SCENES FROM THE WORLD BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

 

THE LONG TORTURED HISTORY OF THE EMPIRE OF IRAN

 

By Tammy Bright

> 70 years ago, Iran looked just like any Western country.
> Short skirts, rock’n’roll, open universities.

> It’s 1953. Iran elects a secular socialist: Mohammad Mossadegh.
> He nationalizes oil. That pisses off British Petroleum.
> Cold War excuse.
> CIA and MI6 stage a coup. Operation Ajax.
> Mossadegh is overthrown.

> They install the Shah, a brutal US-backed dictator.
> Secret police. Torture chambers.
> Iran turns into a puppet state.
> People are that desperate, they turn to Khomeini, an exiled cleric, promising independence and dignity.
> 1979: Islamic Revolution.
> The Shah flees.

> US embassy stormed. Hostage crisis.

> America never forgives.
> Arms Saddam Hussein.
> Iraq invades Iran.
> US provides chemical weapons, satellite intel, logistics.
> 1 million Iranians die.
> Iranian kids sent into minefields with plastic keys around their necks.
> US shoots down Iran Air Flight 655
> 290 civilians dead.

> No apology.
> Fast forward today, Israel attacks Iran.
> The U.S. immediately says “we stand with Israel.”
> They talk about “regime change.”
> They say that Iranians “deserve freedom.”

> No mention of the coup they started.

> No mention of the dictator they installed.
> No mention of the war they fueled.
> No mention of the decades of sanctions and sabotage.

> They created the monster, and now they attacked it because it was still breathing.
> Watch who they try to put on the throne next.
> The son of the Shah is already being presented as the “alternative.”
> The same dynasty.
> The same foreign backing.
>The same promises of stability.

> History will repeats itself.
> And it’s not gonna end well.

PURO PINCHE PEDO; Y TODAVIA SE LA TRAGAN LOS MAGAS

I support my brother Joe Kent. The fact that this administration is now saying pejorative statements about Joe lets you know how pathetic they truly are. Trump called him “WEAK”.

 A fat pussy who avoided military service like the plague is calling my brother with 20 years in special ops, 15 combat tours and lost his WIFE to and IED supporting the war in Syria weak! 

Fuck you Trump, you ran on “No New Wars” and the veterans that gave our youth to the GWOT believed you, then you go back on your word and think you can insult us? 

Very clear you’re nothing more than Netanyahu Cuck.

VENEZUELA VANQUISHES TEAM USA, TAKES WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC CHAMPIONSHIP

Special  to El Rrun-Rrun

Venezuela’s dominant pitching and timely hitting shocked the United States, 3-2, to capture the World Baseball Classic (WBC) title for the first time in team history.

Only Team USA, Japan and the Dominican Republic have been able to call themselves WBC champions. Venezuela, using its momentum from a semifinal victory over Italy on Monday night, had eyes set on history.

But no one could’ve expected what transpired at loanDepot Park in Miami, as the U.S. was held to just two hits and four total baserunners.

TRUMP: FORGET IRAN, "I CAN DO WITH CUBA WHATEVER I WANT."

Reuters

The threatening statements come even as Cuba and the United States have opened talks aimed at improving their largely adverse relations, which have reached one of their most contentious moments in the ​67 years since Fidel Castro overthrew what had been a close U.S. ally.

"I do believe I'll be...having the honor ​of taking Cuba. That's a big honor. Taking Cuba in some form," Trump told reporters as ⁠the island faces an unprecedented economic crisis, exacerbated by an oil blockade the U.S. imposed after capturing former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

"I ​mean, whether I free it, take it. Think I can do anything I want with it. You want to know the truth," ​Trump told reporters at a signing event in the Oval Office.

After Trump spoke, the New York Times reported that removing Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel from office is a key U.S. objective in the bilateral talks. Citing four people familiar with the talks, the Times said the Americans have signaled to Cuban negotiators ​that Diaz-Canel must go but are leaving the next steps up to the Cubans.

CONFIRMED: ACCUSED MATA KILLER DEAD FROM APPARENT SUICIDE

Special to El Rrun-Rrun

Initial reports – first published in El Rrun-Rrun and now confirmed – indicate that the Texas Rangers have been called to investigate the Friday morning death of  Joel Uriegas Izaguirre, accused of capital murder in the deaths of his wife and her aunt, found hanging in his cell Friday March 13, while being held in custody in the Cameron County Rucker-Carrizalez Correction Center in Olmito.

