of cocaine during a joint operation with the U.S. Border Patrol in Starr County, according to a news release. The news release said on September 7, the Texas Rangers Special Operations Group and U.S. Border Patrol agents saw four... more »

• Made in the 956: Valley artist uses the Rio Grande to create series Play Video

  August 26, 2025 12:10 PM

  The Rio Grande connects northern Mexico and the Rio Grande Valley. It's been a lifeline and a way of life in many cities for decades. Now, a Valley artist is using materials from the river to create pieces of artwork that have a deep meaning. The Valley is... more »

• Cameron County granted presidential permit to build pedestrian bridge at Gateway International Play Video

  August 21, 2025 9:47 AM

  Cameron County has been granted a presidential permit to build a pedestrian bridge at the Gateway International Bridge in Brownsville, according to a news release from the White House. The permit will allow the county to build the bridge over the Rio Grande between the United States and Mexico,... more »

• Valley Without Water: Visiting the Santa Elena Canyon Play Video

  July 18, 2025 12:01 AM

  The most iconic spot on the entire U.S./Mexico border is the Santa Elena Canyon at Big Bend National Park. Over millions of years, the canyon walls were carved by the flow of the Rio Grande. Now, the river that carved the canyon has been turning into a dry riverbed.... more »

• Texas’ immigration law is unconstitutional, appeals court rules

  July 4, 2025 12:07 PM

  " Texas’ immigration law is unconstitutional, appeals court rules " 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 Texas Tribune’s daily... more »

• DHS issues waiver for 17 miles of water barriers in Cameron County Play Video

  July 3, 2025 10:45 PM

  Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem signed a waiver to ensure the “expeditious” construction of 17 miles of waterborne barrier in Cameron County, according to a Thursday news release. The waterborne barrier will be constructed in the Rio Grande in Cameron County within the U.S. Border Patrol’s Rio... more »

• Alamo man sentenced for leading authorities in high-speed chase involving human smuggling

  July 1, 2025 2:38 PM

  An Alamo resident has been sentenced to federal prison for transporting undocumented migrants and leading authorities in a vehicle pursuit, according to a news release from the office of U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. The news release said 37-year-old Margarito Llanes pleaded guilty April 22 and was sentenced to... more »

• Possible debris from Starship explosion causing environmental concerns on Mexican side of the border Play Video

  June 24, 2025 12:08 PM

  Twice in one month, debris believed to be from SpaceX's Starship launches was littering the Mexican side of the border, south of Boca Chica. This time, debris has landed right on the edge of the Rio Grande and farther inland. The debri sis beleived to be from the... more »

• First trial of immigrant accused of trespassing on Texas border military zone ends in acquittal

  June 5, 2025 3:35 PM

  " First trial of immigrant accused of trespassing on Texas border military zone ends in acquittal " 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... more »

• U.S. Border Patrol agents disrupt a narcotic smuggling operation near Harlingen

  May 29, 2025 3:46 PM

  U.S. Border Patrol agents were able to disrupt a narcotics smuggling operation in Las Rusias, near Harlingen, according to a news release. The news release said on Tuesday, at around 5:20 p.m., agents were conducting surveillance when they spotted suspicious activity along the Rio Grande. Agents reported seeing... more »

• Buscan frenar consumo de alcohol en adolescentes en ciudad de Río Grande Play Video

  March 10, 2020 4:22 PM

  CIUDAD DE RÍO GRANDE- El martes la cuidad de Río Grande presentó una conferencia de prensa para discutir una nueva iniciativa para reducir el consumo de alcohol en menores de edad. Líderes de la Ciudad de Río Grande buscan frenar incidentes relacionados con el consumo del alcohol, violencia y... more »

• Hospitales del Valle se preparan para posibles casos de coronavirus Play Video

  March 9, 2020 8:37 PM

  MCALLEN – No existen casos que se hayan reportado de coronavirus (COVID-19) en el Valle del Río Grande, pero los hospitales se preparan para esa posibilidad. El personal de McAllen Medical Center recibe entrenamiento adicional para dar el tratamiento adecuado a cualquier persona que se sospeche tenga el virus.... more »

• Funcionarios de salud confirman que no hay casos de coronavirus en el Valle Play Video

