LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - On Thursday, December 21st, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents at the World Trade Bridge intercepted a major drug shipment valued at $10 million.

The operation unfolded when a CBP officer, during routine checks, referred a refrigerated tractor-trailer for a secondary inspection. The vehicle’s driver claimed it was transporting a commercial shipment of cut flowers.

Upon closer look, officers found 164 pounds of alleged powdered meth, 854 pounds of crystal meth, and 165 pounds of alleged cocaine. Homeland Security agents now hold the case, investigating the origin and destination of these illegal substances.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A rumor that the CBP One app will be shut down at the end of the month is being dismissed by officials with the Department of Homeland Security.

CBP One is used by asylum seekers to make appointments with immigration officials.

While waiting for the appointment date to come, asylum seekers should remain in their home country.

A communications official with DHS is clarifying the app will still be available for use for migrants across South America.

There are no plans to suspend the application in the future.

DHS officials ask everyone to be patient and to not believe rumors spread via social media.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - For parents looking for a family-friendly option, you still have time to take your kids to enjoy some ice skating at the Sames Auto Arena.

The arena has re-opened their ice skating rink for the period after the Christmas holiday.

The price to ice skate is $10 if you do not have your ice skates, and $7 if you bring your own.

Each ice skating session lasts 45 minutes.

Jorge Quijano, from the Sames Auto Arena, says parents do need to keep a few rules in mind.

“We do ask everyone to be courteous,” he said. “We also have trainers [in case] they do not know how to ice skate. It’s a little cold in here, so bring out your jacket.”

This week, up to Friday, the first sessions start at 3 in the afternoon.

For the weekend starting on Saturday, the first sessions start at noon, and on Sunday, January 7th, the last day for skating, sessions begin at 1 p.m.

People under the age of 17 who wish to ice skate must be accompanied by an adult, and any waivers must be signed by a legal parent or guardian.

The ice skating rink will melt down on January 7th.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - The Laredo Chamber of Commerce is reacting to recent developments regarding trade and the border.

In a statement released last week, the chamber said they strongly oppose the recent closures of multiple points of entry.

They group says at the heart of their concerns is the critical necessity of maintaining a seamless flow of goods across the border.

That flow is vital to sustain local, state, and national economies, according to the chamber of commerce.

Because of staffing shortages stemming from illegal immigration, and CBP redeploying customs agents to handle the additional processing, the chamber of commerce says that has led to economic losses amounting to tens of millions of dollars.

As solutions, the chamber says they are advocating for increased federal resources and for the Mexican government to intensify border monitoring efforts to discourage illegal migration.

LAREDO, TX. (KGNS) - A member of the Laredo Fire Department is charged with DWI after he was involved in a two-vehicle crash on Loop 20 Christmas Eve.

On Sunday, Dec. 24, Laredo Police responded to a crash at the 1000 block of Bob Bullock Loop before 2 p.m.

Officers met with the driver of a Dodge Challenger identified as Mario L. Vargas III, 27, who police say was showing signs of intoxication.

According to reports, Vargas failed to control his speed resulting in a collusion with another from behind.

Officers conducted the accident report, and Vargas was subsequently arrested for DWI.

It was later revealed that Vargas is employed as a City of Laredo Firefighter.

ENCINAL, Tex. (KGNS) - A routine traffic stop by Encinal police took an unexpected turn when several individuals were found concealed in the bed of a pickup truck. The driver, identified only as a man named “Jimenez,” was initially pulled over for a vehicle violation.

Upon questioning Jimenez, police grew suspicious and decided to conduct a thorough investigation. Their efforts revealed that Jimenez had attempted to hide four undocumented individuals beneath a sheet of wood in the bed of the truck.

Without further incident, Jimenez was taken into custody and transported to La Salle County Jail on four counts of human smuggling. The undocumented individuals discovered in the truck were turned over to U.S. Border Patrol Cotulla Station agents.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Christmas, a universally celebrated day, is marked by several traditions worldwide. While the festivities often include carols, tree decorating, and gift-giving, different cultures and religions approach the day uniquely. In Laredo, residents shared their Christmas celebrations and what the holiday means to them.

Christmas, for many, is a season rich with traditions. Some find joy in homemade food, binge-watching Christmas movies, and opening presents from Santa. Others, like Ana Nuñez, her brother Ezequiel, and their grandmother, observe the holiday by attending a place of worship.

“For me, Christmas is about family, more importantly family, but also about Jesus, when Jesus is born,” says Ana Nuñez. Going to church on Christmas is an annual tradition for their family, emphasizing that the holiday is not just about gifts but also about the spiritual significance of Jesus’ birth.

Both siblings stress the importance of families spending the holidays together, especially during challenging times. Ana Nuñez notes the blessing of living in a community that should come together despite the prevalent violence and crime.

Ezequiel Nuñez adds, “You need to be ready for what’s coming, you know, peace and just to be happy because you need something, again this time, you never know what could happen, so it’s good to have something to fall back on.”

Armando Fuentes, Jr., soon to be a deacon, observes a return to faith in the community, stating, “People are coming back to our heavenly father. They know that the truth lies in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Despite diverse Christmas plans, Ana, Ezequiel, and Armando share a common sentiment: a wish for peace and joy in the days to come, with an emphasis on families continuing to celebrate together.

As a historical note, Alabama was the first state to declare Christmas a legal holiday in 1836, while Oklahoma followed suit in 1890