Yaguirre was charged in connection with the death of the two women in Brownsville after authorities said he admitted to the killings. They said he had used a wooden club to bludgeon them to death.

The victims were identified as his wife Norma Alicia Garza Espinoza's and his wife's aunt Idalia Carrizales, who was 58, said Cameron County Sheriff Manuel Trevino during a  press conference.

Izaguirre, 48, from Matamoros, was charged with two counts of capital murder and issued no bond. During Izaguirre's arraignment, the judge declared him a flight risk as he left to Matamoros after the killings.

The murder was reported on December 14, 2025. The killings happened in the 6200 block of Tecate Street.

During a press conference, Trevino said this was not a random act of violence and instead was planned. A motive for the killing was Izaguirre had a mistress in Matamoros and possibly killed his wife to be with her. News reports indicate that a custodial death report listed the cause of death as asphyxia due to hanging.

The report stated that Izagurre was found unresponsive in his cell at approximately 9 a.m. on Friday. Medical staff on scene attempted CPR, but confirmed that he had no pulse.

The report goes on to say that Izaguirre used a mattress cover sheet to hang himself. He reportedly used plastic material from the mattress and the mattress sheet to form a ligature for his hanging. A letter written by Izaguirre was also found in his cell. He was 48-years-old at the time of his death.

Justice of the Peace Mary Esther Sorola ordered a full autopsy.

After his arrest, Izaguirre, who was from Matamoros, had told investigators that he’d planned to kill his wife because he had wanted to start a new life with his girlfriend from work. He said that he’d tried to deceive authorities by planting his border crossing card on her lifeless body.

PICK UP DA BABIES, GRAB THE OLD LADIES, ALL DEMOS GO!

 

LOS SAN PATRICIOS: IRISH WARRIORS OF THE MEXICAN-AMERICAN WAR

  

LIKE IT OR NOT, LITTLE SISTER: HAPPY BIRTHDAY...

(Ed.'s Note: She is reticent about being made over, but we couldn't help but to extend her our heart-felt wishes for a happy birthday. We won't say how old the little darling in the photo is today, other than to say we are lucky as a family to have her as a companion on this often trying journey and how appreciative we are to the Big Guy upstairs to have brought us together. Happy Birthday, Sis. God Bless you and yours. Many more!)

EVERYBODY SAID THEY'D STAND BEHIND ME WHEN THE GAME GOT ROUGH, BUT THE JOKE WAS ON ME THERE WAS NOBODY EVEN THERE TO CALL MY BLUFF...

By Ravi Mattu

New York Times

President Trump has urged China, Britain, France, Japan and South Korea to send warships to help reopen the waterway, even though they are not involved in the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran.

President Trump’s call for some countries not involved in the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran to send ships to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz has received cautious responses.

Mr. Trump named China, Britain, France, Japan and South Korea in a social media post on Saturday, urging them to join an effort to guard the waterway, a conduit for a fifth of the world’s oil shipments.

On Sunday, he warned that NATO faced a “very bad” future if members of the alliance did not help to open the Strait of Hormuz, adding that Europe was more reliant on Middle Eastern oil than the United States. “It’s only appropriate that people who are the beneficiaries of the Strait will help to make sure that nothing bad happens there,” he told the Financial Times.

Mr. Trump also threatened to delay a summit with China’s leader, Xi Jinping, which is expected to begin at the end of the month in Beijing.

Here is how governments have responded so far:

Germany: Germany rejected the U.S. demand. “This is not our war; we did not start it,” Boris Pistorius said at a news conference in Berlin on Monday. “We want diplomatic solutions and a swift end to the conflict, but sending more warships to the region will likely not help achieve that,” he added.

European Union: “It is in our interest to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, and that’s why we are also discussing what we can do in this regard,” Kaja Kallas, the top E.U. diplomat, told reporters on Monday. She was speaking before a meeting of European foreign ministers, who were expected to discuss what E.U. countries can do to protect the strait.

Britain: Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Monday that his government was working with allies on a viable plan to reopen the strait but cautioned that Britain would not be “drawn into wider war,” a day after speaking with Mr. Trump about the strait and the disruptions to global shipping. Mr. Starmer did not say if Britain would send warships to the Gulf, but he urged a “swift resolution” to the conflict.

Australia: Australia does not intend to send ships to the Strait of Hormuz, Catherine King, the transport minister, said on Monday. “We know how incredibly important that is, but that’s not something that we’ve been asked or that we’re contributing to,” Ms. King told Australia’s national broadcaster.

