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Tag: Laredo

  • What is Laredo, TX Known For? 10 Things to Love About This City

    What is Laredo, TX Known For? 10 Things to Love About This City

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    Laredo, TX is a city that defies expectations and captures the essence of true Texan charm. Nestled along the banks of the Rio Grande, this vibrant city is a melting pot of cultures, blending the traditions of Mexico with the spirit of the American Southwest. With its unique blend of flavors, sights, and sounds, longtime residents and new arrivals will agree that it’s a great place to live. If you think you might be interested in finding out for yourself, here’s Redfin’s guide to what Laredo is known for.

    Interested in moving to Laredo? Check out:
    Homes for sale in Laredo, TX | Apartments for rent in Laredo, TX | Houses for rent in Laredo, TX

    1. Rich cultural heritage

    Laredo is known for its rich cultural heritage, rooted in its history and traditions. The city’s blend of Mexican and American influences is evident in its vibrant festivals, colorful celebrations, and flavorful cuisine. Laredo’s cultural identity shines through its annual Washington’s Birthday Celebration. This event is the largest of its kind in the United States and features parades, live music, and traditional Mexican folkloric dances.

    2. Gateway to Mexico

    With its location near the southern border,  Laredo serves as a gateway to Mexico, and a major hub for trade between the two countries. The city’s bustling international trade industry highlights its strategic location and economic significance. Laredo’s proximity to the Mexican border has led to a diverse population and cultural exchange. This makes Laredo a melting pot of traditions and customs.

    3. Historic Downtown District

    Laredo’s  historic downtown district features beautifully preserved architecture and charming plazas. The downtown area showcases Laredo’s rich history, with buildings dating back to the 19th century. Visitors can explore the San Agustin de Laredo Historic District, home to the San Agustin Cathedral and the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum. This area also features numerous art galleries and boutique shops.

    4. Vibrant music scene

    With genres like Tejano, country, and rock, Laredo has a vibrant music scene. The city’s music culture is celebrated through live performances and festivals. Local talent showcases highlight Laredo’s deep-rooted musical traditions. This reflects the city’s cultural heritage and residents’ passion for artistic expression.

    5. Culinary delights

    Laredo isn’t lacking in culinary delights, offering a fusion of Mexican and Texan cuisine. The city’s dining scene celebrates flavors with authentic Mexican eateries, Tex-Mex restaurants, and local food trucks. Laredo’s culinary identity features bold spices and savory dishes. Traditional recipes have been passed down through generations, adding to the culinary richness.

    6. Natural beauty

    Beautiful views of nature and Laredo go hand in hand, with picturesque landscapes, serene parks, and the scenic Rio Grande River. The city’s outdoor attractions offer opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and recreational activities. Laredo’s commitment to preserving its natural environment is evident in its parks and nature reserves. Conservation efforts are also a significant part of the city.

    7. Festive celebrations

    Laredo hosts several festive celebrations throughout the year, reflecting its vibrant cultural traditions and community spirit. The city hosts various lively events throughout the year, including the Jalapeno Festival and the Stockmen’s Ball. The Laredo International Fair and Exposition also takes place annually. These gatherings showcase Laredo’s lively atmosphere and the warmth of its residents.

    8. Historical landmarks

    Laredo also boasts numerous historical landmarks, offering a glimpse into the city’s past and heritage. From the iconic San Agustin de Laredo Cathedral to the La Posada Hotel, Laredo’s historical sites are significant. These landmarks highlight the city’s rich cultural legacy and architectural importance. Visitors can explore these sites to understand Laredo’s history better.

    9. Birdwatching hotspot

    Laredo is a birding hotspot, attracting enthusiasts from around the world. The city’s diverse habitats provide a haven for a wide variety of bird species. The Laredo Birding Festival showcases the area’s rich avian life. Birdwatchers can enjoy guided tours and educational programs. This makes Laredo a prime destination for nature lovers.

    10. Dynamic culture

    Laredo has a dynamic border culture, shaped by its proximity to Mexico. The cultural exchange along the border enriches the city’s art, music, cuisine, and traditions. This creates a unique and vibrant atmosphere. Laredo’s dynamic border culture is a source of pride and a defining aspect of the city’s identity.

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  • 5 Fun Facts About Laredo, TX: How Well Do You Know Your City?

