Good morning, Laredo.

The Children’s Advocacy Center is hosting its annual Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Conference on April 3 at the TAMIU Student Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event (with a cost of $75 for adults and $25 for students) will include five presentations (in English and Spanish) to teach community members how to spot and report child abuse.

Border Patrol agents in the Laredo Sector intercepted a human smuggling attempt at the I-35 checkpoint on March 20 — arresting six undocumented immigrants, who will be charged with improper entry, and a driver, who will face alien smuggling charges after a K-9 unit alerted agents to a tractor-trailer and a pistol was confiscated from the trailer.

Fernando Machado, a 27-year-old man allegedly involved in a shooting in the Cheyenne subdivision that killed Frida Castillo and left her brother and mother critically injured on March 15, was released from a San Antonio hospital on March 20—he is now taken into custody by Laredo Police and faces pending warrants for murder, two counts of aggravated assault and burglary of habitation with additional charges pending.

Darril Orlando Garcia, accused of human smuggling for transporting six undocumented immigrants in a refrigerated trailer last October at the Border Patrol checkpoint on I-35, was found not guilty by a federal jury on March 18 after a one-day trial that lasted three hours.

Texas A&M International University will host Professor Hilary J.

Allen on April 9 at 6 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom (STC 203) for a lecture (Crypto and Financial Crises) on financial stability and crypto innovations as part of the IBC Bank & Commerce Bank Keynote Speaker Series; doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and a Q&A will follow.

Yesterday, TAMIU hosted an Open House to mark the anniversary of a transfer deal with Southwest Texas College that makes it easier for students to move to TAMIU.

Faculty explained degree programs, financial aid, and on-campus housing while a session on AI showcased new opportunities—teachers noted a 200% jump in transfers and more accepted applicants.

TAMIU received a competitive grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to launch its Outdoor Adventures program in April that offers free kayaking, camping and outdoor education opportunities to students and the community.

The program will hold bi-monthly kayaking sessions and multi-day camping events at local parks—where certified TAMIU staff and TPWD personnel ensure safety and skill-building—with all equipment provided.

TAMIU will open registration for Maymester, Summer and Fall 2025 courses on Monday, April 7 at 8 a.m. online via Uconnect—graduate students, seniors, honor students, student athletes and veterans will register on Monday and Tuesday while juniors and TRIO students register on Wednesday—and then all students will register on Thursday, April 10.

On Thursday morning, the City of Laredo officially opened the Marine Workout Station at North Station Park (10202 International Boulevard at Chimayo Road and Loreto Drive), with officials including District Six Councilman Dr. Tyler King and Border Patrol Agent and Marine Corporal Benny Cepeda (who participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony).

TAMIU will host Softball Youth Day this Sunday in Laredo—young softball players will meet college athletes and watch the Dustdevils take on St. Edwards University at 12:15 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. while Noraida Negron will throw the first pitch.

2nd Annual LAP's 5K Run & Walk

This event features a fun 5K run and walk with various age categories and awards for top finishers.

Los Dos de Tamaulipas Concert

8 PM – 12 AM | Casablanca Ballroom | Ticket prices vary | Enjoy a night of vibrant music from Los Dos de Tamaulipas in the heart of Laredo.

Jorge Medina Concert

7-10:30 p.m. | Sames Auto Arena | Ticket prices vary | Experience a vibrant mix of banda and música mexicana with Jorge Medina as part of the Luis Angel El Flaco tour.

Laredo Cares Spring Job Fair 2025

1-4 p.m. — Laredo College — Free entry — Connect with local employers and explore job opportunities at this spring job fair.

That Mexican OT Live in Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Silverado's Night Club — Tickets available — Experience the vibrant sounds of That Mexican OT in Laredo's lively night scene.

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny

11 AM – 2 PM — Main Event Laredo — Details not provided — Enjoy a delightful morning filled with food and festivities alongside the Easter Bunny.