Japan: Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told Parliament on Monday that Japan had no plans to send warships to the Persian Gulf. Japan’s pacifist constitution limits military engagement in wars and a senior Japanese official had previously warned that any decision to deploy warships would face “high hurdles.” Takayuki Kobayashi, policy chief of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, told the Japanese public broadcaster NHK on Sunday that the country would have to be cautious. The issue may come up during Ms. Takaichi’s planned meeting with Mr. Trump in Washington on Thursday.

China: China, the biggest buyer of Iranian oil, has not responded directly to Mr. Trump’s remarks but has previously called for the cessation of hostilities. On Monday, Lin Jian, a spokesman for China’s foreign ministry, said the two sides were still discussing Mr. Trump’s planned visit to Beijing. The spokesman reiterated that China was committed to de-escalating the conflict.

France: France has also not responded directly to Mr. Trump’s call publicly. President Emmanuel Macron has said that he would be willing to use the French navy to escort ships but only if the conflict stabilized. On Sunday, Mr. Macron wrote on social media that he had  spoken with President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran and told him that Tehran needed to ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and reopen it to shipping.

South Korea: The office of President Lee Jae Myung of South Korea said in a statement that it would “communicate closely with the United States,” but did not make any commitments.


Ravi Mattu is the managing editor of DealBook, based in London. He joined The New York Times in 2022 from the Financial Times, where he held a number of senior roles in Hong Kong and London.

REPORTS INDICATE MURDER SUSPECT COMMITTED SUICIDE

Special to El Rrun-Rrun

Reports, officially unconfirmed, are indicating that Joel Uriegas Izaguirre, accused of capital murder in the deaths of his wife and her aunt, has committed suicide by hanging Friday March 13, while being held in custody in the Cameron County Rucker-Carrizalez Correction Center.

Yaguirre was charged in connection with the death of two women in Brownsville after authorities said he admitted to the killings.

Izaguirre, 48, from Matamoros, was charged with two counts of capital murder and issued no bond. During Izaguirre's arraignment, the judge declared him a flight risk as he left to Matamoros after the killings.

The murder was reported on December 14, 2025.

The victims were identified as his wife Norma Alicia Garza Espinoza's and his wife's aunt Idalia Carrizales, who was 58, said Cameron County Sheriff Manuel Trevino during a  press conference.

The killings happened in the 6200 block of Tecate Street..

During a press conference, Trevino said this was not a random act of violence and instead was planned. A motive for the killing was Izaguirre had a mistress in Matamoros and possibly killed his wife to be with her.

The sheriff's office has not made a statement on the reported suicide. This is a developing story and we will update the story as more information becomes available.

EVEN THE GUV KNOWS THE BLUE WAVE IS COMING

Special to El Rrun-Rrun

Republican incumbent Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is sounding the alarm about a potential blue wave in the state after Democrats continue to surge in elections.

In  a campaign donation email, his campaign noted "the numbers are in, and here’s a gut-punch reality check."

The Abbott campaign stated: Texas House Democrats posted record-shattering fundraising numbers for 2025, with money pouring in from all 50 states.

Democrat voter enthusiasm is surging – they’re motivated, angry, and ready to swarm the polls.
In many of the most important races across the nation, Democrats are outraising Republicans by huge margins.

Let's go Gina!

 

SPRING IS SPRINGING ACROSS EL VALLE AND SOUTH TEXAS

When springtime comes to South Texas

Dour, gray and thorny huisaches

Sprout riotous, fuzzy dandelions

And the sedate mesquite adorns itself with verdant ferns for leaves

And blooms that look like a plague of fuzzy yellow caterpillars

Jostling in the wind for space on its limbs and branches

And the prickly olive green cactus

Sprouts, elegant golden blooms

That turn to purple-meat tuna/pears in the summer coming

Even the eternal ebony fortresses

Sport their blooms before they become pods

And their yellow pollen dust floats on the dark street asphalt

In eddies...

Like Monet water lilies

The chaste and demure desert olive - la anacahuita - now screams out at you

With its wanton loud white flowers

Look at me!

And strews its petals of purity on the sidewalk

Like maidens did before the feet of

Aztec emperor Montezuma

In his strolls

Along the causeways of Tenochtitlan 

There are no seasons in this valley

Just a constant temperate with a short cold snap

And you know it's Spring

When the perpetually sullen trees

And prickly-mouth cacti 

Flourish and talk

In late March and early April

DO ONTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEN DO ONTO YOU...

