RIO GRANDE CITY Mayor Joel Villarreal didnt rappel into city hall Thursday, as he would have liked to, he joked referring to McAllen Mayor Jim Darlings stunt; but instead simply stepped up to the podium to deliver the annual state of the city address. There was a problem with this request. And, again, I must stress that because, sometimes, it is portrayed that we're not in favor of sensible border security. "Is it really that difficult to sit down and have a conversation?," he asked. NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with Rio Grande City Mayor Joel Villarreal about the influx of migrants crossing through his south Texas city. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information. Ve el perfil de Cristian Joel Villarreal Mamani en LinkedIn, la mayor red profesional del mundo. Entra ya y conoce los Resultados, Goles y Prximos Partidos de tu equipo de ftbol! So, yes, I have an issue when you have individuals that don't have consent. Secretary Perla Lara, City Secretary, McAllen. Drone footage from Abram-Perezville, Texas on March, 29, 2021. Joel Villarreal, mayor of Rio Grande City, Texas. about the uptick in COVID-19 cases for the city and the burden this has placed on Rio Grande Citys health care system. The permits resulted in about 300,000 square feet of improvements valued at $26.5 million, Villarreal said. ", VP KAMALA HARRIS INACTIVE ON BORDER CRISIS AS MIGRANTS SURGE CONTINUES, TITLE 42 END LOOMS, Villarreal said he is not confident the influx of illegal immigration will end because "neither party has delivered immigration reform in several decades. TML Board Director David Suarez, Mayor, Weslaco. IE 11 is not supported. SHAPIRO: What are you seeing around your city these days? This is the view of Rio Grande City Mayor Joel Villarreal. "Friends, something is happening in South Texas, and many of us are waking up to the fact that the values of those in Washington, D.C., are not our values, not the values of most Texans," Guillen said. He said this is another reason hes so grateful for the resources Rio Grande City has received, because it seems that so much is changing with the virus. We are investing millions of dollars in infrastructure to sustain our growing community. We've always had border security in this area. "As far as actual viable candidates or people who've been in . The initiative garnered national recognition. How mass migrant crossings are impacting the small border town of Rio Grande City | KOSU critical and high-level care patients from Starr County. Welcome to the program. GARCIA-NAVARRO: I'd like to talk about how this is impacting your area. We were sent two teams from the Navy with one doctor, one respiratory therapist and five nurses per team, Villarreal said, which has allowed patients to be treated in the city. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Ve el perfil de Milciades Joel Villarreal en LinkedIn, la mayor red profesional del mundo. With the growth comes the need to keep facilities up to date, therefore the city is investing $1.8 million in rehabilitating or replacing some of their water lift stations. GARCIA-NAVARRO: We wanted to follow up with the mayor to see how the debate in Washington is being felt in his city. Ve el perfil completo en LinkedIn y descubre los contactos y empleos de Cristian Joel en empresas similares. Rio Grande Mayor Joel Villareal accused Harris of prioritizing the event over immigration and border security. Villarreal, whose town sits directly on the Mexico border, shared his frustration over what he called decades of elected officials prioritizing their own political agendas over finding solutions. All rights reserved. She had previously traveled to El Paso, Texas a city along the border but not near the Rio Grande Valley, the epicenter of the crisis to assess the border situation. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Toda la actualidad y la ltima hora sobre el Betis. Transcript NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with Rio Grande City Mayor Joel Villarreal about the influx of migrants crossing through his south Texas city. Region 6. NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with Rio Grande City Mayor Joel Villarreal about the influx of migrants crossing through his south Texas city. Congratulations Mayor Joel Villarreal, Commissioner Rey Ramirez and Commissioner Dave "Chachi" Jones. Audie L. Murphy VA Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas also reached out to provide help to Rio Grande Citys overcrowded hospital. Rio Grande City Public Utilities will start on the expansion of the water treatment plant. Our very own public library has been recognized by the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association with the Texas Achievement in Library Excellence Award three years in a row. The City of Rio Grande City requires that every person shall wear a face covering over the nose and mouth when inside a commercial entity or other building or space open to the public, According to, What They're Watching: Fred Cerise, MD, Parkland Health and Hospital System, Arizona Senate Health and Human Services Committee discusses bill related to Native abductions, Arizona Senate Health and Human Services Committee passes 15 bills, Colorado House behavioral health committee advances bill that aims to improve care for individuals with serious mental illness, Colorado Behavioral Health Administration releases its 2023 Strategic Plan, 2023 Texas State of Reform Health Policy Conference, 2023 Utah State of Reform Health Policy Conference, 2023 Florida State of Reform Health Policy Conference, 2023 Michigan State of Reform Health Policy Conference, 2023 Northern California State of Reform Health Policy Conference, 2023 Illinois State of Reform Health Policy Conference, 2023 Maryland