LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - On the eve of Election Day, the Webb County Elections Administration Office is gearing up for the final moments.

As of now, over 46 thousand people have already voted early, and the elections office is expecting 18 thousand more.

Early morning ballots will begin to be counted on Tuesday, November 5, at 9 a.m.; however, they will not release these numbers until the polls close at 7 p.m.

The office is stressing that the Billy Hall Administration Building will not be serving as a polling site on Election Day.

There are a total of 41 polling places through which people can vote, and people should be prepared for some wait times.

According to Webb Co. Elections Administrator, Jose Luis Castillo, “Be sure before you submit the ballot to ask our elections workers. There’s a judge at every polling site who can assist them in clarifying issues. As of now, we haven’t had any issues.”

Make a plan to make sure your voice is heard, and for more information on where you can vote, click here.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Two men are facing prison time for their roles in a human smuggling operation, authorities said.

In August of last year, officials found a social media post promoting the movement of undocumented migrants in tractor-trailers. The investigation showed that 26-year-old Luis Daniel Segura, a Mexican citizen living in Laredo, arranged to transport three people for $8,000. Authorities say 27-year-old Bernardo Aniceto Garza picked up the migrants in Laredo.

In September 2023, police located Segura in Laredo and discovered phone records linking him to the smuggling of at least 133 people. The phone included details on smuggling routes, pictures of migrants, and receipts for payments related to the smuggling services.

Both men are now facing prison sentences for their actions.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A woman from Mexico has been sentenced to nearly 18 years in prison for her part in a meth smuggling operation.

Ana Maria Pena Gutierrez, 55, hired a driver to bring drugs from Mexico into the United States several times between January and February 2021.

Pena Gutierrez will spend 17 years and five months behind bars, followed by five years of supervised release.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A hint of desert air arriving aloft should allow temperatures to reach the Mid 90’s Monday afternoon. A front from the Rockies will arrive around midnight Monday night with showers, then drier air will clear our skies and bring cooler temperatures during Tuesday 

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - With many races and propositions on the ballot, officials remind voters to arrive early at polling places so they don’t feel rushed.

At a polling site in south Laredo, many voters shared their thoughts on the importance of participating in civic duties. “The vote makes a difference a lot here in Laredo. Every vote counts,” said Bertha Ramirez, a local voter. “Regardless of who you want to vote for, come and make the difference. As Laredo citizens, we need to be heard, and voting is our way to do that.”

Friday, November 1, is the last day of early voting, and polls will close at 8 p.m. There are ten early voting sites across the county. For a list of polling places, click here.

After November 1, the last chance to vote is on Election Day, next Tuesday, November 5. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - The Laredo Police Department has an update on the city’s fifth homicide of 2024.

On Thursday, October 31, Luis Alhnaim Martinez, 19, was arrested in San Antonio, Texas, with help from US Marshals in San Antonio, Laredo, and the LPD US Marshals Task Force. He was the last person wanted for the murder of Marco Antonio Viera.

The case began after Viera, 21, was found dead in a black Toyota at Lomas Del Sur and South Ejido on October 19, after reports of gunshots. Police believe he was targeted in the shooting.

On October 28, police carried out four arrest warrants related to the case. Those arrested included a 16-year-old at Webb County Youth Village and three others: 17-year-old Angel Humberto Amaro, 20-year-old Ruben Cavazos, and 20-year-old Humberto Campos.

All five are charged with murder in connection with Viera’s death.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Troopers are now identifying a suspect in connection to a chase that took place last night.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), 25-year-old Jaime Gonzalez is the driver who was arrested on Wednesday, October 30.

DPS officials shared that the chase began in the Mines Rd. area and ended on San Bernardo after two DPS units blocked the car.

11 migrants were found in the car including two children, Gonzalez is now facing several charges in connection to this incident.