    5 Fun Facts About Laredo, TX: How Well Do You Know Your City?

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    As one of the oldest border towns in the United States, Laredo offers a fascinating blend of American and Mexican traditions, making it a destination for visitors and a treasure trove of interesting tidbits for locals. From its origins as a Spanish colonial settlement to its status as a modern-day hub of commerce and culture, Laredo boasts a plethora of quirky, facts that highlight its distinctive character and enduring legacy. In this Redfin article, we’ll dive into 5 interesting facts about Laredo so you can get a feel for the city.

    Interested in moving to Laredo? Check out:
    Apartments for rent in Laredo, TX | Houses for rent in Laredo, TX | Homes for sale in Laredo, TX

    Quick Facts about Laredo

    Median home sale price $230,000
    Average monthly rent $1,241
    Walk Score 87/100
    Bike Score 54/100

    1. Laredo is one of the oldest crossing points between the U.S. and Mexico

    Laredo established in 1755, is one of the oldest crossing points between the United States and Mexico, serving as a vital gateway for centuries. Its strategic location on the Rio Grande has made it a crucial hub for trade, culture, and migration, fostering a unique blend of American and Mexican influences.

    2. Laredo is named after a city in Spain

    Laredo was named after the coastal city of Laredo in Spain, reflecting the deep Spanish colonial roots that have shaped the area. Founded in 1755 by Tomás Sánchez, the city carries a legacy of its European namesake in its architecture and cultural traditions.

    3. The city has one of the largest annual international trade fairs in the nation

    The city hosts one of the largest annual international trade fairs in the nation, attracting businesses and visitors from across the globe. The Laredo International Fair and Exposition showcases a wide array of products, services, and cultural exhibits, fostering significant economic and cultural exchange.

    4. George Washington’s birthday is a big deal

    In Laredo, George Washington’s birthday is celebrated with unparalleled enthusiasm, marking one of the city’s most significant annual events. The month-long Washington’s Birthday Celebration includes a variety of festivities such as the vibrant Jalapeño Festival, the elaborate Princess Pocahontas Pageant, and the grand International Bridge Ceremony that symbolizes the friendship between the U.S. and Mexico.

    5. Laredo used to be an army camp

    During World War I, Laredo was transformed into an army camp, known as Camp Laredo, to support the U.S. military efforts. The camp housed more than 10,000 troops and was established to train soldiers and serve as a staging area for troops heading to the front lines. This period marked a significant chapter in Laredo’s history, reflecting its ongoing strategic importance and contribution to national defense.

     

    Methodology: The median home sale price and average monthly rental data is from the Redfin Data Center. The Walk Score and Bike Score data is from Walk Score.

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    Ana de Guzman

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  • Austin Pets Alive! | Open Letter from Dr. Ellen Jefferson, President…

    Austin Pets Alive! | Open Letter from Dr. Ellen Jefferson, President…

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    Sep 05, 2023

    Today, Austin Pets Alive! has made the difficult decision to provide a 30-day notice to end our veterinary services contract with Laredo Animal Care Services (LACS).

    When we began our partnership with LACS earlier this year, at the request of the Laredo city council and community, it was with the whole-hearted intention to help meet the city’s goals of providing medical care and practices that further saved lives. Every vaccine given and disease prevented, medical treatment administered, surgery conducted, and animal transported to another rescue partner was done to not only fulfill our contractual obligations but as a moral obligation to the pets being sheltered in the city. We heard from community member after community member how much it meant to them that their city shelter could become more aligned with the word “shelter” — providing true safety and care to pets that are lost, displaced or abandoned.

    We’re very proud of the work we did alongside many of the dedicated LACS staff members. The last eight months have led to more than 1,000 spay/neuter surgeries (an approx 400% increase from the previous Veterinary vendor) and raised the feline live outcome rate to a historical high of over 70%. Dogs and cats that were once euthanized for having something as simple as a cold were treated and many have already been adopted.

    Unfortunately, we were met with resistance from shelter leadership. Over the past few months as the changes required became more real, and hard, the goals of LACS shifted away from a lifesaving focus and back toward operating at a lower capacity for care and lifesaving. This approach means that thousands of animals who should live long healthy lives will continue to die in order to meet a regressive goal. We cannot in good conscience continue working under such a drastic diversion from the original goals the city council laid out for us to follow.