  March 2, 2020 4:03 PM

  EDINBURG – Funcionarios de salud en el condado Hidalgo confirman al público que no existe una amenaza de coronavirus (CoV19) en el Valle del Río Grande. El lunes, el Departamento de Salud del Condado Hidalgo abordó las afirmaciones falsas en redes sociales sobre casos de virus en el Valle.... 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 »

• Wildlife Expert Believes Death of 63 Sea Turtles Linked to Illegal Gillnetting near Coast Play Video

  November 25, 2019 10:03 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – Two-hundred yards of illegal gillnetting was pulled from the Rio Grande over the last few days. The Coast Guard says eight sea turtles and five blacktip sharks were caught in it. Only three of those turtles lived and were cut loose. The illegal gillnetting... more »

• Agentes de patrulla fronteriza decomisan narcóticos con valor de más de $1.4M

  November 18, 2019 4:13 PM

  EDINBURG – Agentes de la patrulla fronteriza confiscaron más de 1,830 libras de marihuana en siete intentos fallidos de contrabando. El miércoles, agentes de Fort Brown que trabajaban en Brownsville recibieron información sobre cuatro sospechosos de tráfico de drogas que intentaban escalar el muro cercano. Los contrabandistas dejaron... more »

• 3 People Shot in Mexico across Los Indios Port of Entry Play Video

  November 6, 2019 5:21 PM

  LOS INDIOS – A shooting in Tamaulipas that left two people dead ended at a Rio Grande Valley port of entry. Tamaulipas authorities are saying the shooting happened Tuesday on the Mexican side of the Los Indios International Bridge in the late afternoon. A Mexican customs employee was... more »

• Consecuencias de pesca ilegal en el Río Grande Play Video

  November 6, 2019 3:11 PM

  BROWNSVILLE - En la oscuridad patrullan el Río Grande en busca de redes. Los guardabosques salen a cazarlas todas las noches. Estas mallas pueden llegar desde México hasta los Estados Unidos, atrapando y acabando con los peces, disminuyendo el suministro que queda en el país. Los guardias... more »

• The Impact: Gill Net Poaching on the Rio Grande Play Video

  October 31, 2019 10:13 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – In the pitch black of night, Texas Game Wardens hunt for illegal gill nets along the Rio Grande. The nets can stretch from Mexico to the United States trapping, killing fish; cutting into a dwindling supply. Not only do officials hunt in the dark with lights... 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 »

• ‘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 »

• Border Agents Return to Work after Being Shot at in Starr Co. Play Video

  August 23, 2019 5:27 PM

  FRONTON – The Border Patrol agents who were shot at by people from the Mexican side of the Rio Grande are back at work. Border Patrol gave CHANNEL 5 NEWS access to see the damage of the boat used during the incident. Two agents were on the boat... more »

• Agentes de CBP rescatan 28 personas del Río Grande Play Video

  August 19, 2019 2:34 PM

  EAGLE PASS - En un video se puede observar a agentes de la patrulla fronteriza rescatando a 28 personas del Río Grande el jueves. El grupo era originario de Honduras y la mitad de ellos eran niños. Los agentes informan que el grupo entró al agua con un... 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 »

• Sullivan City Police Not Shying Away from Assisting Border Patrol Play Video

  May 16, 2019 5:28 PM

  SULLIVAN CITY – Border Patrol continues to be overwhelmed by non-stop traffic coming across the Rio Grande. Local law enforcement is stepping up to lend a helping hand. Sullivan City is a hotspot for people crossing the border illegally; police say they’re showing up by the hundreds to... more »

• More Bugs Being Used to Control Invasive Plant Along Border Play Video

  May 8, 2019 6:05 PM

  WESLACO – Border Patrol is following a plan begun by U.S. Department of Agriculture to control an invasive plant growing along the river. The carrizo cane arrived to the Rio Grande from Spain; researchers believe it came with colonists. The plant grows very fast and tall, making it... 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 »

• Families Being Released due to Loophole in Immigration Laws Play Video

  April 9, 2019 5:22 PM

  PENITAS – People are coming into the country illegally but they’re not facing prosecution due to a loophole in immigration laws. If they come in as a family and claim amnesty, they must be released. Border Patrol says this is becoming a problem as word of this loophole... more »

