LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - For the second year in a row, hundreds of books will make their way to Laredo schools thanks to a group of retired CBP officers.

The Laredo Area Retired School Employee Association will help in distributing the books to children across both school districts.

Organizers aim for the donation to ignite students’ imagination and nurture a love for reading driven by the goal of placing as many books as possible into their hands.

Retired CBP officer, Ruben Tenorio, mentioned the amount of books they had in stock for this event.

“We had a goal of 200 books and we surpassed it. It’s over 400 books that are that are going to be donated to Sacred Heart, LISD, UISD, and needy community children to improve their reading skills,” said Tenorio.

The group mentioned that they are currently planning for other donation drives throughout the year.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Truck drivers are still facing significant delays after the roof of the Mexican customs facility at the World Trade Bridge collapsed during this past weekend’s storm. However, Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor Treviño reports that the city has a plan in place if the situation worsens.

Four days after the roof collapse, Mayor Treviño stated that the bridge is expected to operate at 80-90% capacity on Wednesday. However, traffic came to a standstill on Tuesday night, leaving many wondering if the same will happen again.

As of 11 a.m. on Wednesday, the area around the bridge was nearly empty, but the past few days have seen long lines of 18-wheelers headed into Mexico. The delays are due to the roof collapse on the Mexican side of the bridge after severe weather on Saturday. Laredo police have been working to redirect traffic to ease the congestion.

Mayor Treviño praised the efforts of the police but emphasized that the city is prepared to issue a declaration of emergency if needed. The mayor says, “That would give local police the authority to stop 18-wheelers and allow our emergency management team to act more effectively, much like during the pandemic, giving us more control at the local level.”

Mexican officials estimate that the roof repairs will take about a week. However, after the mayor offered assistance, the timeline for restoration could be expedited.

On Tuesday, traffic was at a standstill for nearly six hours, though no accidents were reported.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Laredo police are examining the validity of a man’s kidnapping claims following a preliminary investigation at the house where he was allegedly held.

Authorities are actively searching for Emilio Fernandez, the fourth suspect in an alleged kidnapping case dating back to last Friday, September 13. The victim reported escaping from a house on Hendricks Avenue, where he claimed he was held, burned, and beaten for two days.

Three individuals have already been arrested in connection with the case based on evidence found at the house.

Investigator Joe Baeza reported that evidence at the house, including cords and torture instruments, supports the victim’s claims. “This is a very unique case, but we are missing one person, Emilio Fernandez, who is considered to be a danger,” Baeza said.

Call for Information:

• Contact: If you have any information, please contact the Laredo Police Department at 956-795-2800 or Crime Stoppers at 727-TIPS.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Authorities need your help locating a man believed to be tied to a vehicle theft.

The incident was reported on Tuesday, September 3, at the 11000 block of Mines Rd.

The man was caught wearing a white shirt and a black cap on surveillance video.

If you have any information on the man’s identity or whereabouts, you are asked to call 727-TIPS (8477).

You may be eligible for a cash reward.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A group of undocumented immigrants were found after an alleged human smuggling attempt was foiled.

The attempt happened at about 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 25, when Border Patrol agents came across a tractor-trailer at the corner of Juarez and Garcia St. that they’d been told may have possibly been loading up with people.

It was there that they found seven undocumented immigrants from Honduras and Mexico hiding not in the trailer, but in the truck.

Sgt. Erick Estrada, with the Texas Department of Public Safety, went into detail about what had been found inside the truck.

“In the sleeper birth, which is the sleeping portion of the truck, we were able to find approximately seven immigrants that were inside. They were in good health and didn’t need any medical attention, but these are some of the cases that we’re seeing nowadays here. Not only in Laredo but in other border towns,” said Estrada.

The driver, 50-year-old Jose Antonio Quintanilla, was arrested and charged with human smuggling.