Monday - May 6, 2024
Federal Tipoffs Involving Texas Newsletter for Sunday January 07, 2024 ( 42 items )  

433rd Airlift Wing Attends Valero Alamo Bowl Luncheon
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 3 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: During the kickoff luncheon for the Valero Alamo Bowl, community and bowl leaders invited the 433rd Airlift Wing to participate by including the reenlistment ceremony of Tech. Sgt. Sean Harbin, 433rd Logistic Readiness Squadron logistics planner, on Dec. 27, 2023, at the Marriott Hotel in downtown San Antonio. Col. James Miller, 433rd Operations Group  more

433rd Airlift Wing Attends Valero Alamo Bowl Luncheon
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 4 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: During the kickoff luncheon for the Valero Alamo Bowl, community and bowl leaders invited the 433rd Airlift Wing to participate by including the reenlistment ceremony of Tech. Sgt. Sean Harbin, 433rd Logistic Readiness Squadron logistics planner, on Dec. 27, 2023, at the Marriott Hotel in downtown San Antonio. Col. James Miller, 433rd Operations Group commander, of  more

AFIMSC Strong Bonds program enhancements promote wellbeing of the force, families
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 3 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news on Jan. 2, 2024: Strong Bonds, a chaplain-led program supported by the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center's Chaplain Corps Division, enhances the quality of life for service members and their families.  A simple web link and a revamped support system for a popular resiliency program are making it easier for installation chaplains to pro  more

Army stands up Special Trial Counsel with independent authority for 13 UCMJ offenses
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 3 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: WASHINGTON - The Congressionally mandated Office of Special Trial Counsel officially stood up on Dec. 28, 2023, with independent prosecution and referral authority for 13 UCMJ offenses known as "covered offenses." "Today marks a historic day for the Army as the Office of Special Trial Counsel begins exercising its independent decision-making and prose  more

Around the Air Force: Slife becomes Vice Chief, X-37B launch, F-15EX testing
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 5 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Maryland - This week's look around the Air Force highlights Gen. James Slife becoming the 41st Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Space Force and Space X launch the 7th mission of the X-37B, and two F-15EX Eagles arrive at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, for testing. (Hosted by Staff Sgt. Stephani Barge) ***  more

BLS - Southwest Region Issues Report Entitled 'Dallas-Fort Worth Area Employment - November 2023'
DALLAS, Texas, Jan. 5 (TNSrep) -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics - Southwest Regional Information Office issued the following report on Jan. 4, 2024, entitled "Dallas-Fort Worth Area Employment - November 2023": * * * Total nonfarm employment for the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX, metropolitan area increased by 139,700 over the year in November, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Assistant Commissioner for Regional Operations Michael Hirniak noted   more

CBP Officers Seize 172 Pounds of Cocaine at the Ysleta Port of Entry Cargo Facility
EL PASO, Texas, Jan. 6 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release: U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Ysleta Port of Entry Cargo Facility intercepted 172.6 pounds of cocaine with an estimated street value of more than $5.5 million Wednesday. "This significant seizure is an example of the vigilance and commitment by our CBP officers to the narcotic interdiction mission," said CBP Ysleta Port Director Arno  more

Celebrate MLK Day with Acts of Service: A Day On, Not a Day Off
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 5 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah - We are about to celebrate MLK Day, a day in which we remember the values for which Dr. King lived, and for which he died. But it's important that we do more than just remember, or even celebrate Dr. King's legacy. We must make MLK Day one in which we deliver on Dr. King's dreams of transformative love,   more

Customs & Border Protection: Migrants Die After Attempting to Cross the Rio Grande Near Eagle Pass, Texas
WASHINGTON, Jan. 5 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release on Jan. 4, 2024: * * * Border Patrol agents attempt to rescue * * * On Wednesday, October 10, 2023, at approximately 11:20 a.m., Texas National Guard personnel observed a large group of suspected migrants crossing the Rio Grande near Eagle Pass, Texas. A soldier with the Texas National Guard advised U.S. Border Patrol agents via service radio that several migrants   more

Customs and Border Protection: Another "Se Busca Informacion" Criminal Target Arrested
EL PASO, Texas, Jan. 3 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release: U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector has confirmed the arrest of another "Se Busca Informacion" target this weekend as result of information provided to the "Se Busca Informacion" tip-line. On Dec. 31, the Fiscalia General del Estado de Chihuahua (FGE) - Chihuahua's State Attorney General's Office confirmed the capture of "EP1," a 39-year-old Mexican national with   more