• Border Patrol Agents Unharmed after Shooting Incident in Laredo Play Video

  February 20, 2019 1:56 PM

  LAREDO – The FBI is leading an investigation into a shooting incident that took place Sunday in Laredo. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, agents assigned to the Border Patrol Laredo Sector were fired upon by unidentified individuals from Mexico. It happened as agents were patrolling the... more »

• Future Organ Donors Needed in Rio Grande Valley Play Video

  February 8, 2019 6:24 PM

  WESLACO – A spokesperson for the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance says organ donors are needed in the Rio Grande Valley. The senior communication director of TOSA Edwina Garza says only 21 people who died last year donated their organs; most of them being from Hidalgo and Cameron County. ... more »

• Property Owner Affected by Border Wall Projects Again Years Later Play Video

  February 4, 2019 5:53 PM

  WESLACO – Border wall construction is set to begin this month and it’s stirring up controversy. KRGV’s John Paul Barajas spoke with a farmer who is already dealing with a wall. Juan Mercado’s family has lived on the same property along the Rio Grande for over 150 years.... more »

• Los Indios Mayor Speaks Out on Border Wall Decision Play Video

  January 25, 2019 5:49 PM

  LOS INDIOS – The decision of the proposed border wall is put on hold for three weeks. KRGV’s Angelo Vargas spoke with Los Indios Mayor Rick Cavazos about the government’s temporary re-open. Cavazos has long advocated for a border wall. He says his main focus is border... more »

• City of Laredo Proposes Border Walkway Plans Play Video

  January 24, 2019 3:47 PM

  LAREDO – City leaders in Laredo want the federal government to build a walkway along their border. The project, proposed as part-flood control, part-beautification, is seen as an alternative to the border wall. "If they're going to impose something on us, I think this is a good... more »

• Texas Game Wardens on Lookout for Gill Nets at Rio Grande Play Video

  January 15, 2019 4:58 PM

  WESLACO – Texas game wardens are on the lookout for gill nets at the Rio Grande. Authorities say they found more than 7,000 feet of this over the weekend. The netting was seized in the river, which border both Cameron and Hidalgo Counties. Watch the video above... more »

• Clima Para Hoy Viernes 4 De Enero Play Video

  January 4, 2019 4:41 AM

  Para el día de hoy se pronostica soleado con temperaturas máximas en cerca de 72 grados.Los vientos serán del oeste a razón de cerca de 6 millas por hora,siendo varibles y ligeros durante la tarde. more »

• Valley Residents Carry Mixed Views about Border Security Play Video

  January 3, 2019 6:50 PM

  GRANJENO – Caught between real life and policy are people who live in small towns along the river dividing two countries. Some say what’s missing is a sense of security, a place where neighbors call out to neighbors. That’s changed in recent years. People who cross the... more »

• BORSTAR Agent Rescues Man from Rio Grande Play Video

  December 26, 2018 5:11 PM

  LOS EBANOS – Border Patrol says a migrant was rescued by an agent after struggling to stay afloat the Rio Grande. Agents say it happened along the border in Los Ebanos. A group fled from them and jumped into the water, according to the agency. A Border... more »

• 12 Days of Goodwill, End of Year Donation Drive

  December 21, 2018 2:35 PM

  ALAMO – Giving extravagant gifts during the holidays is nothing new — consider the “five golden rings” and “partridge in a pear tree” from the well-known Christmas carol. This holiday season, Goodwill is asking South Texans to give more meaningful gifts, such as second chances and confidence by donating things... more »

• Authorities Pull Vehicle Out of River near Chimney Park Play Video

  October 19, 2017 4:21 PM

  UPDATE (10/20): Authorities finished pulling out a car driven into the river in an apparent attempt to evade authorities. Crews pulled what appeared to be a Chevrolet Impala Friday afternoon from a location near Chimney Park in Mission. Police said they found one bundle of drugs inside the car. It'll... more »

• DNA Analysis Helps Identify Body Found in Rio Grande Play Video

  February 9, 2017 9:39 PM

  WESLACO – Pathologists are going through extensive lengths to track down family members of deceased immigrants found in South Texas. Authorities identified the remains of Jose Luis Martinez Chavarria through DNA analysis last month. His body was found in the Rio Grande nearly a year ago. Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office... more »