State of Reform Health Policy Conference. NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with Rio Grande City Mayor Joel Villarreal about the influx of migrants crossing through his south Texas city. SHAPIRO: It's interesting for me to hear you say that even though the country is paying a lot more attention to the border, even though the number of apprehensions are up, the experience of people living in Rio Grande City is pretty much what it's always been. As the immigration crisis finds newfound national attention, Villarreal encouraged political leaders to stop using Hispanics as "political pawns" and instead use the attention to craft meaningful reform. He should be put thru an initiation to prove he deserves to be a Republican. Editors Note: The above commentary was provided by Rio Grande City Mayor Joel Villarreal in a promotional video produced by Rio Grande City Economic Development Council. since July 29, taking pressure off rural hospitals like Starr County Memorial Center, Villarreal said. In fact, our experiences here, we've been dealing with this for decades, and that's one of the things that we must understand. And the current existing wall, in fact, has had many issues. In addition to using the resources theyve been given to decrease the number of positive COVID-19 cases, the mayor also instituted an 8th amended curfew and social distancing order to encourage residents to shelter in place as much as possible and avoid gatherings that could further the virus spread. Another major effort is a commercial development dubbed the St. Ives Project. What's happening there on the ground right now? And there's still one more month to account for. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Hello, I am Joel Villarreal, mayor of the great city of Rio Grande City. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. "It's imperative that American interests are front and center. Welcome. A Texas border mayor called out both parties Monday on "America's Newsroom," arguing Republicans and Democrats are the "root cause" of the border crisis. Reduce eye strain and focus on the content that matters. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided byRefinitiv Lipper. The city, with support from the Rio Grande City EDC, has completed critical drainage improvements necessary to advance the development of Rio Grande Village, a commercial center expected to bring in approximately 500 to 700 new jobs and infuse millions of tax dollars into the city. Ve el perfil de Joel Enrique Olortegui Tadeo en LinkedIn, la mayor red profesional del mundo. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. "The allegations are, I believe, baseless and without merit,". According to Joel Villarreal, Rio Grande City's Democratic mayor, most people who live there have a centrist political ideology. "Border security is absolutely critical, and we must exercise caution against our global enemies, exploiting our broken immigration system to inflict pain on Americans. No. South Texas College offers more than 119 degree and certificate program options and has one of the largest dual enrollment programs in the state of Texas. "To fight this global pandemic, it should be a national effort. Ron DeSantis took credit for flying migrants to Massachusetts on Wednesday and Texas Gov. The authoritative record of NPRs programming is the audio record. . The Rio Grande Guardian was the first online newspaper to launch on the South Texas border, starting out in July, 2005. The issue, though, is when we don't have the coordination. Ve el perfil completo en LinkedIn y descubre los contactos y empleos de Joel Enrique en empresas similares. Dwarf Mr Snow, Fred's Tie Dye, Saucy Mary, Sweet Scarlet, Kangaroo Paw Green, Idaho Gem and Banana Toes are just a few of the varieties one gardener is growing in a 4x8 bed of "bulletproof" tomatoes. Rio Grande City Mayor Joel Villarreal discusses U.S.-Mexico meeting and the impact of a migrant surge on his community A Texas Democrat switched his affiliation to the Republican Party over the party's left-leaning embrace of defunding the police policies and "chaos" on the southern border. Speaker of the House Dade Phelan, R-Orange, presides as they House prepares to debate voting bill SB1, Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021, in Austin, Texas. Vice President Joel Villarreal, Mayor, Rio Grande City. The city, in partnership with the Starr County Industrial Foundation and the Rio Grande City Economic Development Corporation, is working with St. Ives Realty to develop a site along U.S. Highway 83 for retail stores and hotels. A Texas border mayor called out both parties Monday on " America's Newsroom," arguing . Thank you! Our Rio Grande City Main Street Program is nationally recognized as an accredited Main Street America program and has impacted out community in a remarkable way. They bring our people, our economy, and our environment together, building from our history to improve our future. So border communities are in favor. Rio Grande City, Texas Mayor Joel Villarreal on the border crisis and politicians' failure to find a solution. Is it a disingenuous intent, or is it really addressing the needs of these individuals at the same time? 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. And that is what's critical. Because if not, then it puts a burden on small communities and having to foot the bill on our local taxpayers' dime for an issue that's a national issue. For more information about regional meetings, contact the regional president or email TML. The support of our members is vital in ensuring our mission gets fulfilled. And that's one of the things that we need to keep in mind. Now, for many years, we have dealt with this without the federal financial resources that are necessary to better manage the flow of migrants. Texas Gov. Last year, you were predicting that the wall was coming - or at least part of it - and that you were going to see tussles over land, water use. The unit is a task force that is comprised of law enforcement officials from various agencies throughout the county. (CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images). Villarreal highlighted projects that were initiated in the past year and efforts the city hopes to launch, or continue, in the coming year. Region 8. