Saturday, March 14, 2026
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.)
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
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.
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.
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
Friday, March 13, 2026
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!
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 →
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.
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 →
Thursday, March 12, 2026
TAKING A PAGE FROM TRUMP'S PLAYBOOK, GUERRA TAKES CREDIT FOR $300 BILLION PORT REFINERY HE OPPOSED
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.
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."
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.
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 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. 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.
"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.
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."
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."
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
TRUMP STEALS CREDIT FOR BIDEN-ERA $300 BILLION PORT REFINERY PROJECT; MAINSTREAM, SOCIAL MEDIA, AMPLIFY THE LIE
By Juan Montoya
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.
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.
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.
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."
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."
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.
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.
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.
Every other media organ in the United States and perpetrated the hoax, to use one of Trump's favorite terms.
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.
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.
"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."
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF PEACE RESPONSIBLE FOR GIRLS' MURDER
Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) chairman Matt Schlapp said on Piers Morgan Uncensored that Iranian schoolgirls killed in the Minab school airstrike would have lived "in a burqa" under "a barbaric society."
When journalist Peter Beinart said the roughly 175 victims would be alive without the strikes, Schlapp responded: "They'd be alive in a burqa." Cenk Uygur asked: "So just kill them?" Schlapp: "That's not what I'm saying."
He doubled down: "It's hypocritical to say these attacks harmed women and children when those girls would live behind a burqa with no ability to make career choices."
Critics pointed out women in Iran do not wear burqas — that is Afghanistan. Iran requires hijabs. Women make up the majority of university graduates in the country.
Journalist Yashar Ali responded: "Confusing Iran with Taliban-ruled Afghanistan shows a basic ignorance about the country Matt claims to be lecturing the world about."
ICE FINALLY RELEASES MCALLEN MARIACHI KIDS WHO PLAYED AT CARNEGIE, VISITED WHITE HOUSE, THEN GOT ARRESTED
The family's arrest and detention triggered social post videos like the one above.
CBS NewsThe detention by U.S. immigration authorities of two teen brothers who were prominent members of a nationally recognized mariachi band in South Texas has triggered bipartisan criticism that the Trump administration's campaign for mass deportation has overreached.
Brothers Antonio Gámez-Cuéllar, 18, and Joshua, 14, were detained along with their 12-year-old brother and their parents on Feb. 25, according to a relative and a girlfriend who organized a GoFundMe account for the family. The family had been checking in regularly with immigration authorities, as instructed, when they were detained, the relative and girlfriend said.
The teenage boys were prominent members of the McAllen High School Mariachi Oro Band, which has visited the White House, performed at Carnegie Hall and won eight state championships.
Antonio was released on Monday afternoon. Neither he nor his attorneys commented to reporters as they left a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in Raymondville, Texas.
The other four family members were released from a separate detention center for families in Dilley, Texas, said U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, a Texas Democrat who visited them at the center near San Antonio on Monday.
Castro had visited the facility before when he advocated for the release of a 5-year-old from Minnesota, Liam Conejo Ramos, and his Ecuadorian father.
In an emailed statement, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security said ICE had detained the parents, Emma Guadalupe Cuellar Lopez and Luis Antonio Gamez Martinez, and that they chose to bring their children with them. The family illegally entered the U.S. in 2023 near Brownsville, Texas, the spokesperson said, adding that the law requires them to be in custody while their asylum claims are heard.
Intense public pressure finally forced their release Monday.
Monday, March 9, 2026
BUT WE ALREADY KNEW: TRUMP'S SYCOPHANT FOX NEWS IS...FAKE NEWS
Media Watch
On Saturday, March 8th, trump attended the dignified transfer of six soldiers killed in Kuwait during Operation Epic Fury, his ongoing war with Iran. He showed up wearing a white "USA" baseball cap with gold lettering, straight from his own $55 merch line, and never took it off.
No other U.S. president has ever worn a baseball cap during a dignified transfer. While other networks aired the real footage, Fox News played old video from a completely different ceremony so their audience would never have to reckon with what their guy actually did.
Fox News later admitted on air that they "inadvertently aired video from an older dignified transfer instead of the ceremony that took place yesterday," calling it a mistake.