    It hurts our hearts to leave so many pets and people behind but we believe that we have no other choice. Our true hope is that Laredoans saw that life saving was possible and that they will demand the changes necessary to be a humane city for beloved pets.

    Sincerely,

    Dr. Ellen Jefferson

    President and CEO

    Austin Pets Alive!

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  • Austin Pets Alive! | Progress Update of APA!’s Veterinary Services…

    Austin Pets Alive! | Progress Update of APA!’s Veterinary Services…

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    Aug 23, 2023

    The City of Laredo and Laredo Animal Care Services (LACS) partnered with Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) in February 2023 as a result of the city’s desire to meet the Laredo community’s need for shelter improvement. Due to limited resources, LACS has historically faced challenges in implementing veterinary best practices, struggling to save half of the 8,000 pets that come into its shelter. Recognizing that a change was needed, LACS contracted with APA! to provide veterinary care services and updated shelter operations. Because LACS has unnecessarily delayed implementing animal welfare industry standards at its shelter, APA! is calling on the citizens of Laredo to join our efforts in advocating for the thousands of pets who are at risk of being euthanized.

    APA! has been helping LACS with rescue transport since 2020 and partnered with LACS during Winter Storm Uri, which led to this bigger partnership. In May 2023, after working with LACS over many months, APA! built a set of customized recommendations and an implementation plan to establish Laredo as a leader in animal sheltering throughout South Texas. LACS has been presented with its first opportunity to accept resources, in the form of time and money, from a transformational organization to help save more animal lives. APA!’s objective is to help fill the gap in necessary training and support, at the request and with the cooperation of LACS, to help people and their pets in Laredo.

    APA!’s implementation plan includes shelter best practices such as support at intake,Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR) program, lost pet reunification, and placement programs. A people focused intake model, which includes an appointment-based intake of animals in non-emergency situations into the animal services facility, is a modern practice that prioritizes sick or injured pets, animals in immediate danger, or dogs that pose a threat to public safety. Organized intake frees up shelter resources to ensure emergencies and critical situations are handled promptly and effectively.

    PROGRESS IN SAVING LIVES

    APA!’s vet and national shelter support teams have made significant progress at LACS:

    • Since March, APA! doubled spay and neuters with over 1,000 animals, and in 2023 since the start of the contract, we have brought the feline live outcome rate to over 65%. APA! is responsible for over 1,100 live outcomes in 2023 through rescue transport.

    • Implemented treatment protocols to ensure every sick, treatable animal receives medication and vaccines, health certificates, and more to increase the number of pets saved.

    • Performed an elevated level of medical attention for shelter animals, including leg amputations, mass removals, surgeries, and more to save the pet’s life. Previously animals requiring this care would have been automatically euthanized.

    Furthermore, APA! designed free custom staff training, over 30 standard operating procedures, and an implementation plan for LACS based on best practices that include:

    • Intake Counseling and Triage – To help provide treatment and care to the animals in need, providing consent-based resources for pets that may not need to come to the shelter, and reducing euthanasia rates.

    • Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR) program – To ensure stray cats aren’t euthanized upon intake at alarming rates.

    • Lost Pet Reunification – To ensure that at least the national standard number of lost pets make it back to their families.

    • Placement Programs- Rescue/Transport, Adoption, Case Management, Foster, Volunteer – To help reduce the number of pets at the shelter by promoting adoptions, fostering, and working with rescue partners.

    The implementation of these programs and procedures is fundamental to the success of the contract between Austin Pets Alive! and Laredo Animal Care Services to increase adoptions and provide community guidance to better support the people and pets of Laredo. APA! is also providing additional resources such as:

    • 5 Full-time employees (4 directly operations focused and local to Laredo and 1 focused on marketing and communication)

    • National Field Services in-person training

    • Online course module with in-person guidance and assessment for free

    • Weekly transport van and driver dedicated to picking up Laredo animals and taking in-state partners.

    • Once a month, state transport van and driver assistance are dedicated to Laredo animals.

    • $90K pet food donation for the community via HSUS/Chewy secured by APA!.

    • Adoption incentive grant of $3,000 for gift bags for adopters.

    • Handouts, flyers, resources, and posters – printed for the front lobby, and for staff to hand out to the community to help people with their pets.