DAF sets documentation requirements for pet travel expense reimbursement
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 4 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: ARLINGTON, Virginia - The Department of the Air Force has established documentation requirements for Airmen and Guardians planning to request reimbursement for pet travel expenses due to permanent change of station moves. The Defense Travel Management Office announced a new policy to cover pet travel expenses, including pet transpo  more

DEA-Houston: Former Federal Officer Receives More Charges for Alien Smuggling
LAREDO, Texas, Dec. 29 -- The U.S. Justice Department Drug Enforcement Administration Houston Division issued the following news release: A 36-year-old Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer previously charged with bribery and drug trafficking has now also been indicted for illegally smuggling four undocumented aliens into the United States, announced Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux of the Houston Division and U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani  more

Deadline Approaching in Texas for SBA Working Capital Loans Due to Drought
SACRAMENTO, California, Jan. 6 -- The Small Business Administration issued the following news release: Associate Administrator Francisco Sanchez of the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Recovery & Resilience today reminded small nonfarm businesses in five Texas counties and a neighboring county in New Mexico of the Feb. 5, 2024 deadline to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for economic injury. These low-interest loans are to offset economic losses because of reduced r  more

Department of the Air Force Looking for Airmen, Guardians for Grueling Army Ranger School
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 5 -- The U.S. Air Force issued the following news: By Debbie Aragon, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center Public Affairs It's been called "a laboratory of human endurance," testing the physical, mental and spiritual grit of the officer and enlisted leaders who undertake it. It's the Army Ranger School and the Department of the Air Force is looking for Airmen and Guardians who are ready for the challenge. Through the Air Force Security   more

DOD releases training, resources to help combat trafficking in persons
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 3 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: WASHINGTON - In late December, President Joe Biden proclaimed January as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and urged every American to learn how to identify signs of trafficking. The Defense Department continues its efforts to prevent and eradicate this horrific crime. Human trafficking deprives millions of people worldwi  more

FERC Commissioner Christie Issues Statement on BlackRock
WASHINGTON, Jan. 6 -- The U.S. Department of Energy's Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued the following statement on Jan. 5, 2024, by Commissioner Mark C. Christie on an order (Docket No. EC16-77-003) involving BlackRock Inc.: * * * I concur with this rejection of the December 6, 2023 motion filed by the Attorneys General for the states of Utah, Indiana, Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, T  more

Gen. Jim Slife promoted to general, assumes AF's second highest military position
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 3 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news on Jan. 1, 2024: JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING, D.C. - Air Force Gen. Jim Slife formally received his fourth star during a ceremony celebrating his promotion and new position as the Air Force Vice Chief of Staff on Dec. 29, 2023, at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, D.C. In an event attended by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown Jr., Depart  more

HSI Laredo, multiagency investigation results in Texas woman's guilty plea for impersonating a nurse
WASHINGTON, Jan. 3 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued the following news release: LAREDO, Texas -- A Texas woman pleaded guilty to making false statements related to health care matters following an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the FBI, the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Inspector General, the Department of Labor's Office of Inspector General, and the Texas Attorney General's Medicaid  more

IBWC Project Leads to Temporary Suspension of CBP Operations at the Amistad Dam International Crossing
DEL RIO, Texas, Jan. 2 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release on Jan. 1, 2024: U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations will temporarily suspend operations at the Amistad Dam international crossing Jan. 2, 2024, to facilitate dam maintenance being performed by the International Boundary and Water Commission. Travelers who typically utilize the Amistad Dam crossing are encouraged to utilize the nearby De  more

January is OPSEC Awareness Month
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 5 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: January is National Operations Security (OPSEC) Awareness Month, during which we focus on the protection of sensitive, unclassified information.  Protecting critical and sensitive information is essential to protecting the success of our missions, and to protecting the lives of U.S. service members, DOD employees, contractors, and family members. OPS  more

JBSA-Fort Sam Houston street renamed after Civil War surgeon-Soldier
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 3 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - "William Hardee Road" at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston is being renamed as "Letterman Road" under the provisions of Department of the Air Force Instruction 36-2880, Memorialization Program, in memory of U.S. Army Maj. (Dr.) Jonathan Letterman, known as the "Father of Battlef  more