Twice. On two separate programs.
The backlash was immediate and crossed party lines. California Governor Gavin Newsom called trump a "disgusting little man," and former RNC chairman Michael Steele blasted him for having "absolutely no sense of dignity or appreciation for the moment."
This isn't just bad optics for trump, it's a revealing moment for Fox News. Social media users accused the network of blatantly disrespecting dead troops just to make trump look better, and honestly, it's hard to argue otherwise.
A network that spent years policing Obama's tan suit just quietly swapped out footage of a commander in chief wearing campaign merchandise at one of the military's most solemn ceremonies. The soldiers deserved better. So did the viewers Fox News spent years telling they were getting the truth.
DEVOLUTION
EL ICE LLEGA AL SPORTSMAN; AT 1,2,3 ICE EVEN GOES INTO THE PISSER
A favorite joke among the local wags at the Sportsman Bar is that "ya cayo el ICE" when bar helper Robert "El Huevo" Benavidez carries in real ice in a shopping cart from the local Dollar Tree to cool off the beer at the watering hole "pa que esten muertas" during the hot days. It has become an inside joke among bar patrons since the Trump immigration crackdown began.
A reader took it a bit farther when they sent us this photo of the urinal at the I,2,3 Lounge on 14th Street and said the ICE even went into the pisser. They then sent us a photo of ice inside the urinal. 
Our parents used to warn us not to patronize local cantinas because "te van a enseñar mañas." They were so right.
O'BELL HIRING BY THE GBIC AT A $140,00 SALARY RAISES QUESTIONS
Special to El Rrun-Rrun
What started off as questions from some of our readers into the recent hiring by the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation of Ruben O'Bell, a longtime political operative/fixer who worked for former Texas Senator Eddie Lucio Jr. and state representative Eddie Lucio III – then for state senator Morgan LaMantia – has resulted in an unresponsive one-page missive from the the city and the GBIC.
(The GBIC just underwent a "rebranding" and announced that it will begin operating under a new name, the Greater Brownsville EDC. O'Bell does not appear as a member of the "team" in their website and we found no record in the GBIC's board's meetings minutes minutes that shows that his hiring went before the board for approval.)
Some of the questions that we asked the city was for the job description, salary, date of hire, etc. In response, the GBIC submitted a one-page answer which did not include answers to many of the pertinent questions and said "The uploaded document is the only responsive record located in the City’s possession, custody, or control. No additional responsive records were identified."
The request for information into O'Bell's hiring was sent to the city and the GBIC.
It read:
Request #PR-2026-127
"Dear Sir., Ms. Please consider this a formal information request. I am inquiring into the recent hiring of Ruben O'Bell for a position in the GBIC. I would like to know:
1. The hiring date for for Ruben OBell
2. Salary amount
3. Job description
4. How long was the position posted, where, and how many other applicants were considered?
5. Ruben O'Bells resume and work experience.
6. Who does Ruben OBell answer to or his supervisor?
7. What budget account does his salary come from?"
In his position as the Lucios' assistant, O'Bell, who is also a registered lobbyist, he "facilitated" meetings between the senator and state representative and vendors who were trying to do business with the various governmental entities in their respective districts.
His name came up during the influence-peddling and bribery investigation into former Brownsville Independent School District board member Sylvia Atkinson and was listed as a witness in the federal case against her which resulted in her conviction for bribery and prison sentence. O'Bell did not have to take the stand against her during her trial. He was not charged with any crime.
What exactly O'Bell's duties include is never stated in the GBIC response and can't be made out from the one-page missive submitted by Salinas is his response to El Rrun-Rrun's information request. Is he still a paid lobbyist who can charge potential clients a fee aside from his GBIC salary? Will his employment be contingent of jobs produced or contracts signed? What exactly does he do for the public money?
We have made another more detailed information request to the city/GBIC specifically asking these questions. We will keep our readers informed on their response.
Sunday, March 8, 2026
TO DIE FOR. FOR ONLY $49.99 (CORRECTION $55) YOU, TOO, CAN HAVE A MAGA CAP LIKE THIS!