President Truman in unearthed letter to Eleanor Roosevelt and separate note (both 1947) compares Zionists to Hitler & Stalin: “US Zionists will eventually prejudice everyone [against them]... Jews are like all under dogs - when they get on top they are just as intolerant and as cruel as the people were to them when they were underneath.”

MARK YOUR CALENDAR TO SUPPORT YOUNG CONJUNTO MUSICIANS!

THE U.S. ARMY AND STILLMAN: "THE LAND DIDN'T BELONG TO ANYBODY..."

 

(Ed.'s Note: Ever since we were children, we have been told that when Gen. Zachary Taylor arrived on the site of present-day Brownsville, he found nothing but barren land and upon that land he built Fort Texas, afterwards named Ft. Brown for Major Jacob Brown, killed after being struck in the knee by a Mexican cannon ball that bounced off  a wall. Brown did die, but when the U.S. Army came upon the land, there was a prosperous rancho, growing cotton, sugar cane and beans, etc., and at least 12 "substantial" buildings and strong fencing. The U.S. entered into a rental agreement with its owner Miguel Salinas, who now lies buried in the Santa Rosalia Cemetery.

Army engineers used his fencing to fortify the earthworks, and then, to prevent Mexican soldiers from using the buildings as cover, they demolished them. Neither Salinas nor his heirs ever got paid for his land, the buildings or for the crops destroyed by the soldiers at Ft. Brown. Below is a record of the hearings before the U.S. House Committee on War Claims on the Salinas family claim, some 40 yeas after the government took their land. Then Charles Stillman and his lawyers tied up the title in court and eventually sold the land without clear title to establish the town. We thank Dr. Marie Theresa Hernandez Ramirez, Professor and Researcher of World Cultures and Literatures from the University of Houston for providing us with this document.)

By Juan Montoya

51st Congress, First Session

April 21, 1890.

Committee on War Claims

The Committee on War Claims, to whom was referred the bill (H. B. 3433) for the relief of the heirs of Miguel Salinas, have had the same under consideration, and respectfully report:

This bill was presented in the Fiftieth Congress, first session, and favorably reported from the Committee on War Claims. The report of that committee is concurred in and adopted by this committee. Miguel Salinas was the owner and occupant.of a large plantation on the Rio Grande, in Cameron County, Texas, and had been for twenty years prior to 1840. That year, in the month of March, the United States troops, commanded by General Zachary Taylor, encamped upon this plantation, which
was an exceedingly valuable one, and at this time, as in prior years, in a high state of cultivation. 

The lands were very extensive, and at the time of occupation by the Army, as above stated, had growing upon them very large crops of cotton, corn, sugar cane, beans, about half matured.

There were also twelve houses, and built of concrete brick, some of them being very large and commodious, and all of them substantial and serviceable. Three of these were the permanent residence of Miguel Salinas and his family, and the others were used by the servants and for store-houses. There was also a wind-mill, a large and very strong cattle-pen, a great amount of fencing in perfect condition and with upright posts, together with farming utensils and other belongings necessary for conducting the operations of so large a ranch.

The troops took possession of all the houses on the plantation, and on the 14th of April, 1846, Capt. G. H. Crossman, assistant quarter-master U. S. Army, rented seven of them, by contract with Miguel
Salinas, at $1.50 a day each, for as long a time as the Government thought proper to occupy them. This contract was approved by the commanding officer General General Zachary Taylor, and the original is now on file with the Comptroller's office; a copy herewith.

It was also further stipulated in the said contract that if any alterations were found necessary to be made while occupied by the Government, it would only be done with the consent of the owner, and should not detract from their value. A fort was built upon the plantation of said Miguel Salinas; and called Fort  (Texas), later Brown, after the officer in command. In order to render it bomb-proof, Assistant Quartermaster Captain Crossman ordered all the fences on the place hauled to the fort and used by Captain and Engineer Mansfield for that purpose. The work gave great protection to the troops, and part of the fencing was also used by them for fuel.

There was also one cattle pen or corral used by the troops, which was of the best material and strongly built. The houses were used for the storage of supplies for the troops, officers' quarters, hospital purposes, and quarters for the men who were not furnished with tents. In the attack upon Fort (Texas), Major Brown who was in charge of the fort, ordered the destruction of these houses as a matter of safety to our men who were then working on the fort.

This was done with the approval of General Taylor, who had previously given instructions to Major Brown, before the battle of Palo Alto was fought, to destroy these houses if he found they were in  anywise an impediment to the operations of the fort.