    CHALLENGES BEING FACED:

    While APA! has addressed the many issues with LACS’s current practices by providing recommendations, staff training, and standard operating procedures, LACS has unnecessarily delayed implementing animal welfare industry standards at its shelter.

    APA!’s implementation plan, introduced in May 2023, includes shelter best practices such as support at intake, Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR) program, lost pet reunification, and placement programs.

    To be successful, Laredo Animal Care Services needs to implement these changes immediately and take the community’s and animals’ needs into consideration. Many of the recommendations made by APA! in May have yet to be implemented, leading to the continued killing and warehousing of shelter pets.

    HISTORY

    When APA!’s team first arrived at LACS, they encountered dire conditions, including an extremely high rate of disease in pets–predominately parvovirus; overcrowding, unsanitary kennels; inadequate water and food supplies; and unattended injured animals in urgent need of medical care.

    Upon arrival, APA! quickly identified and implemented immediate solutions to solve these harsh conditions and continued to work with the LACS team to implement additional medical and treatment protocols. These actions have already contributed to saving the lives of several hundred pets that most certainly would have died without intervention due to lack of medical care and euthanasia. The year-end goal is to increase live outcomes to 90%, almost double what they were when APA! first arrived.

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  • US readies second attempt at speedy border asylum screenings

    US readies second attempt at speedy border asylum screenings

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    SAN DIEGO (AP) — President Joe Biden scrapped expedited asylum screenings during his first month in office as part of a gutting of Trump administration border polices that included building a wall with Mexico. Now he is preparing his own version.

    Donald Trump’s fast-track reviews drew sharp criticism from internal government watchdog agencies as the percentage of people who passed those “credible fear interviews” plummeted. But the Biden administration has insisted its speedy screening for asylum-seekers is different: Interviews will be done exclusively by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, not by Border Patrol agents, and everyone will have access to legal counsel.

    The decision to use fast-track screenings comes as COVID-19 asylum restrictions are set to expire on May 11 and the U.S. government prepares for an expected increase in illegal crossings from Mexico. The Texas border cities of El Paso, Laredo and Brownsville have declared local states of emergency in recent days to prepare for the anticipated influx.

    Normally, about three in four migrants pass credible fear interviews, though far fewer eventually win asylum. But during the five months of the Trump-era program, only 23% passed the initial screening, while 69% failed and 9% withdrew, according to the Government Accountability Office.

    Those who get past initial screenings are generally freed in the United States to pursue their cases in immigration court, which typically takes four years. Critics say the court backlog encourages more people to seek asylum.

    To pass screenings, migrants must convince an asylum officer they have a “significant possibility” of prevailing before a judge on arguments that they face persecution in their home countries on grounds of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a social group.

    Under the Biden administration’s fast-track program, those who don’t qualify will be deported “in a matter of days or just a few weeks,” Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Thursday.

    The expedited screenings will be applied only to single adults, Mayorkas said.

    Despite the administration’s assurances that people will have access to legal services, some immigrant advocates who were briefed by the administration are doubtful. Katherine Hawkins, senior legal analyst at the Project on Government Oversight, noted that advocates were told attorneys would not be allowed inside holding facilities.

    The Trump administration used fast-track reviews from October 2019 until March 2020, when it began using a 1944 public health law known as Title 42 to expel immigrants on the grounds of preventing the spread of COVID-19. The speedy screenings were among Trump-era immigration polices that Biden rolled back in a February 2021 executive order.

    Unlike the Trump administration, the Biden administration won’t limit migrants to just one phone call. But it’s unclear how many calls U.S. authorities can facilitate, especially if there is no answer and attorneys call back, Hawkins said.

    Screenings initially will be limited to Spanish-speaking countries to which the U.S. has regular deportation flights, according to Hawkins and others briefed. The administration began limited screening this month in Donna, Texas, in the Rio Grande Valley, and later expanded to large tents in other border cities, including San Diego; Yuma, Arizona; and El Paso, Texas. Migrants will get a video presentation to explain the interview process.

    Mayorkas, a former federal prosecutor, didn’t speak in detail about access to legal counsel in remarks Thursday about a broad strategy that, in addition to the screenings, includes processing centers in Guatemala, Colombia and potentially elsewhere for people to come legally to the U.S. through an airport.

    “We have expanded our holding capacity and set up equipment and procedures so that individuals have the ability to access counsel,” Mayorkas said.