"Take your damn hat off." Former RNC chairman Michael Steele's response to Trump wearing a baseball cap at the dignified transfer of six fallen soldiers.
President Trump attended the dignified transfer of six fallen soldiers at Dover Air Force Base on March 7, saluting as flag-draped coffins were carried from a C-17. He wore a white "USA" baseball cap from his campaign merchandise line throughout the ceremony. Former RNC chairman Michael Steele posted:
"This fool has ABSOLUTELY no sense of dignity. It is called the Dignified Transfer for a reason. Take your damn hat off."
The six Army Reserve soldiers — ages 20 to 54 — were killed March 1 when an Iranian drone struck their operations center in Kuwait. Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, was days from coming home to her two children. Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, was the youngest killed.
The moment drew comparisons to Biden's 2021 dignified transfer, where he was criticized for checking his watch. Supporters said Trump's presence showed respect. The debate has overshadowed the soldiers' homecoming.
Wow, you MAGATS threw a hissy fit when Biden glanced at his watch during dignified returns. This POS is wearing a fucking baseball cap with 47 on the side as the coffins are passing by. You people lose your minds if someone doesn’t remove their hat during the playing of the National Anthem but will of course accept this.
NO ONE should be wearing a hat except members of the military. Trump-supporting veterans and active-service members are looking like absolute fools.
Saturday, March 7, 2026
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Friday, March 6, 2026
"YOU'RE GOING TO GET TIRED OF ALL THE WINNING...."
Live Updates: U.S. Employers Cut Jobs in Sign of a Shakier Economy
A weaker-than-expected report for February showed a decline of 92,000 jobs, and a rise in the unemployment rate to 4.4 percent.
NEARLY 600 LAID OFF AT B'VILLE'S TRICO, TITAN, ASC PLANTS
(Ed's.Note: First Brands Group is an American auto parts company based in Cleveland, Ohio. It owns brands such as Trico, FRAM, Raybestos, and Autolite. First Brands Group generated revenues of more than $5 billion in 2024 from manufacturing and distributing automotive products, primarily into aftermarket retail channels.)
By Diana Eva Alvarado
Valley Central
BROWNSVILLE, Texas — A company with facilities across the nation announced that nearly 600 of its employees will be laid off next month in Brownsville.
Auto parts giant First Brands Group is cutting thousands of jobs nationwide as part of its ongoing financial crisis.
The company filed a WARN notice with the Texas Workforce Commission on Wednesday that 345 workers at its Billy Mitchell facility, 183 at its Titan Distribution Center, and 43 workers at its ASC plant will lose their jobs on April 30.
The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act is a federal requirement mandating that businesses must provide at least 60 days’ notice before a plant will close or issue mass layoffs.
First Brands Group is a worldwide company that makes automotive parts. In all, 571 workers are losing their jobs in South Texas. Nationwide, many of the company’s plants will be shutting their doors on the same date.
The company is also closing facilities at maquiladora plants all along the U.S.-Mexico border, including those in Matamoros and Juarez.
Last month in Juarez, some workers set up camp at one of the First Brands facilities in fear that it might be closing.
In September, the Michigan-based company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Several company officials are accused of a fraud scheme.
Maquiladora manufacturers in Mexico employ nearly 3 million people and represent more than 60 percent of the country’s total exports, according to the National Council of the Maquiladora and Manufacturing Export Industry.
Border Report correspondents Julian Resendiz and Sandra Sanchez contributed to this report.
Auto parts giant First Brands Group is cutting thousands of jobs nationwide as part of its ongoing financial crisis.
The company filed a WARN notice with the Texas Workforce Commission on Wednesday that 345 workers at its Billy Mitchell facility, 183 at its Titan Distribution Center, and 43 workers at its ASC plant will lose their jobs on April 30.
The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act is a federal requirement mandating that businesses must provide at least 60 days’ notice before a plant will close or issue mass layoffs.
First Brands Group is a worldwide company that makes automotive parts. In all, 571 workers are losing their jobs in South Texas. Nationwide, many of the company’s plants will be shutting their doors on the same date.
The company is also closing facilities at maquiladora plants all along the U.S.-Mexico border, including those in Matamoros and Juarez.