Justice Department Files Lawsuit Against the State of Texas Regarding Unconstitutional SB 4 Immigration Law
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release on Jan. 3, 2024: The Justice Department today filed suit against the State of Texas to challenge Senate Bill 4 (SB 4) under the U.S. Constitution's Supremacy Clause and Foreign Commerce Clause. The Constitution assigns the federal government the authority to regulate immigration and manage our international borders. Pursuant to this authority, Congress has established a comprehensive framework governing the e  more

Justice Dept.: Lead Defendant and 10 Others Plead Guilty in Prolific Human Smuggling and Money Laundering Case
WASHINGTON, Jan. 5 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release on Jan. 4, 2024: A Texas woman pleaded guilty today for her role in a scheme to illegally transport hundreds of foreign nationals within the United States and conspiracy to launder proceeds of illicit human smuggling. According to court documents, Erminia Serrano Piedra, aka Irma and Boss Lady, 32, led a human smuggling organization that facilitated the unlawful transportation and movement of hundreds of mig  more

Laredo CBP Officers Apprehend Fugitive Sought for Intoxication Manslaughter
LAREDO, Texas, Jan. 5 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release: U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Laredo Port of Entry detained one male wanted on a felony warrant for intoxication manslaughter. "The apprehension of wanted individuals at the border involves CBP's critical assistance to our law enforcement partners, to detain those with outstanding warrants," said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of   more

Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents Interdicted a Human Smuggling Attempt
LAREDO, Texas, Jan. 5 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release: Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents working their assigned duties interdicted a human smuggling attempt yielding the apprehension of five migrants. On Jan. 3, Border Patrol agents while working their assigned duties observed a raft in the Rio Grande. Agents responded and observed a black vehicle leaving the area. With the assistance of Texas DPS, the vehicle was i  more

Mission Ready Airmen Case Studies: Innovative Flurry
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 5 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas - Air Education and Training Command is reviewing moments of aviation history to reflect the importance of Agile Combat Employment, in addition to the warrior mindset and mission readiness its Airmen must sustain while preparing for the future fight. After the conclusion of World War I, aviat  more

New year, new financial front: Army bolsters financial readiness for Soldiers and families
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 3 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: WASHINGTON - The U.S. Army is reinforcing its commitment to the financial well-being of its Soldiers and their families through enhanced resources and educational programs. In a move to strengthen financial stability among its ranks, the Army is amplifying its financial readiness resources. This initiative aims to provide Soldiers and their families w  more

Operation leader and 10 others plead guilty in prolific human smuggling and money laundering case following HSI, multiagency investigation
WASHINGTON, Jan. 5 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued the following news release: LAREDO, Texas -- A Texas woman pleaded guilty for her role in a scheme to illegally transport hundreds of foreign nationals within the United States and conspiracy to launder proceeds of illicit human smuggling following an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and federal and state law enforcement partners. According to court docum  more

Pa. U.S. Attorney: Houston, Texas, Resident Pleads Guilty to Violating Federal Money Laundering Laws
PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, Jan. 4 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania issued the following news release: A resident of Houston, Texas, pleaded guilty in federal court to violating federal money laundering laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. Oluseyi Jeremiah Olagoke Adebayo, 48, of Houston, Texas, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering from June 2022 through October 2022 before United States District J  more

PHOTOS | 149th Fighter Wing hosts Egyptian state partnership visit
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 5 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas - Members of Egypt's military made a trip to the 149th Fighter Wing, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland on Dec. 15, 2023, as part of the state partnership program that has been established between the Texas Guard and Egypt. During their visit, they received information on flight operations and de  more

PHOTOS | F-16 pilots graduate at 149th Fighter Wing
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 4 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: The 149th Fighter Wing hosted a graduation ceremony for the newest group of Air Force F-16 fighter pilots at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, on Dec. 15, 2023. The 149th Fighter Wing's mission is to produce the finest airmen for global engagements and domestic operations. 149th FW Operations Group is responsible for the unit's F-16 student pilo  more