    The Homeland Security Department’s inspector general took issue with lack of legal representation under Trump’s expedited screening. There were four cordless phones for migrants to share when screenings began in El Paso. Guards took them to a shack to consult attorneys.

    Phone booths were later installed but didn’t have handsets for safety reasons, forcing migrants to speak loudly and within earshot of people outside, the inspector general said.

    Facilities built under Biden are more spacious with plenty of phone booths, according to people who have visited.

    “There are rows of cubicles, enclosed,” said Paulina Reyes, an attorney at advocacy group ImmDef who visited a San Diego holding facility in March.

    The administration has not said how many attorneys have volunteered to represent asylum-seekers. Hawkins said officials told advocates they are reaching out to firms that offer low- or no-cost services to people in immigration detention centers.

    Erika Pinheiro, executive director of advocacy group Al Otro Lado, which is active in Southern California and Tijuana, Mexico, said she has not been approached but would decline to represent asylum-seekers in expedited screenings. They arrive exhausted and unfamiliar with asylum law, hindering their abilities to effectively tell their stories.

    “We know what the conditions are like. We know people are not going to be mentally prepared,” she said.

    The Biden administration aims to complete screenings within 72 hours, the maximum time Border Patrol is supposed to hold migrants under an agency policy that’s routinely ignored.

    It’s a tall order. It currently takes about four weeks to complete a screening. Under Trump’s expedited screenings, about 20% of immigrants were in custody for a week or less, according to the GAO. About 86% were held 20 days or less.

    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has identified 480 former asylum officers or those with training to assist about 800 on the expedited screenings, said Michael Knowles, a spokesman for the American Federation of Government Employees Council 119, which represents asylum officers. Despite the staffing surge, Knowles said officers worry about the pace of the work, “like an assembly line, ‘hurry up, hurry up,’ when you have lives at stake.”

    “All hands will be on this deck for the foreseeable future,” Knowles said. “We don’t know how long.”

    ___

    Associated Press writer Valerie Gonzalez in Brownsville, Texas, contributed.

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  • Ex-Border Patrol Agent Convicted Of Killing 4 Women In Texas

    Ex-Border Patrol Agent Convicted Of Killing 4 Women In Texas

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    SAN ANTONIO (AP) — A former Border Patrol agent who confessed to killing four sex workers in 2018 was convicted Wednesday of capital murder, after jurors heard recordings of him telling investigators he was trying to “clean up the streets” of his South Texas hometown.

    Juan David Ortiz, 39, receives an automatic sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole because prosecutors decided not to seek the death penalty.

    Ortiz, a Border Patrol intel supervisor at the time of his arrest, was accused of killing Melissa Ramirez, 29, Claudine Anne Luera, 42, Guiselda Alicia Cantu, 35, and Janelle Ortiz, 28. Their bodies were found along roads on the outskirts of Laredo in September 2018.

    During the trial that began last week, jurors heard Ortiz’s confession during a lengthy taped interview with investigators.

    Ortiz told investigators he had been a customer of most of the women, but he also expressed disdain for sex workers, referring to them as “trash” and “so dirty” and insisting he wanted to “clean up the streets.”

    He said “the monster would come out” as he drove along a stretch of street in Laredo frequented by the women.

    Webb County District Attorney Isidro R. “Chilo” Alaniz presents the closing argument in the capital murder trial of former U.S. Border Patrol supervisor Juan David Ortiz, at the Cadena-Reeves Justice Center in San Antonio, Texas, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022. (Jerry Lara/The San Antonio Express-News via AP)

    Defense attorneys said Ortiz was improperly induced to make the confession and that it should not be considered. Defense attorney Joel Perez argued that Ortiz, a Navy veteran who had been deployed to Iraq, was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, had been suffering from insomnia, nightmares and headaches, and was medicated and had been drinking that night.

    Prosecutors told jurors it was a legal confession provided by an educated senior law enforcement official who was not having a mental breakdown.

    Erika Pena testified that Ortiz picked her up on the evening of Sept. 14, 2018, and that she got a bad feeling when he told her he was the “next to last person” to have sex with Ramirez, whose body had been found a week earlier. She testified that he told her he was worried investigators would find his DNA on the body.

    “It made me think that he was the one who might have been murdering,” Pena, 31, told the jury.

