CBP seizes over $2.8M in narcotics at Eagle Pass port of entry
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized more than $2.8 million in suspected cocaine and methamphetamine during two inspections at Eagle Pass crossings in late March, leading to two arrests and ongoing federal investigations.
Federal Case Alleges South Texas Doctor Fueled Houston Pill Pipeline With Millions of Opioids
A federal indictment alleges a South Texas doctor prescribed more than five million controlled-substance pills through a cash-only Houston clinic, using recruited “patients” and coordinated distribution methods, while a prior Texas Medical Board order now factors into his federal release conditions.
Newly Released TPWD Records Detail Termination of Game Warden Serving as Huntington ISD Board President
Newly released records from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department detail the termination of a longtime Game Warden while also confirming he was serving as president of the Huntington ISD school board at the time. The investigative file shows text messages sent from a state-issued phone, including exchanges identified as being with “J. Eddins,” listed as Justin C. Eddins, a Game Warden later indicted in October 2025. Wood, through his attorney, referenced a 2024 conversation with a brother-in-law, but that explanation does not align with the contact identified in the records. After reporting by The Hawk’s Eye brought the case to wider attention, Wood later resigned from his position as Huntington ISD board president, citing the situation as a distraction.
Hays County Sheriff’s Office Training Academy Earns Zero-Deficiency Audit
A comprehensive state audit found the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Training Academy in full compliance with all regulatory standards, with no deficiencies identified during the review.
Transparency Test: Comal County’s Block List Raises Free‑Speech Concern
The Hawk’s Eye obtained the Comal County Sheriff’s Office block list through an open‑records request. It shows more than 50 accounts barred from the department’s social‑media pages, prompting questions about transparency and free speech at a time when law enforcement uses these platforms to reach the public. Our report looks at the list’s implications in light of recent Supreme Court and Fifth Circuit rulings on officials blocking critics online.
Predator Poachers Activity in Harlingen Prompts Police Response
The presence of a civilian group known as Predator Poachers in Harlingen around mid-March has prompted a formal response from local law enforcement, highlighting legal concerns tied to citizen-led investigations. While the group has built a large online following through videos confronting individuals accused of crimes against children, police emphasize that arrests and prosecutions must meet strict legal standards. The Harlingen Police Department cited issues including probable cause, chain of custody, and potential entrapment risks in its March 17 statement. Officials also confirmed an open and active investigation, with further responses being coordinated through the city attorney’s office.
Wilson County Deputy Reprimanded After Politically Motivated Workplace Comment
A Wilson County Sheriff’s Office deputy received a written reprimand after making a workplace comment referencing the killing of political activist Charlie Kirk, which coworkers described as discriminatory and politically motivated. Internal records show the remark was made inside the county jail and later supported by witness statements. The deputy acknowledged making the comment but disputed how it was characterized.
Comal County Constable Claimed TCOLE Audit “Passed,” Preliminary Review Found Deficiencies Later Corrected
Comal County Precinct 4 Constable Alice “Ali” Flores publicly stated her office “passed” a TCOLE audit, but records released after a delay show the review began with deficiencies in her own personnel file. The preliminary audit identified missing required documentation, including a criminal history check and fingerprint return, which were corrected only after auditors flagged them. In a five-person office where just three files were reviewed, the only file with multiple deficiencies belonged to the elected official who later described the audit as a success. The audit was ultimately closed after compliance was achieved, raising questions about how the outcome was presented to the public.
Audit Finds Dozens of Delayed Cases, Laredo Sergeant Suspended One Day
An internal review found that Laredo Police Sergeant Jesus M. Vaquera failed to move forward dozens of assigned investigations, including cases involving child abuse and sexual assault, leading to a one-day suspension. Records show many cases sat inactive for months or longer, with more than a third reassigned due to lack of progress. Vaquera accepted the discipline and agreed to additional training following the findings.
Award-Winning Texas Game Warden Fired After Using Racal Slurs
A Texas game warden with more than 20 years of service was terminated after an internal investigation found he repeatedly sent text messages containing a racial slur on a state-issued phone. Phillip Wood, who had previously been recognized as the state’s 2018 Boating Officer of the Year, was fired by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department following findings that he used the word “nigger” multiple times in violation of agency conduct standards.  Records show Wood had served as a licensed Texas peace officer since 1993, including more than two decades as a game warden, before the misconduct determination ended his career.