The occupancy by the United States Army of the plantation of the said Miguel Salinas, the building of Fort Brown thereon, the burning of his houses, together with the destruction of his crop, fences, and
corral, etc., nearly beggared him, and he was compelled to procure a home for himself and family in Matamoros, as everything on his plantation was swept away completely.

He was in undisputed possession of the said lands for twenty years previous to the Mexican War, and yet but $11.12 (and that amount was paid in pork by Captain G.H. Crossman) did he ever receive from the Government for or on account of rent of his houses or compensation for damages and loss of all his property.

While litigation has caused delay to determine ownership of several undivided interests of the grant of land of which his plantation is a part, and the Government has hitherto declined to pass on his accounts for rent notwithstanding its contract with the said Miguel Salinas, it is conclusively shown that the latter acquired his right by purchase and his claim against the United States has continuously remained unchallenged, by anyone.

At the close of the war with Mexico a permanent garrison was established on a portion of these grounds. In 1848 the Government refused the first-time payment of rent for the same, as there were numerous claimants for title. The contestants went into court, and the matter was not finally adjudicated until October, 1879, when time United States Supreme Court decreed in a favor of Cavazos (see volume 100, page 138, of United States Supreme Court Reports); and Miguel Salinas holds title to his land from Cavazos by Purchase. Salinas again presented this claim in 1849, only to be again advised that settlement of disputed title caused further delay. 

He made subsequent applications, but met with no success.

This claim was presented in 1849 to Quartermaster-General Thomas S. Jesup and in August of that year that officer wrote to Major Crossman, who made the contract with Salinas for the renting of the buildings requesting him to furnish information regarding this claim and others for rest of grounds.

After the receipt of the above report from Major Crossman, General Thomas S. Jesup (Quartermaster General) writes to Conrad, Secretary of War, under the date of August 13, 1852, as follows, in reference to this claim:

"As far as the public agents entered into contracts we are unquestionably bound in good faith. to fulfill  them, but the contracts were limited to a compensation of $1.50 a day for the houses and cattle-pen on the land when it was occupied and these contracts probably terminated with the destruction of the buildings; but, having rented them, it is a question whether we are not bound to pay for them, they having been destroyed by order of the commanding officer.

I submit a report of Major Crossman giving the facts in relationship to the original establishment of the troops upon the site and the contract with Mr. Salinas; also a report of Major Crossman in relation to the arrangement with Mr. (Charles) Stillman, whose title has merged in that of Mr. Cavazos."

The heirs of Salinas, being wholly unfamiliar with the English language, and having to depend upon the attorneys for Cavazos, who were also interested in the suits, and the incidental change of' counsel by death, removal from the country, and other circumstances, left claimants wholly at their mercy and the delay by the Government in the settlement of the accounts of the claimants is one which otherwise can be regarded than seriously unjust, and should be immediately remedied, as the title to the ownership of the various claimants to the land has been settled by a recent opinion of the Attorney General, and which pretext the Government has availed itself of heretofore refusing payment.

Then, in January 31, 1891, the Committee on Military Affairs contradicted the 1846 contract and earlier report by Quartermaster Crossman and the value of the Salinas ranch, buildings and improvements by stating that: 

(To read about the theft of Miguel Salinas' land by the U.S. Government, and later, by Charles Stillman, click on link below. The author, Sara C. Bronin, is a property law professor at Cornell University and a direct descendant of Miguel Salinas.)

https://www.latinobookreview.com/8203land-grab-the-untold-story-of-fort-brown-by-sara-c-bronin--latino-book-review.html

SUCKERS AND LOSERS ARE DELAYING MY TEE TIME, DAGNAMMIT!

GENETICS? WAS TRUMP TALKING ABOUT HAITIANS, OR S. AFRICANS?

ES VIERNES. BUENO EL FISH! THE HAPPY LIFE OF CRABS IN A BUCKET...

La Cebolla

NEW BEDFORD, MA—Expressing deep gratitude to find himself surrounded by those so dear to his heart, local crab Dan Herscher told reporters Wednesday that he was just happy to be in a bucket with all his friends. 

“Yes, sir, there’s nothing better than hanging out in a plastic bucket and clambering all over a couple dozen of my best buds,” said Herscher, adding that the warm, convivial atmosphere fostered by the bucket was such that he couldn’t help but pull back any comrades attempting to escape over the edge and give them a big, crabby hug.

 “Hey, where are you going, pal? Get back in here. This party’s just getting started! Just a perfect afternoon forming a writhing mass with the boys. We never really got together like this out in the ocean, but this bucket has brought us all so much closer. Nowhere else I’d rather be, fellas. Ah, jeez, I just love every last one of you is all. Bucket buddies for life!” 