    Pena escaped from his truck at a gas station after he pointed a gun at her, and she ran straight to a state trooper who was refueling his vehicle. Ortiz fled.

    Authorities tracked Ortiz to a hotel parking garage in the early hours of Sept. 15, 2018, and he was arrested.

    Capt. Federico Calderon of the Webb County Sheriff’s Department testified that officers who arrested Ortiz knew about the slayings of Ramirez and Luera, and while chasing him after Pena’s escape learned that a third body — later identified as Cantu’s — had been found. But Calderon said it wasn’t until Ortiz’s confession that they learned Janelle Ortiz had been slain.

    Webb County Medical Examiner Corinne Stern testified that Ramirez, Luera and Janelle Ortiz were fatally shot while Cantu, who was shot in the neck, died of blunt force trauma to the head.

    The bullets collected from the crime scenes came from the same gun, and matched the weapon found in Juan David Ortiz’s pickup, a ballistics expert testified.

    Ortiz served in the U.S. Navy for nearly eight years, until 2009, holding a variety of medical posts and served a three-year detachment with the Marines.

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  • Ex-Border Patrol agent convicted of killing 4 women in Texas

    Ex-Border Patrol agent convicted of killing 4 women in Texas

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    SAN ANTONIO — A former Border Patrol agent who confessed to killing four sex workers in 2018 was convicted Wednesday of capital murder, after jurors heard recordings of him telling investigators he was trying to “clean up the streets” of his South Texas hometown.

    Juan David Ortiz, 39, receives an automatic sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole because prosecutors decided not to seek the death penalty.

    Ortiz, a Border Patrol intel supervisor at the time of his arrest, was accused of killing Melissa Ramirez, 29, Claudine Anne Luera, 42, Guiselda Alicia Cantu, 35, and Janelle Ortiz, 28. Their bodies were found along roads on the outskirts of Laredo in September 2018.

    During the trial that began last week, jurors heard Ortiz’s confession during a lengthy taped interview with investigators.

    Ortiz told investigators he had been a customer of most of the women, but he also expressed disdain for sex workers, referring to them as “trash” and “so dirty” and insisting he wanted to “clean up the streets.”

    He said “the monster would come out” as he drove along a stretch of street in Laredo frequented by the women.

    Defense attorneys said Ortiz was improperly induced to make the confession and that it should not be considered. Defense attorney Joel Perez argued that Ortiz, a Navy veteran who had been deployed to Iraq, was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, had been suffering from insomnia, nightmares and headaches, and was medicated and had been drinking that night.

    Prosecutors told jurors it was a legal confession provided by an educated senior law enforcement official who was not having a mental breakdown.

    Erika Pena testified that Ortiz picked her up on the evening of Sept. 14, 2018, and that she got a bad feeling when he told her he was the “next to last person” to have sex with Ramirez, whose body had been found a week earlier. She testified that he told her he was worried investigators would find his DNA on the body.

    “It made me think that he was the one who might have been murdering,” Pena, 31, told the jury.

    Pena escaped from his truck at a gas station after he pointed a gun at her, and she ran straight to a state trooper who was refueling his vehicle. Ortiz fled.

    Authorities tracked Ortiz to a hotel parking garage in the early hours of Sept. 15, 2018, and he was arrested.

    Capt. Federico Calderon of the Webb County Sheriff’s Department testified that officers who arrested Ortiz knew about the slayings of Ramirez and Luera, and while chasing him after Pena’s escape learned that a third body — later identified as Cantu’s — had been found. But Calderon said it wasn’t until Ortiz’s confession that they learned Janelle Ortiz had been slain.

    Webb County Medical Examiner Corinne Stern testified that Ramirez, Luera and Janelle Ortiz were fatally shot while Cantu, who was shot in the neck, died of blunt force trauma to the head.

    The bullets collected from the crime scenes came from the same gun, and matched the weapon found in Juan David Ortiz’s pickup, a ballistics expert testified.

    Ortiz served in the U.S. Navy for nearly eight years, until 2009, holding a variety of medical posts and served a three-year detachment with the Marines.

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  • Ex-Border Patrol agent accused of killing 4 goes on trial

    Ex-Border Patrol agent accused of killing 4 goes on trial

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    SAN ANTONIO — The capital murder trial began Monday of a former U.S. Border Patrol agent who confessed to killing four sex workers in South Texas, telling investigators he wanted to “clean up the streets” of his border hometown.