Last month in Juarez, some workers set up camp at one of the First Brands facilities in fear that it might be closing.
In September, the Michigan-based company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Several company officials are accused of a fraud scheme.
Maquiladora manufacturers in Mexico employ nearly 3 million people and represent more than 60 percent of the country’s total exports, according to the National Council of the Maquiladora and Manufacturing Export Industry.
Border Report correspondents Julian Resendiz and Sandra Sanchez contributed to this report.
A BLAST FROM THE PAST: GUTIERREZ STILL BLASTING ON
By Jose Angel Gutierrez
Q’vo…this is Jose Angel Gutierrez, old timer from the Chicano Generation, one of the 4
Horsemen of the Chicano Movement.
I love what our young people are doing these days by protesting, resisting, boycotting, disrupting,
challenging ICE and the Border Patrol, and walking out of schools.
That is how I started with 4 others when we formed the Mexican American Youth Organization. MAYO in 1967. Here is a book about that by Armando Navarro., Univ. of Texas press, 1995
Now 36 states have legislation trying to end Chicano Studies and all others. There are 130 bills pending.
In Texas, the three major university systems, Texas, Texas A & M and Texas Tech have or are about to end all ethnic and gender studies. At UT Austin, all faculty will have their syllabi scrutinized and approved to ensure they are not dealing with controversial subjects like diversity, equity, and inclusion.
They have ended the Mexican American and Latino Studies programs and others. Dr. Rodolfo Acuña has written about those programs. Here it is…Rutgers Univ. Press, 2011 and an earlier one a bit more critical by Michael Soldatenko, Chicano Studies: The Genesis of a Discipline, Univ. of Arizona, 2009.
Here is the book cover…We, as MAYO, started that program, as part of our demands in every walkout. We wanted to learn about La Raza not just about Whites.
In California, after the 1968 LA walkouts, five high schools, other leaders like Rene Nuñez from
Southern California, gathered and wrote up El Plan de Santa Barbara which became our blueprint for Chicano Studies.
Now, the racist White politicians in government are taking these away. What are you going to do about that? I, for one, am doing these Instagram minutes, also a writing a blog, plus making longer YouTube videos, and still writing a lot of books about us, La Raza.
Mira…this is my flyer on some books. Check me out on Instagram, at joseangelgutierrezbooks.com and
voiceofthemainland.blogspot.com
Abrazos.
Here is the book cover…We, as MAYO, started that program, as part of our demands in every walkout. We wanted to learn about La Raza not just about Whites.
In California, after the 1968 LA walkouts, five high schools, other leaders like Rene Nuñez from
Southern California, gathered and wrote up El Plan de Santa Barbara which became our blueprint for Chicano Studies.
Now, the racist White politicians in government are taking these away. What are you going to do about that? I, for one, am doing these Instagram minutes, also a writing a blog, plus making longer YouTube videos, and still writing a lot of books about us, La Raza.
Mira…this is my flyer on some books. Check me out on Instagram, at joseangelgutierrezbooks.com and
voiceofthemainland.blogspot.com
Abrazos.
LOOKS LIKE SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET THEIR TARIFF REFUND...
Companies in the U.S. that paid tariffs invalidated by the Supreme Court in February are legally entitled to refunds, a federal judge ruled on Wednesday.
Judge Richard Eaton of the U.S. Court of International Trade in New York said that U.S. importers were "entitled to benefit" from the high court's February 20 decision that President Trump lacked the authority to impose sweeping tariffs last year under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
Eaton was ruling specifically on a case brought by Atmus Filtration, a Nashville, Tennessee, company that makes filters and other filtration products, claiming a right to a tariff refund.
Second legal defeat this week
A federal appeals court on Monday declined to delay implementation of the Supreme Court ruling striking down most of the Trump administration's tariffs. That ruling clears the way for the Court of International Trade to begin the process of refunding tariffs to businesses,
Eaton also wrote in his decision that he alone "will hear cases pertaining to the refund of IEEPA" tariffs. The Supreme Court did not address the issue of refunds in its 6-3 decision last month.
The White House didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on Eaton's ruling.
