LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - With the tariff pause now in place, import and export businesses were scrambling to prepare for the big change.

Some even told us they were working extra fast towards the end of last week to export and import the last of their products before the tariff would have gone into effect.

U.S. Customs Broker, Arturo Dominguez, is breathing a sigh of relief after President Donald Trump paused the 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada that would have taken effect Monday, February 3, a move he says would have affected his business.

Mentioning, “It affects everybody because we are not going to obtain the shipments that we get and what we build.” Aside from potentially affecting shipping supplies, Dominguez believes these tariffs could have a potential domino effect on our local economy.

Adding, “You have your currency, but what’s going to happen to the Mexican peso? the dollar? then you have the markets. The markets are going to react to that as well.“

Meanwhile, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar believes that the president is using the tariffs as a tactic to get the countries to help combat illegal immigration and the flow of fentanyl.

Noting, “There will be more negotiations and I think this is good because look we gotta make sure we stop drugs and migrants from crossing into the United States. It’s also good for Mexico, and I encourage Mexico to work with us a lot more.”

As of today, the United States and Mexico have 30 days to agree to renegotiate the tariffs, in the meantime, Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, said she would send 10,000 troops to the border to prevent the trafficking of drugs such as fentanyl.

While talks between the U.S., Mexico, Canada and China are constantly evolving, Cuellar believes the pause will allow the countries to work together to come to an agreement.

“There will be negotiations during these 30 days, and I think this will be good for all three countries to sit down and talk. Keep in mind that the trade agreement ‚NAFTA 2.0, comes up for a revision next year. I think the president is going to try to move it up this year and I think that’s good,” Cuellar said.

As of this evening, the 10% tariff that Trump ordered on China is still set to go into effect, though Trump reportedly plans to talk with China’s president in the coming days.

AUSTIN, Tex. (KGNS) - Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has signed an agreement with the Trump administration to help with immigration enforcement, becoming the first Texas law enforcement official to do so.

Paxton is urging police and sheriff’s offices across the state to follow his lead. The agreement allows officers to help federal agents arrest and deport people in the country illegally.

The move comes after President Donald Trump signed an order on Jan. 20, 2025, directing the Department of Homeland Security to let local and state officers enforce immigration laws. Under the agreement, Texas officers can now assist with detaining and processing those in the country illegally.

“President Trump took bold action to make America safe again. I am proud to be the first to join him to restore our national sovereignty, secure our border, and ensure that criminal aliens face the justice they deserve,” Paxton said. “I call on all agencies and departments to join me in the fight. We will enforce the law and protect America.”

Texas law enforcement agencies had similar agreements during Trump’s first term, but none were added under President Joe Biden. The new order lets Texas restart its partnership with federal immigration officials.

It is unclear how many other agencies will sign similar agreements.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Laredo Port of Entry stopped a large shipment of methamphetamine worth over $8.1 million.

The seizure happened on Friday, Jan. 24, at the World Trade Bridge when a CBP officer sent a 2003 Volvo 760 truck, carrying industrial machinery, for a closer check. Using a dog and special tools to scan the truck, officers found nearly 890 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in the shipment.

The methamphetamine seized has a street value of $8,181,799. Homeland Security Investigations agents are now looking into the case.

AUSTIN, Tex. (KGNS) - Texas Governor Greg Abbott gave his 2025 State of the State Address on February 2, 2025, sharing his vision for the future of the state. He highlighted Texas’ strong economy and discussed his plans for the upcoming legislative session.

Abbott began by praising the state’s economic success, mentioning companies like Arnold Oil Company. He pointed out that Texas ranks first in the country for new jobs, business growth, and economic development.

“Texas is the blueprint for America’s future,” Abbott said, also talking about advances in technology and energy production. He mentioned projects like the Texas Space Commission and Texas’ growing role in producing semiconductors. Abbott also noted the creation of the Texas Stock Exchange, hoping it would make Texas a financial leader.

Abbott addressed challenges such as high property taxes and affordability. He proposed $10 billion in property tax relief and called for a ban on tax hikes without voter approval.

The Governor also spoke about the need for more affordable housing, better healthcare, and improving the state’s water system. He made water projects a priority for this session, saying the state must plan for the next 50 years.

On education, Abbott focused on three goals: giving parents more control, improving teacher pay, and making sure schools teach the basics. He also called for more money to keep schools safe and to stop “woke” agendas in classrooms, including banning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in K-12 schools.

Abbott also talked about safety, including changes to the state’s bail system, fighting human trafficking, and strengthening the state’s cyber defenses. He emphasized the success of Texas’ border security efforts, saying illegal crossings have decreased by 85%.

Abbott ended by saying, “Freedom will persist for as long as we protect it,” calling for laws that help keep Texas safe and strong.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - George and Martha Washington visited J.C. Martin Elementary School.

Minnie Dora Haynes Rodriguez and Rusell Lee Cerda were in full costume bringing a piece of history to the children. The students were able to ask questions about the Washingtons’ lives and their impact on our country.

They attended other schools, sharing their knowledge of United States history.

Roma, Tex. (KGNS) Customs and Border Protection (CPB) agents seized approximately 60 kg of liquid methamphetamine valued at $240,000 at the Roma International Bridge on the U.S.-Mexico border.

On Thursday, January 30th, at approximately 6:50 p.m., CBP officers processed a 35-year-old driver in a 2013 Buick pickup truck, which was driven by a man named Jose Ramon Andrade. who was seeking to enter the United States. The CBP officer requested a further search of the vehicle, which yielded irregularities detected with non-intrusive technology (NIII) and a K-9 unit, confirming that the gas tank was irregular and requested assistance over the radio. Agents found an unusual liquid substance that after testing positive for liquid methamphetamine. U.S. authorities seized the narcotics and the vehicle. Jose Ramon A. was arrested for attempting to smuggle the drug across the Roma International Bridge. Authorities reported the exact weight of the liquid methamphetamine was 62.3 kilograms in the gas tank of his vehicle.

They also announced that the subject who intended to transport the drug is originally from Roma, Texas, and on January 30, he arrived at the Roma-Miguel Alemán Bridge driving the white Buick truck.

Our frontline CBP officers employ their experience in inspections along with persistence and this has proven to be effective in detecting contraband and keeping it out of our communities, as demonstrated by this seizure,” said Andrés Guerra, director of the Roma Port of Entry.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the administration, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with protecting the borders of the United States. We improve the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration and trust.

ZAPATA COUNTY, Tex. (KGNS) - Deputies with the Zapata County Sheriff’s Office responded to a theft in progress at the Dollar General north of Zapata on January 27 at around 9:40 p.m. When deputies arrived, they detained a 30-year-old Hispanic man.

Authorities say the man was found with about $127 worth of items hidden in his jacket and pant legs. He was arrested for theft under $2,500 with two or more prior convictions.

During a search, deputies say they also found about 27 grams of a white, rocky substance believed to be crack cocaine in his jacket pocket. The ZCSO Narcotics Unit took over the drug investigation.

The man was booked into the Zapata County Regional Jail on charges of theft and drug possession.

ZAPATA COUNTY, Tex. (KGNS) - Deputies with the Zapata County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of suspicious activity on the 2200 block of Fresno St. on Wednesday, January 29.

During a search of the area, deputies found a white tissue paper with five small bags containing a white, rocky substance. The substance is believed to be methamphetamine, weighing about 5.6 grams.

The investigation is ongoing, and no other details have been shared at this time.