PHOTOS | Former NFL linebacker, Super Bowl champion visits JBSA-Randolph
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 4 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas - Demarcus Ware, former National Football League linebacker and Super Bowl champion, visited the JBSA-Randolph Exchange Home and Garden Center on Dec. 28, allowing service members and their families to meet the former Dallas Cowboy. Ware played in the NFL from 2005 to 2016, playing nine seaso  more

President Biden Issues Statement on Death of Ex-Rep. Johnson
WASHINGTON, Jan. 2 -- President Biden issued the following statement on Dec. 31, 2023, on the death of ex-Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson: * * * Eddie Bernice Johnson was a dedicated nurse, state legislator, and longtime U.S. congresswoman with immense courage and a commitment to the promise of America. She had unwavering dedication to the people of North Texas. She and I worked together throughout her 30 years in Congress, and I've always been grateful for her friendship and partnership. Eddie B  more

Ready to quit tobacco? TRICARE has you covered
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Jan. 4 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: FALLS CHURCH, Virginia - Although quitting tobacco can be difficult, saying goodbye to cigarettes and chewing tobacco has many health benefits. If you've decided to kick the habit, TRICARE covers products and services to help you become tobacco-free. "Quitting tobacco lowers your risk for serious diseases, including lung, mouth and  more

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available to Texas Small Businesses
SACRAMENTO, California, Jan. 5 -- The Small Business Administration issued the following news release on Jan. 4, 2024: Small nonfarm businesses in the following counties are now eligible to apply for low interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. These loans offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by adverse weather conditions that occurred in the following primary counties in Texas, announced Associate Administrator Francisco Sanchez of the U  more

South Texas Dealer Admits to Selling Fentanyl to Teenager Resulting in Death
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Jan. 4 -- The U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration's New England Division issued the following news release: LAREDO, Texas - A 22-year old resident of Laredo has admitted to providing fentanyl to a 15-year-old, announced Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux of the Houston Division and U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Jose Antonio Carlos III aka Jose Carlos entered a guilty plea to distributing fentanyl re  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Operation Leader and 10 Others Plead Guilty in Prolific Human Smuggling and Money Laundering Case
LAREDO, Texas, Jan. 4 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: A Texas woman has pleaded guilty for her role in a scheme to illegally transport hundreds of foreign nationals within the United States and conspiracy to launder proceeds of illicit human smuggling, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. According to court documents, Erminia Serrano Piedra aka Irma and Boss Lady, 32, conspired with at least 14 other members of a h  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: South Texas Dealer Admits to Selling Fentanyl to Teenager Resulting in Death
LAREDO, Texas, Jan. 4 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: A 22-year old resident of Laredo has admitted to providing fentanyl to a 15-year-old, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Jose Antonio Carlos III aka Jose Carlos entered a guilty plea to distributing fentanyl resulting in death. On May 17, 2023, authorities responded to an overdose call at a home in Laredo. Once on scene, they found the victim laying in his be  more

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Awards $617M Contract for VA Health Care Center in El Paso
FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 5 -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Fort Worth District issued the following news release: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Fort Worth District, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, awarded a $617.5 million contract to Clark Construction Group, LLC, to construct a state-of-the-art Health Care Center in El Paso, Texas. The almost 493,000 square foot, energy-efficient, health care facility will provide enhanced outpatient services to veterans su  more

U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia: Texas Man Found Guilty of Felony and Misdemeanor Charges for Actions During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach
WASHINGTON, Jan. 3 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia issued the following news release on Jan. 2, 2024: A Texas man was convicted of several felony and misdemeanor charges in the District of Columbia today related to his actions during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol breach. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election. Alex Kirk Harkride  more

U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia: Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Law Enforcement and Other Charges During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach
WASHINGTON, Jan. 3 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia issued the following news release: A Texas man pleaded guilty today to multiple felonies and misdemeanors in an eight-count superseding indictment related to his actions during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election. David Rene  more

Work It! Military Shoppers Can Find Latest Fitness Gear, Apparel at the Exchange
DALLAS, Texas, Jan. 5 -- The Army and Air Force Exchange Service issued the following news release: Military shoppers can achieve their fitness goals for 2024 with the help of the Army & Air Force Exchange Service. More than 75 PXs and BXs worldwide feature BE FIT 360 concept shops that have the look and feel of major sporting goods stores, making it easy for shoppers to find everything they need to accomplish their fitness resolutions--tax-free and at military-exclusive prices--with an even w  more