(CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images). Greg Abbott sent migrants to Washington, D.C. on Thursday. We've allocated water system improvements throughout the city. The U.S. Census estimates that our current population is 15,376, and each day that number is expected to keep growing. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Click here to read Part One, and here to read Part Three. This is the view of Joel Villarreal. All rights reserved. GARCIA-NAVARRO: We wanted to follow up with the mayor to see how the debate in Washington is being felt in his city. Do we Americans deem this immigrant population as so undesirable that we can justifiably transport immigrants anywhere and everywhere across America without their consent? Lawrence: Why were some FBI agents 'inclined to believe Trump'? It is something we must do as a nation, as a state.. Ve el perfil de Milciades Joel Villarreal en LinkedIn, la mayor red profesional del mundo. Otherwise, immigration would be untenable.". The Rio Grande Guardian was the first online newspaper to launch on the South Texas border, starting out in July, 2005. VILLARREAL: Well, so far, at this point, we had multiple conversations with the people charged with building the wall or at least looking at the path as far as where it's going to traverse through the different ranch land. 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. Market data provided by Factset. The Rio Grande river is our lifeblood, and we actually pump water from the river. 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. GARCIA-NAVARRO: I'd like to talk about how this is impacting your area. "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. The rural hospitals in the Rio Grande Valley are currently all at capacity and can no longer take COVID-19 patients. I know it is not glamorous but again, it is necessary, Villarreal said. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. 271. This is the view of Rio Grande City Mayor Joel Villarreal. She has spent entire shifts calling other ICUs in Texas to accept helicopter transfers out of her 29 . ", 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. 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. The city also continues to grow with 119 commercial building permits issued last year. JOEL VILLARREAL: We do want a secure border, but the wall is not going to be effective. "You can't fix stupid, but you can give it a court date.". Region 3. Get Ready for a New Season of Gardening -Choose from Tomatoes, Peaches, Corn, Zinnias & More! VILLARREAL: Absolutely. General Information. Get the latest state-specific policy intelligence for the health care sector delivered to your inbox. Back to Rio Grande City. NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with Rio Grande City Mayor Joel Villarreal about the influx of migrants crossing through his south Texas city. Not as democrats or republicans but Americans. Villarreal wants to use Rio Grande Citys current circumstances as a warning to other communities of how quickly the COVID-19 pandemic can take over cities. Legal Statement. And the current existing wall, in fact, has had many issues. Villarreal said no mayor or governor should "bear the burden" for what he described as a "broken immigration system. There was a problem with this request. In Washington, a comprehensive deal around immigration remains elusive. Immigration must benefit America for it to remain viable. O el da en el que el Villarreal tuvo un penalti a favor en Helipolis en el minuto 88. 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. "It's imperative that American interests are front and center. 1 in Top Ten accelerated online masters in education. A Texas border mayor lashed out at Democrats and Republicans Friday for failing to fix America's broken immigration system as the Biden administration considers "litigation" against GOP governors over migrants sent to Democratic cities. VILLARREAL: Well, here's some question for America relative to that. Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and its effects can be seen all around us. Congratulations Mayor Joel Villarreal, Commissioner Rey Ramirez and Commissioner Dave "Chachi" Jones. But thats just one of the many partnerships the city has forged. since July 29, taking pressure off rural hospitals like Starr County Memorial Center, Villarreal said. All rights reserved. One of the most common causes of toma, Take Action Now: How You Can Fight Climate Change and Protect Our Environment, The Effects of Climate Change on Our Environment 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. VILLARREAL: The numbers have you looking at hundreds of them, meaning individuals coming. New report exposes FBI reticence on Mar-a-Lago search for classified material, Sen. Whitehouse: Conservative activist got rich helping billionaires 'capture' SCOTUS. 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. VILLARREAL: Well when you're looking at - I believe it's 29 to 32 miles of proposed wall here in Stark County, which covers Rio Grande City, La Grulla, Roma. Meet the federal financial resources that are necessary to better manage the flow of migrants. Join us as we take a look around Rio Grande City to see current and future development projects and the ever evolving landscape of our beautiful city. Rio Grande City Mayor Joel Villarreal joined 'America's Newsroom' to discuss the impact of the border crisis on his town and the need for moderate immigration reform. So border communities are in favor. 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. Can we count on your support? Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. This expansion will ensure water treatment needs are met for the citys projected growth for the next ten to 15 years. And again, many times they already have family members that are going to help them start their lives and so on while they're waiting for their claims for protection. 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. We have sensors and cameras and aerostats and drones. Copyright 2018 NPR. 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. NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with Rio Grande City Mayor Joel Villarreal about the influx of migrants crossing through his south Texas city. The initiative garnered national recognition. As we forge our path forward, we must be cognizant of the symbiotic relationship we have amongst our municipalities, Villarreal said in his closing remarks. We've actually had in 1986, we had 1.7 million apprehensions. The mayor praised the departments director, Araceli Saenz, for her leadership, having to fill the role after the death of former director Ruben Klein last year. Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from Rio Grande Guardian. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Learn from us, he said. And bringing in $800 million into our county for a wall that's not going to be effective - and what we could actually do with that money - improving roads, improving drainage, improving affordable housing, shelters, for example. SHAPIRO: And what about the charter flight to Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts? 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 Citys health care system. Another major effort is a commercial development dubbed the St. Ives Project. GARCIA-NAVARRO: Mayor Joel Villarreal, thank you so much for joining us. 