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. They can coexist. Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Rio Grande City Mayor Joel Villarreal spoke to. The Mayor of Rio Grande City, Texas, Joel Villarreal joins NBC News' Priscilla Thompson as his city tries to weather a spike in COVID-19 cases. SHAPIRO: What do you think about Texas Governor Greg Abbott's decision to put migrants on buses and send them north? As long as we do that, then the busing at this point is effective because it's providing these individuals the opportunity to get to the destinations where they're headed. GARCIA-NAVARRO: From your viewpoint as a mayor of a border city, where does border security rank among your city's other current needs? A Texas mayor ripped. Thank you very much. From NE Ohio to North Central Mississippi, everyone has their own ideas and preferences for what they will plant this year. Region 5. Voters elected Joel Villarreal as the Rio Grande City mayor Saturday night, making him the city TMs first new mayor in seven years. Rio Grande City Mayor Joel Villarreal reacts to Congress passing a $1.7 trillion spending bill which includes $16 billion for Customs and Border Protection. Get Ready for a New Season of Gardening -Choose from Tomatoes, Peaches, Corn, Zinnias & More! Federal authorities have made a record number of arrests at the U.S.-Mexico border this fiscal year, more than 2 million. The cost of living is very low; 24 percent lower than the national average. "Give Me A Fast Ship For I Intend To Go In Harm's Way". It's a small town of fewer than 15,000 people. Accuracy and availability may vary. We have a virtual wall already. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from Rio Grande Guardian. Lawrence: Why were some FBI agents 'inclined to believe Trump'? And unfortunately, we have not been able to manage this balance between immigration and border security now. Editors Note: The above guest column is the second in a three-part series on Rio Grande City and a virtual tour of the city hosted by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership. Rio Grande City, Texas Mayor Joel Villarreal slams Republicans and Democrats for using immigrants as 'political pawns' to further agendas and demands leaders have a conversation to find. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information. The Rio Grande Valley in Texas is struggling after an uptick in positive COVID-19 cases, with cities like Rio Grande City reaching out for assistance to help get a handle on the surge. Is that something that your town welcomes? This expansion will ensure water treatment needs are met for the citys projected growth for the next ten to 15 years. SHAPIRO: Just money, you're saying, send us money? Villarreal responded by saying that "the border czar, Congress, and the White House have squandered a golden opportunity to forge a distinguished legacy as champions for immigration and border security.". These lift stations, again, are going to carry us for many years to come.. Region 11. So, of course, we're going to need access if there's a wall constructed there with our property. They gave us a lifeline with the opportunity to transfer patients, Villarreal said. The challenging part for the department is that the city has multiple water districts they have to work with. We are extremely proud of the hardworking out Main Street and volunteers do everyday. Rio Grande City Mayor Joel Villarreal spoke to NBC News' Priscilla Thompson on July 15 about the uptick in COVID-19 cases for the city and the burden this has placed on Rio Grande City's health care system. 2023 State of Reform. And unfortunately, we have a tendency to look beyond our borders for the elusive root causes when in reality and unfortunately, the fact remains that politicians on both sides of the aisle are the root cause," said Rio Grande City, Texas Mayor Joel Villarreal. We must fight for our future generations and the leaders of tomorrow.. A migrant family from Venezuela illegally crosses the Rio Grande River in Eagle Pass, Texas, at the border with Mexico on June 30, 2022. How mass migrant crossings are impacting the small border town of Rio Grande City | WRKF Our educational opportunities continue to grow. If there is not a major reform package, as there seems unlikely to be, are there smaller steps that would help communities like yours right now? The City of Rio Grande City requires that every person shall wear a face covering over the nose and mouth when inside a commercial entity or other building or space open to the public, According to the order. It's a small town of fewer than 15,000 people. 271. But we are because it's beneficial for Mexico and the U.S. to have border security and to address some of these issues across both sides of the border. And I do say this - no mayor or governor in America should have to bear the burden for our broken immigration system without the federal financial resources that are necessary to manage these flows. ", Vice President Kamala Harris visited Austin this weekend, but declined to make a stop at the southern border. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. We've actually had in 1986, we had 1.7 million apprehensions. VILLARREAL: That's bottom line. 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