    If convicted of capital murder, Juan David Ortiz, 39, faces life in prison without parole because prosecutors are not seeking the death penalty.

    At the time of his arrest, Ortiz, a Navy veteran, was a Border Patrol intel supervisor. He was arrested in Laredo on Sept. 15, 2018, after Erika Pena escaped from him and asked a state trooper for help. Ortiz pleaded not guilty Monday to capital murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, unlawful restraint and evading arrest.

    “You will see and you will hear, through his own words, how he took each woman to their last resting place, how he executed them,” Webb County District Attorney Isidro Alaniz told jurors during opening statements. “You will hear in his own words the indifference, the disrespect, the degradation that he has for these people.”

    “You will hear the evidence in this own words: ‘I wanted to clean up the streets,’” Alaniz said, adding that Ortiz in Spanish called the women “dirt.”

    Ortiz is standing trial in San Antonio, in Bexar County, following a defense request to move the trial from Webb County due to extensive media coverage.

    Alaniz also said that during the confession, Ortiz told investigators where to find the body of one of his victims.

    Ortiz’s attorney, Joel Perez, told jurors in opening statements that investigators had jumped to conclusions, and that his client’s confession was “coerced.” He said his client was “broken” and “suicidal” when he made the confession after being questioned for over eight hours. Months earlier, the veteran had been put on “a bunch of psychotic pills” after seeking help when he was unable to sleep and having nightmares, Perez said.

    Ortiz told investigators he’d had blackouts as well, Perez said.

    “This is a defeated man,” Perez said.

    Melissa Ramirez, 29, was killed on Sept. 3, 2018, and 42-year-old Claudine Luera was killed on Sept. 13, 2018.

    On Sept. 14, 2018, Ortiz picked up Pena, who told investigators that Ortiz acted oddly when she brought up Ramirez’s slaying. Pena testified Monday that she took off running when Ortiz pointed a gun at her in a truck at a gas station, and was crying as she approached a state trooper who was refueling his vehicle.

    Ortiz fled and, he later told investigators, picked up and killed his last two victims, 35-year-old Guiselda Alicia Cantu and 28-year-old Janelle Ortiz. Authorities eventually tracked Ortiz to a hotel parking garage where he was arrested.

    Each of his victims was shot in the head and left along rural Laredo-area roads. One died of blunt force trauma after being shot.

    “Through the evidence, we will take you … to those last moments of these women’s lives,” Alaniz told jurors on Monday.

    The Border Patrol placed Ortiz on indefinite, unpaid suspension after his arrest. When asked Monday for an update on his current employment status, a Border Patrol official said the agency doesn’t comment on “pending litigation.”

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  • Austin Pets Alive! | APA! Steps Up for Pets from Laredo Shelter,…

    Austin Pets Alive! | APA! Steps Up for Pets from Laredo Shelter,…

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    Jun 29, 2021

    AUSTIN, TX – Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) is asking people to help at-risk pets in crowded Texas animal shelters. APA!’s Town Lake Animal Center is currently at capacity. APA! is asking the Central Texas community to foster, adopt, volunteer or donate so APA! can continue helping dogs, puppies, cats and kittens with the greatest medical and behavioral needs.

    Laredo Animal Care Services reached out to American Pets Alive!, APA!’s education and outreach division, to help out with its overpopulation. American Pets Alive! responded to their request and just sent this video. Dozens of cats and kittens are being rescued right now and need foster homes within the next 24 hours. Anyone able to foster a cat or kitten is asked to please email [email protected].

    At the Laredo shelter’s request, American Pets Alive! traveled to the shelter not only to provide rescue and transport, but to train the Laredo staff on sanitation practices and community engagement programs. The American Pets Alive! team is on the way back to Austin now bringing some of the pets to safety, to treat medical needs and get every single pet directly into a foster home as fast as possible. You can find out more about the current state of the Laredo Animal Care Services facility here.

    Austin Pets Alive! And American Pets Alive! are grateful to partners at Texas shelters who know that these animals are escaping dangerous environments.

    While we know these pets will be saved from euthanasia, the rest of their future is uncertain. Rush a donation today to ensure they make it into loving arms.

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