Trade experts estimate that the U.S. government could owe as much as $175 billion to businesses that paid IEEPA levies. U.S. Customs and Border Protection data shows that, through the end of 2025, the federal government had collected $134 billion in duties under IEEPA.
Trade lawyer Ryan Majerus, a partner at King & Spalding and a former U.S. trade official, said he expects the government to appeal or "seek a stay to buy more time for U.S. Customs to comply."
The U.S. Customs agency must now develop a way to process the refunds. The agency routinely refunds tariffs in cases of error, but its system was "not designed for a mass refund," said trade lawyer Alexis Early, a partner at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner. "The devil will be in the details of the administrative process."
Lawsuits seeking refunds
A coalition of small businesses that has demanded tariff refunds cheered Eaton's ruling.
"This is a victory for small businesses who have paid billions in unlawful tariffs and deserve their money back," Dan Anthony, executive director of We Pay the Tariffs, said in a statement. "The court acted swiftly and correctly. Now the ball is in the government's court, and small businesses are concerned they will drag this out further."
Several major corporations, including Bausch & Lomb, Dyson, FedEx and L'Oreal, have sued the federal government for refunds of the IEEPA tariffs. FedEx has also pledged to refund consumers and shippers who paid the charges if the delivery company is ultimately made whole.
PRIVATE BONE SPUR COURAGEOUSLY BATTLES THE MUSLIMS...FROM A DISTANCE
My Original Sketch. Trump is a bully. Bullies operate from insecurities and fear. They lie about their intent and use macho rodomontade to satiate fragile egos. When they control weapons of destruction, people die.
TRUMP'S WAR ON IRAN: MYTH VERSUS FACT
La CebollaThe White House has defended strikes on Iran, stating that the country’s leaders are “paying for their crimes against America.” La Cebolla examines the myths and facts surrounding President who Trump’s war.
MYTH: As commander-in-chief, Trump has the authority to take military action.
FACT: It is unconstitutional for a U.S. president to declare war without the approval of the Knesset.
MYTH: These strikes could lead to a long war.
FACT: It depends how many decades you consider “long.”
MYTH: God anointed Donald Trump to wage war on Iran.
FACT: God anointed Donald Trump to cut funding to Sesame Street.
MYTH: A war between the U.S. and Iran is necessary for Jesus Christ to return in glory.
FACT: Jesus is holding out until Paraguay and Kyrgyzstan finally go at it.
MYTH: These attacks will lead to retaliatory strikes on U.S. citizens.
FACT: Wait, shit, really?
MYTH: These strikes will diminish America’s standing on the world stage.
FACT: Hey, if they were still with us up until now, God bless.
FACT: Hey, if they were still with us up until now, God bless.
Thursday, March 5, 2026
A JUDGE FOR ALL LIKE BEN EURESTI WILL BE HARD TO REPLACE
Special to El Rrun-Rrun
With 107th District Judge Ben Euresti retiring, his elected successor will have the onerous task to duplicate his many years of service in Cameron County. His excellent standing among the people is attested by the fact that he was repeatedly reelected without opposition to his court.
Several years ago when lawyers for a Fortune 500 company were dissatisfied with Judge Euresti's ruling on admissibility of documentary evidence, they expressed their dissatisfaction to the judge. They stated they would appeal his ruling to the appeals court in Corpus Christi.
Judge Euresti told them to go ahead, but his ruling would not be changed. Months later the appeals court sustained his ruling against the company. With their many resources and multiple lawyers the Fortune 500 company appealed their unfavorable ruling to the highest court in Texas – the Texas Supreme Court. Over one year later, the Supreme Court denied their appeal, thus sustaining Judge Euresti's original ruling.
During that same time period, a defendant with multiple criminal convictions for the same offense appealed to Judge Euresti to reduce his current prison sentence. An obviously angry judge told the defendant that his original sentence was fair, just, and merciful. He told him not to return to his court again, and if he did return, he would double his sentence.
Whether one be a plaintiff or a defendant, Judge Euresti's rulings were scholarly, fair and consistent over many years. HIs well-deserved retirement will hopefully be filled with many good years of health and success.
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