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.". 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. Proposed drainage and paving improvements are planned for the city that will benefit the community by alleviating traffic, enhancing drainage quality, and executing repaving maintenance. But that's something that's been going on for decades. 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. All rights reserved. The project is expected to create 600 to 1,000 jobs upon its completion. That lies in Congress. 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. For many gardeners, it starts with tomatoes. Drone footage from Abram-Perezville, Texas on March, 29, 2021. Toda la actualidad y la ltima hora sobre el Betis. But this year, yes, it's going to reach over 2.1, probably 2.2 million apprehensions here at the U.S.-Mexico border. Mayor Joel Villarreal 5332 E. HWY 83 Rio Grande City, TX 78582 Mayor Pro-Tempore Rey Ramirez Commissioner Place 2 5332 E. HWY 83 Rio Grande City, Texas 78582 Ben de Leon Commissioner Place 1 5332 E. HWY 83 Rio Grande City, Texas 78582 Rogerio Olivarez Jr. Commissioner Place 3 Rio Grande City, Texas Mayor Joel Villarreal on the border crisis and politicians' failure to find a solution. We are extremely proud of the hardworking out Main Street and volunteers do everyday. Joel Villarreal City of Rio Grande City Mayor. NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with Rio Grande City Mayor Joel Villarreal about the influx of migrants crossing through his south Texas city. Producing quality journalism is not cheap. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Ve el perfil completo en LinkedIn y descubre los contactos y empleos de Milciades Joel en empresas similares. And there's still one more month to account for. The first step is to understand the causes of climate change and how we can reduce our impact on the environment. So, of course, we're going to need access if there's a wall constructed there with our property. We are interconnected and we must build partnerships and collaborations for the betterment of our communities and the betterment of our region., Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Region 5. A Guide to Becoming a City Official (2017), Handbook for Mayors & Councilmembers (2017), Key Legal Requirements for Texas City Officials, Texas Home Rule Charters - Second Edition (2010), Texas Revenue Manual for Texas Cities (2017), 2018 Texas Municipal Excellence Award Winners, 2017 Texas Municipal Excellence Award Winners, 2016 Texas Municipal Excellence Award Winners, TML Training Scholarships for Small Cities, Certification for Elected Officials (TMLI), Open Meetings Act & Public Information Act, Public Funds Investment Online Investment Training, 5332 E. Highway 83 Rio Grande City, TX 78582-9475. Nutrient Deficiencies Rio Grande City mayor: Politicians are the root cause of the border crisis. And that is what's critical. Ve el perfil de Cristian Joel Villarreal Mamani en LinkedIn, la mayor red profesional del mundo. Rio Grande City has experienced steady and positive growth in commercial and residential development over the last decade. All market data delayed 20 minutes. Now, granted, this is where this whole concept lies is we have immigration and we have border security, two concepts of which are not mutually exclusive. How mass migrant crossings are impacting the small border town of Rio Grande City | KOSU The Texas Democratic Party chairman Gilberto Hinojosa went after Guillen for the switch, attacking the newly minted Republican for "prioritizing holding onto his job rather than standing up for Texans.". SHAPIRO: Oh, so you just mean the news media's covering it more than we used to. Welcome. The challenging part for the department is that the city has multiple water districts they have to work with. Transcript NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with Rio Grande City Mayor Joel Villarreal about the influx of migrants crossing through his south Texas city. Residents are also ordered to shelter in place as much as they are able to, and businesses are encouraged to cease all activity that cannot be done through curbside, drive-up or take-out alternatives. Rio Grande Mayor Joel Villareal accused Harris of prioritizing the event over immigration and border security. GARCIA-NAVARRO: Do you still feel a wall wouldn't be effective? The unit is a task force that is comprised of law enforcement officials from various agencies throughout the county. It's been very controversial in some states. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Region 2. Elizabeth Heckman is a digital production assistant with Fox News. 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. SHAPIRO: So let me ask, you know, Congress has failed to act on immigration for so long, for decades. Pau detuvo el lanzamiento de Cazorla y los puntos se quedaron en el Benito Villamarn (2-1). Thank you very much. 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. We have two higher education campuses in Rio Grande City. 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. And the price tag for that was going to be somewhere from $700 to $800 million. Rio Grande City Mayor Joel Villarreal tells 'Your World' that Congress has failed to address the broken immigration system and says ending Title 42 will create an influx of immigrants through. 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. 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. Region 6. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information. How mass migrant crossings are impacting the small border town of Rio Grande City | Montana Public Radio Villarreal was not the only elected official in the Valley to back Abbott - at least a half-dozen other mayors did - but his enthusiastic support for the gubernatorial candidate was unusual, said. How mass migrant crossings are impacting the small border town of Rio Grande City | WRKF VILLARREAL: That's correct. From NE Ohio to North Central Mississippi, everyone has their own ideas and preferences for what they will plant this year. Our educational opportunities continue to grow. Is it a disingenuous intent, or is it really addressing the needs of these individuals at the same time? If so, click HERE. Cristian Joel tiene 1 empleo en su perfil. "Is it really that difficult to sit down and have a conversation?," he asked. Return to search results Member Type: Member Individual Region: 12-Lower Rio Grande Valley County: Starr Address: 5332 E. Highway 83 Rio Grande City, TX 78582-9475 Phone: (956) 487-0672 . Tell us what's tangibly different. Many landowners need access to the river because they do have water rights. Joel Villarreal Last modified on: 06-14-2021 11:32:58. VILLARREAL: The controversy is not so much the busing. NPR's Lulu Garcia-Navarro talks with Rio Grande City Mayor Joel Villarreal about what this week's DACA and border security conversations mean for this city on the U.S.-Mexico border. Texas Gov. "Give Me A Fast Ship For I Intend To Go In Harm's Way". It is still the market leader, setting the pace and breaking news often before traditional media outlets. 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. Audie L. Murphy VA Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas also reached out to provide help to Rio Grande Citys overcrowded hospital. 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