At press time, witnesses reported that Herscher had also hit it off with a gloved hand reaching in to pluck him from the bucket.

GINA PULLS EVEN IN THE BELLY OF THE BEAST: YOU GO GIRL!

Special to El Rrun-Rrun

A new poll shows Gina tied with Abbott in TX-23, a district Trump won by 15 points in 2024.

That is a real sign that Texans are paying attention. They’re tired of Greg Abbott’s poor leadership, tired of paying more and having less, and tired of paying the Greg Abbott Corruption Tax.

This is huge. Not only did Democrats outvote Republicans in a midterm primary for the first time in 24 years, but Abbott’s support is plummeting.

I’ve been traveling across the state, meeting voters where they are, and everywhere I go, I hear the same thing: Texans are tired of working more and getting less because they’re paying the Greg Abbott Corruption Tax.

Voters in districts like this are telling us they’re ready for change — they’re rejecting the corruption that has made Greg Abbott and a few of his billionaire buddies rich while the rest of us pay the price.

This campaign isn’t about left vs. right, it’s about electing a governor that will put working families first by fighting for strong schools, lower costs, and a Texas that actually works for Texans.

If we’re tied with Abbott in a district this red, we know we can close the gap statewide and win in November — but we’re going to need your help to get there.

Over the next several months, we need to meet with voters in communities across Texas, make sure they hear directly from Gina, and keep building the grassroots campaign it takes to beat Abbott in the fall.

Rush in any amount right now to help us close the gap in TX-23 and other deep-red districts in Texas and defeat Greg Abbott in November →

Donate $5 »

FRIDAY FUNNIES NOT SO FUNNY: IF ONLY BOMBS COULD TALK

 

THE TRUMP DOCTRINE: IGNORE EXPERIENCE, RISK U.S. LIVES

TAKING A PAGE FROM TRUMP'S PLAYBOOK, GUERRA TAKES CREDIT FOR $300 BILLION PORT REFINERY HE OPPOSED

Special to El Rrun-Rrun

Is Steve Guerra – the chairman of the Brownsville Navigation District and a candidate for Cameron County Judge against incumbent Eddie Treviño in the Democratic Party runoff – a closet MAGA Republican?

Just one day after his hero Donald Trump took credit for the construction on his Truth Social of a $300 billion America First Refining power plant and oil refinery, Guerra posted on his social media page that its construction was a result of  his leadership at the port.

Trump, the port, and public relations publications, claimed he was responsible for its construction last week, even though the company announced it had completed its site preparation and permitting during the Biden administration in June 2024, some six months before Trump was inaugurated in January 2025.

At the time of the announcement in 2024, it published in industry periodicals that the plant would be the first refinery built in the United States in 47 years. It was made possible funded by investments from Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries. Three years later, Trump said the America First Refining, would be the first refinery built in the United States, but now it was the first one in 50 years, when he posted his announcement last Friday.  

Despite being false, but true to form, he framed it as part of his "America First" energy policy, calling it a "historic milestone" in energy infrastructure and as a response to heightened energy concerns tied to rising tensions as a result of the conflict with Iran. 

Element Fuels announced back then – before they even knew Trump would be president – that the groundbreaking was scheduled to be held this April, 2026 and operational in 2027 and "will be the first of its kind refinery combining advanced, commercially proven technologies, provided by best-in-class partners."

Like Trump, Guerra insinuated the plant came about as a result of his "leadership," even while admitting that the idea of a refinery at the port had been in the works for more than 12 years.  

"Real leadership delivering real results at the Port of Brownsville!," Guerra gushed. "Like I have said before, many talk about economic development, others may try to take credit for it, but the team I have led at the port has delivered it."

This came as a surprise to some former and current port commissioners and administrators, who distinctly remember that when the company – now known as Houston-based Elements Fuel Holdings LLC – came to renew the lease of 240 acres of port properties adjacent to the ship channel, Guerra was one of the most vociferous opponents against renewing it even though the company, under a different name, had paid some $7 million in rent to the port for at least eight years while they laid out the final plans for the plant.

"Steve wanted to lease the land to someone else," one said, preferring to remain anonymous. "Without disclosing the arguments he made, there were some discussions in executive session where he was against renewing the lease to Elements Fuel Holdings and to lease it to another company he favored."  

"This announcement is a defining moment for our region," posted Guerra. “America First Refining chose us because we have the land, the infrastructure, the workforce and the commitment to get it done. This is exactly the kind of transformative investment that strengthens our economy and creates real opportunity for South Texas families."

