LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor Trevino is taking a stand on the contentious issue surrounding the floating barrier in Eagle Pass, Texas. Mayor Trevino addressed the matter on Tuesday, July 25, highlighting the unique challenges posed by the anchored buoys, including inaccurate international boundaries and the potential for brush build-up.

While recognizing the significance of national and border security, Mayor Trevino raised reservations about the suitability of buoys as an effective approach to address illegal crossings. Instead, he advocated for comprehensive immigration reform as a more viable solution to the complex issue.

Expressing concern about the possibility of deployment of buoys in Laredo, the mayor underscored their potential impact on the city’s trade partnership with Mexico. He emphasized, “We’re going into an era of international collaboration with Mexico. The global trade is shifting and we know that nearshoring is very important. Buoys might send the wrong message and we’re trying to partner with our friends. Doing a buoy situation is not the best way, in my opinion, to do this.”

Mayor Trevino also addressed recent allegations made by a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) trooper concerning the mistreatment of migrants at the southern border. He unequivocally condemned such actions, asserting that they run counter to the principles of humanitarian efforts.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Laredo’s overdose numbers continue to creep higher and higher as another death is confirmed.

The latest case, which marks the 43rd of the year, happened last Friday evening.

That’s when first responders were called to the 1000 block of Claveles Drive.

There, crews found a 29-year-old unresponsive man with drug paraphernalia.

The man was later pronounced dead on the scene.

As overdose numbers rise, police stress that help is out there.

Officer Jose Espinoza told us, “We’ve seen an increase in drug cases, especially in Laredo. The deaths have been rising. We’ve already surpassed last year’s numbers, so it’s a very alarming number and we’ve provided all these resources on Facebook. We’ve tried to reach out to the community and let them know that there’s help available.”

Just last week, the City of Laredo Health Department and the Drug Enforcement Agency held a town hall to raise awareness of drugs and drug addiction.

Here are some treatment options for those struggling with substance abuse.

Laredo Health Assisted Outpatient Treatment

(956)679-0722

LAREDO, TX. (KGNS) - The Laredo Police Department is clarifying the details behind a three-vehicle crash in south Laredo that claimed the lives of two children.

Laredo Police had gotten a call of a three-vehicle crash near the intersection of Cuatro Vientos and Aguanieve Drive just after 6:30 p.m.

According to reports, three of the victims involved in the accident are children.

Their ages, are nine, seven and six years old.

We’re told two of the children passed away and a third was flown to San Antonio in critical condition.

Four adults involved in the accident have been stabilized but are in serious condition.

Officials with the police department provided a breakdown of what’s known so far beyond those details.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) -Sufficient moisture and air fairly buoyant to rise allowed for a few scattered showers to develop with the west advancing sea breeze today. There are indications that the atmosphere will dry out a bit Tuesday, and sea breeze showers are less likely. Another scattered shower chance will occur Friday and Saturday late afternoons as a weak wave in the upper level winds moves in from the gulf. 

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Laredo’s newest Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent is sharing his concerns on the risks migrants take during the summer months.

Chief Patrol Agent Joel Martinez was named to lead the Laredo sector back in early June.

In the first couple of months on the job, Martinez says he’s getting used to the unique challenges the Laredo sector faces.

One of those challenges includes the heat.

He says tying that with illegal immigration has made for deadly results.

“Obviously it’s the heat, right? We’re experiencing record heat levels and I’ve always said crossing the border illegally shouldn’t be a death sentence. So, unfortunately when they take a chance, and get smuggled into these 18-wheelers, or even try to swim across some of this treacherous river, unfortunately that’s what it becomes sometimes. People lose their lives,” Martinez told us.

The Chief Patrol Agent went on to say that these kinds of factors makes migrants extremely vulnerable.