Valley farmers push Washington for immigration solutions as labor shortage grows
By Matt Wilson • August 13, 2026 • 6 min read
AgricultureEconomic TrendsImmigrationReal EstateU.S.Workforce
U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz and Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling met with South Texas growers as farmers pushed for easier access to legal workers.
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The Valley landed the projects. Now it has to power them — and the others that are following.
Industrial growth is bringing power requests larger than Brownsville’s electric system as the Valley races to expand power and water infrastructure.
Infrastructure
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SpaceX quietly secured zoning approval for a new nearly 34-acre heavy industrial site along Boca Chica Highway
Space Exploration Technologies Corp. could expand its industrial operations to another 33.9 acres near Boca Chica Beach, records show.
Energy
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Cement industry sees prolonged slowdown, but data centers remain bright spot, new forecast says
High interest rates continue to slow U.S. construction, but data centers remain a key growth driver, the American Cement Association says.
U.S.
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TSTC adds two aircraft to expand aviation training in Harlingen
Harlingen-based Gulf Aviation helped transport the donated Cessna 172s to TSTC, where students will use them for hands-on training.
Economic Trends
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What Valley businesses should know about new Trump Account rules
Employers can put up to $2,500 a year into Trump Accounts for workers or their children without the money being taxed as employee income.
Manufacturing
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Brownsville data center debate rolled into larger zoning ban on event centers, social clubs and more
The city of Brownsville is overhauling its zoning code for all nuisance businesses, from data centers to social poker clubs and event venues across the city.
Real Estate
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Valvoline expands Valley footprint with sixth location — and more are coming
Velocity Auto Care has grown quickly since entering the Valley in 2025, most recently adding a Valvoline Instant Oil Change center in Edinburg.
Industrial Real Estate
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New report uses Rio Grande Valley to show how ICE raids can hurt local economies
More than 9,100 ICE arrests across South Texas have coincided with a record quarterly construction decline as Valley builders report labor disruptions.
Workforce
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STC brings construction management program to Mid-Valley as demand grows
The program has been in place for ten years, but it will be offered at STC’s Mid-Valley Campus for the first time this fall.
Education
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Donna students get pathway to county jail jobs through new STC partnership
The new partnership will give up to 20 seniors a pathway to meet licensing requirements for county jail jobs across Texas.
Agriculture
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USDA avocado inspection halt threatens major trade flow through Pharr
About 70% of Mexican avocados entering the U.S. cross through the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge.
Immigration
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U.S. Energy Secretary says visas ‘won’t be an issue’ for Port of Brownsville oil refinery
Chris Wright says the Trump administration can balance legal immigration with its deportation agenda as the first U.S. oil refinery in nearly 50 years advances at the port.
Commercial Real Estate
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The Vitamin Shoppe plans second McAllen location
The health and wellness retailer plans a nearly 3,000-square-foot store along Expressway 83, according to a new state filing.
Retail
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Boot Barn plans new store in Edinburg
The Western wear retailer is preparing to renovate an existing space near Interstate 69C and Canton Road, with construction expected to begin this fall.
Finance
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Texas is deciding which Valley communities will get a powerful investment incentive
The Governor’s Office is reviewing eligible census tracts before choosing which communities will qualify for a federal program that offers tax breaks to investors.
Economic incentives
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Economic progress at the Port of Brownsville draws vice president’s visit
The vice president’s first visit to the region comes amid increasing tension over ICE arrests and their impact on local businesses.
Residential Real Estate
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New Rhodes master-planned community breaks ground near Brownsville Sports Park
The Villas Las Lagunas development is a new subdivision by Esperanza Homes, a portfolio company of McAllen-based Rhodes Enterprises.
Tourism
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South Padre Island developer mulls new hotel or multifamily project, secures zoning for both
South Padre Island could see a new hotel or townhomes on the far north end after a developer secured county zoning that allows either project to move forward.
Entertainment
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Edinburg begins $7M transformation of Ebony Hills Golf Course near downtown
The city of Edinburg sees the golf course renovations as an economic development catalyst with the jumpstart of a new clubhouse and workforce development center.
International trade
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Cameron County wins federal approval to buy 50% stake in the B&M International Bridge
The presidential permit clears the way for the county to acquire Union Pacific’s share of the international crossing and move forward with modernization plans.
Mexico
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Texas-Mexico fresh produce trade generated $26B in U.S. economic activity in 2025
A Texas A&M University study estimates Texas handled 57% of U.S. fruit and vegetable imports from Mexico, with Pharr processing more than 8.9 billion pounds.
Technology
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Texas pumps the brakes on new data centers as Brownsville prepares to weigh in
Gov. Greg Abbott ordered a statewide review of proposed data centers Monday as Brownsville officials prepare for a data center workshop Tuesday.
Healthcare
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STHS Edinburg earns top Texas hospital ranking for fifth straight year
U.S. News & World Report ranked the hospital No. 30 in Texas and the only Valley facility to earn Best Regional Hospital honors for 2026-27.
Sponsored Content
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New capital projects chapter confronts growth challenges in the Rio Grande Valley
Harlingen luncheon will ask whether power, water and workers can keep pace with industrial expansion.
Business spotlight
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New $1.6M food hall aims to transform downtown Edinburg with dining, retail and events
The locally owned Las Almas Food Hall will create more than 30 jobs and serve as a new gathering place in the heart of the city.
Logistics
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New Tamaulipas electronics manufacturing industry trade group seeks to unite companies on both sides of the Rio Grande
A fast-expanding industry trade group along the U.S.-Mexico border state of Tamaulipas is looking to connect as a binational region.
Uncategorized
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South Texas Alliance of Cities Focuses on Local Control, Legislative Priorities at Edinburg Meeting
The executive legislative roundtable discussion included the mayors of four Rio Grande Valley cities, two state senators and six state representatives.
Demographics
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Reynosa and Matamoros emerge as Tamaulipas’ population engines
Reynosa and Matamoros now account for more than one-third of Tamaulipas’ population, fueled by manufacturing, logistics, and cross-border trade.
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In the Headlines
- Economic progress at the Port of Brownsville draws vice president’s visit
- Environmental advocates push back as Starbase votes to dramatically expand city limits near Boca Chica Beach
- SpaceX’s operations projected to generate $13B economic impact in Cameron County
- U.K. business plans massive data center in Harlingen, records show
- Cameron County set to acquire B&M Bridge, adding fourth international crossing to its network
- $1B desal plant secures land on South Padre Island
