BROWNSVILLE, TX . (KGNS) - President Joe Biden and his likely Republican challenger Donald Trump are heading to the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas on Thursday.

KGNS News Assistant News Director Alex Cano is in Brownsville waiting for the president’s arrival.

As part of the president’s visit, a Laredo elected official will be in the same room as President Biden to discuss border security.

One of the topics on the table will be relating to the fentanyl crisis, a problem that has killed many in Laredo and surrounding communities.

This is Biden’s second time visiting the Texas border.

While the president has yet to visit Laredo, Mayor Dr. Victor Trevino is expected to meet with Biden to address what he calls the “Laredo Formula” to the 46th president.

In a statement sent to KGNS, Mayor Dr. Victori Trevino said they have always had constructive dialogue with the White House.

He said the invitation by the White House for this event was well received.

Recently, Laredo was named one of the safest cities in the country without a border wall and said this was due to the binational collaboration between the U.S. and Mexico.

However, one of the topics on the agenda is to encourage support for a bipartisan border security agreement.

If passed, it would include funding for technology to detect fentanyl at the border...

In 2023, 66 overdose deaths were reported in Laredo with fentanyl contributing to the death toll.

So far this year, seven deaths have been reported.

On Wednesday, KGNS News spoke with both Webb County Party Chairs about the upcoming visit, Sylvia Bruni said that she is hoping for support from the Republican side to pass the bill while Luis de la Garza called the visit a photo op.

KGNS reached out to Congressman Cuellar on whether he would be part of the visit.

His office said that the congressman is in DC due to the house in session.

LAREDO, Tx. (KGNS) - Laredo Police are investigating the death of a baby.

Laredo Police and fire officials were spotted at the 1300 Main Avenue at around 10:50 a.m. Thursday, February 29.

A vehicle from the Webb County Medical Examiner’s Office was at the scene as well.

No word on the cause of death or what exactly transpired, but authorities are investigating the scene.

The age of the child has not been released at this time.

This is a developing story and we’ll have more information as soon as it becomes available.

LAREDO, Tx. (KGNS) - At least one person is injured following a two vehicle crash at a busy Laredo intersection.

The crash was reported at around 4:30 p.m. near Highway 359 under the Loop 20 overpass.

The crash involved two vehicles, a small car and a pick-up truck.

Paramedics were seen assisting the individuals involved in the crash.

The incident is creating traffic issues for those heading northbound.

LAREDO, TX. (KGNS) - Authorities need your help locating a person believed to be tied to a burglary.

The incident was reported on Feb. 13, 2024, at the 800 block of E Saunders.

Laredo Police posted a picture from security cameras of a man wearing a black Adidas hoodie and a hat.

If you have any information regarding the man’s identity or location, you are asked to call Laredo Crime Stoppers at (956) 727-TIPS. You may also submit a tip via the Crime Stoppers P3 App under “Subject ID”. They ask that you reference #24-0153 when submitting your tips.

(CNN) - President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are set to visit the U.S.-Mexico border on the same day Thursday.

According to the New York Times, Biden is planning to travel to Brownsville, Texas.

Trump is expected to give remarks in Eagle Pass, Texas.

The trip comes as Biden considers executive action to restrict asylum access for migrants at the U.S. southern border if they cross illegally.

The president has repeatedly criticized congressional Republicans for failing to pass a bipartisan spending package that included concessions on border policy.

Biden has previously visited the border once as president.

He went to El Paso, Texas, in January 2023.

LAREDO, Tx (KGNS) - The Rio Grande River, stretching over 1,800 miles from South Colorado to the Gulf of Mexico, serves as a vital water source but is also at the heart of a border security debate. With federal officials employing advanced technology and other methods to curb illegal crossings, special units such as the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) K-9 teams are playing a crucial role in enhancing the agency’s mission amid a border crisis.

These K-9 units, comprising specially trained dogs and their handlers, stand on the frontline, utilizing their keen sense of smell to detect any anomalies attempting to enter the U.S. side of the border, legally or illegally. The CBP K-9 program, a part of the Office of Field Operations, has been operational for over 50 years, with K-9s trained in various disciplines across the U.S.

In Texas alone, with over 300 ports of entry, including 29 in the state, five of which are located in Laredo, K-9 officers like Bjorn are deployed alongside their handlers at crucial checkpoints like the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge. These canine officers are trained not only to sniff out contraband in vehicles but also to identify human smuggling attempts.

Juan Jose Medina, CBP Office of Field Operations K-9 Supervisor, highlighted the evolving tactics of drug trafficking organizations, emphasizing the importance of K-9 units in detecting illicit substances like fentanyl. Additionally, Guillermo Pompa, Border Patrol K-9 Supervisor, underscored the effectiveness of K-9 assets in locating individuals concealed in trailers and vehicles at checkpoints.

With more than 1,500 canine teams, the CBP K-9 program stands as the largest and most diverse law enforcement canine program in the country. These teams undergo rigorous training and certification standards to ensure their effectiveness in securing the border. Moreover, the program extends support to local law enforcement agencies when required.

Below is the original story:

Customs and Border Protection’s K-9 program has been in existence for over 50 years.

The program has helped both CBP and Border Patrol in their respective efforts to secure the border.

The U.S. has over 300 ports of entry, 29 of which are in the State of Texas and five are here in the Gateway City.

Every day CBP officers, and Border Patrol agents intercept thousands of pounds of drugs and halt the smuggling of undocumented immigrants, but all these efforts would not be possible without a little bit of help.

The extra help stands on four legs, have a tail but it’s their nose that helps the most in detecting people or things that shouldn’t be crossing the border.

CBP’s K-9 units are trained in how to find concealed humans, controlled substances, illegal currency, and firearms, as well as prohibited agriculture.

Juan Jose Medina who is one of the two K-9 supervisors for CBP said that the agency has seen an increase in drug trafficking.

“Well one of the things that we have seen throughout these past few years is that drug trafficking organizations are now utilizing their smuggling and their synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, they are coming in smaller amounts but because they yield lucrative profits,” said Medina.

Medina adds that part of the k-9′s training is adapting to its handler, accomplishing daily training, among other things.

When it comes to the K-9 handlers, the CBP program requires trainings and certification standards but the agency does help the handlers with a number of things including legal issues.

Coming up on KGNS News the Late Edition, we learn more about Border Patrol’s K-9 and how it differs from CBP’s mission.

LAREDO, Tx. (KGNS) - A man sentenced to 40 years in prison for killing a man in 2021 is requesting a new trial.

Back in January, Colton Quade Branning was found guilty of murder in the death of Justin Heath Allen.

During the trial, the state claimed Allen was recruited by Branning for smuggling undocumented individuals into Laredo.

The trial lasted four days.

According to court records, Branning has filed a motion for a new trial.

A court hearing is set for Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 9 a.m. in the 111th District Court.