And then the port repeated the lie that Trump was the one responsible for bringing the refinery even though it was completed during the Biden administration 

The port posted a fawning item on their website stating that: "We are pleased to see this long-planned investment moving toward fruition and thank President Donald J. Trump and his administration for their support in advancing opportunities that strengthen America’s energy infrastructure."

Every other media organ in the United States perpetrated the hoax, to use one of Trump's favorite terms. Deceit, it would appear, link Trump and Guerra.

Guerra, a self-styled "entrepreneur," has formed and registered numerous LLCs with the Texas Secretary of State, many of which are now defunct and were forfeited. 

The majority of the LLCs didn't have a physical office in Cameron County and many of them listed their street address at Guerra's mother's home in Brownsville.

Guerra's "entrepreneurship" didn't come to light until  his Warrior Fuel Traders LLC was sued by a Navasota, Texas fuel supplier for nonpayment.

In that lawsuit, Key Performance president Mark Jackson filed an affidavit October 26, 2022 in support of his company's lawsuit demanding payment of an outstanding balance of $333,484.47 and attached copies of 24 invoices shipments of diesel and other petroleum products they had shipped at Warrior Fuel Traders' request over a two-month period in 2020 that had not been paid. The shipments were delivered to the cartel-linked distributor.

In Cause No: 2022-DCL-5154-I plaintiff Key Performance lists a systematic record of transactions that make up the outstanding balance of Warrior Fuel Traders, LLC.

Government investigations revealed that Warrior Fuel Traders/Steve Guerra was in direct business with Pyrodiesel Del Cento SA de CV. Pyrodiesel has been named as a principal in fuel smuggling activities (huachicol) of petroleum by the Federal Criminal Intelligence Center of Mexico. https://es-us.noticias.yahoo.com/huachicoleros-controlaban-puertos-pa%C3%ADs-060000638.html

Invoices to Warrior Fuel Traders from Key Performance indicate the diesel and petroleum products were shipped through Eagle Pass, Texas and delivered to Pyrodiesel. The Warrior Fuel Traders LLC was registered with the Texas Secretary Of State April 13, 2020 and its certification was forfeited June 24, 2022.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s (Treasury) and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), identified Pyrodiesel as one of the hundreds of Mexican companies engaged in huachicol. 

The modern usage primarily describes the criminal activity of stealing and selling stolen fuel, sometimes through sophisticated tax evasion schemes known as "huachicol fiscal." 

A U.S. advisory in May called huachicol schemes “the most significant non-drug illicit revenue source” for Mexico's cartels, which have become a prominent Trump administration target. But the cartels often rely on affiliated individuals and firms—including along the Texas border—to pull them off.

AFTER DWI, LOPEZ ASKS FOR RESPECT OF OUR LEGAL PROCESSS

By Joey Lopez

Cameron County Pct. 2 Commissioner

"Last night I was arrested on a charge of DWI. I am deeply sorry. 

This matter is now part of an active legal process, and it would not be proper for me to comment on the details at this time. I respect the law and will fully cooperate as this matter moves forward. I have served this community my entire adult life, and I remain committed to the people of Cameron County.

I understand the concern that situations like this can create in our community. Public trust matters deeply to me, and I take seriously the responsibility that comes with serving in public office. I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to have the facts reviewed fairly. l recognize the seriousness of this situation, have a deep respect for our legal process, and ask you to withhold judgment until its conclusion. 

This past year has been one of the most difficult of my life following the loss of my wife. Losing her has been incredibly painful, and I continue to navigate that grief every day. 

During this time, I have been grateful for the compassion and support so many in our community have shown my family and me.

I also understand that during an election season situations like this can quickly become part of the political conversation and overshadow a lifetime of work.

Despite this situation, my love for Cameron County and commitment to serving its residents remain unchanged. I will continue focusing on the work that matters most to our community — improving infrastructure and drainage, strengthening public services, and addressing the everyday needs of the people I represent.

I remain deeply grateful for the support of this community and committed to serving Cameron County with integrity and dedication."

TRUMP STEALS CREDIT FOR BIDEN-ERA $300 BILLION PORT REFINERY PROJECT; MAINSTREAM, SOCIAL MEDIA, AMPLIFY THE LIE

By Juan Montoya

On June 2024 – during the Joe Biden Administration and six months before Donald Trump's January 20, 2025 inauguration of this second term – Houston-based Elements Fuel Holdings LLC announced that it completed site preparation and pre-construction on 240 acres leased at the Port of Brownsville for a new hydrogen-powered refinery capable of producing in excess of 160,000 barrels, or approximately 6.7 million gallons a day of finished gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, operating under the name of America first Refining.

At the time of the announcement in 2024, it published in industry periodicals that the plant would be the first refinery built in the United States in 47 years. It was made possible funded by investments from Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries. Yesterday, three years later, it became 50 years in Trump's Truth Social media announcement. 

Despite being false, but true to form, he framed it as part of his "America First" energy policy, calling it a "historic milestone" in energy infrastructure and as a response to heightened energy concerns tied to rising tensions as a result of the conflict with Iran. 

Element Fuels announced back then – before they even knew Trump would be president – that the groundbreaking was scheduled to be held on April, 2026 and operational in 2027 and "will be the first of its kind refinery combining advanced, commercially proven technologies, provided by best-in-class partners.

"Designed to process exclusively high gravity domestic shale oil, the refinery will produce low-carbon intensity fuels that will materially reduce carbon emissions."

https://globalenergyinfrastructure.com/news/2024/06-june/element-fuels-announces-completion-of-site-preparation-and-pre-construction-for-hydrogen-powered-clean-fuels-refinery-and-combined-cycle-power-plant/

Trump took full credit for the refinery coming to Brownsville, which was then parroted by the public relations machine at the Port of Brownsville. 

PR Newswire amplified  the Trump social post, stating that "America First Refining announced a historic milestone in U.S. energy production: the construction of the first new oil refinery built in the United States in 50 years. 

"Made possible through the leadership of President Donald J. Trump and the success of his America First energy agenda, the refinery will be located at the Port of Brownsville, Texas, and will significantly strengthen America's long-term energy dominance."

The fawning and crediting of Trump did not stop with the paid public relations posts. The Port of Brownsville PR machine jumped right in, even though it knew better, and fully credited Trump for the refinery that was announced months before he was inaugurated during the waning months of the Biden administration.

Acknowledging that the plant had been in the works for more than a decade, the port posted a fawning item on their website stating that: "We are pleased to see this long-planned investment moving toward fruition and thank President Donald J. Trump and his administration for their support in advancing opportunities that strengthen America’s energy infrastructure."

Every other media organ in the United States and perpetrated the hoax, to use one of Trump's favorite terms. 

PR Newswire posted that: "America First Refining announced a historic milestone in U.S. energy production: the construction of the first new oil refinery built in the United States in 50 years. Made possible through the leadership of President Donald J. Trump and the success of his America First energy agenda, the refinery will be located at the Port of Brownsville, Texas, and will significantly strengthen America's long-term energy dominance."

In their original announcement in 2024, during the waning months of the Biden Administration, Element Fuels Holdings said it had acquired the necessary permits and completed site preparation "to develop and operate scalable, next generation clean fuels production on a new hydrogen-powered refinery and combined-cycle power plant within the (port) designed... to produce and recycle hydrogen using advanced technologies that will generate and deliver significantly cleaner, higher-quality fuels, including much-needed high-octane gasoline and electricity for commercial and consumer consumption."

"For years, investors believed building a new refinery in the United States was impossible," said Nick Ayers, a former White House official who served as Assistant to the President and incoming Vice Chairman of America First Refining. 

"President Trump's America First energy agenda restored the confidence needed to invest in large-scale American energy infrastructure. This project is a bet on American production, American workers, and the long-term strength of our domestic energy economy."

According to Elements Fuels, "the complex will increase the economy and improve quality of life for workforce members and their families by creating hundreds of jobs at above market wages. To further support the region, Element Fuels is working with local and Port officials to advance the Justice40 initiative established by the U.S. Department of Commerce to contribute to a climate-positive environment that provides residents of the Brownsville area and Rio Grande Valley with clean energy and affordable and sustainable housing."

Zoom News reported that "The project is expected to trigger a massive economic transformation in the South Texas region. Trump claims that the $300 billion investment will inject billions of dollars into the local economy and create thousands of jobs across various sectors, including construction, engineering, and operations. 

Under the agreement to build the refinery, Element Fuels claims that once operational, American First Refinery will use 1.2 billion barrels of U.S. light shale oil will be purchased and processed – a value of $125 billion, will produce 50 billion gallons of refined products – at a value of $175 billion. 

"Beyond direct employment, the refinery is anticipated to stimulate growth in ancillary industries and services. Trump linked this development to his broader economic agenda aimed at revitalizing American manufacturing and infrastructure."