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Media release 10/27/2026: (AUSTIN, TX) — Today, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., announced that the Texas General Land Office (GLO) has identified nine islands along the Texas-Mexico border, totaling roughly 66 acres, as property belonging to the State of Texas. The determination of these islands by the GLO resolves any uncertainty pertaining to jurisdiction and ensures these strategically located lands can be appropriately accessed, monitored, and protected by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Texas Military Department (TMD). Commissioner Buckingham is coordinating with state and federal law enforcement partners to ensure authorities have the necessary coordinates in order to conduct border security operations, address any illegal activity and protect the surrounding communities. “As Texas Land Commissioner, I have a responsibility to protect every acre of state land entrusted to the General Land Office. For years, the ownership of these islands has been uncertain, limiting the ability to ensure they are properly monitored and protected,” said Commissioner Buckingham. “Now that the GLO has confirmed these nine islands belong to the State of Texas, we are notifying our law enforcement partners so that they can gain access to these state-owned properties to patrol, inspect and clear them of any illegal activity they may encounter, consistent with the law. Texas land will never become a safe haven for cartels, human traffickers, smugglers, or other criminal organizations.” In her letter to DPS and TMD, Commissioner Buckingham noted: “This effort builds on the GLO’s work to establish ownership of Rio Grande islands and ensure law enforcement can access state-owned property. While we have not confirmed criminal activity on these additional islands, past experience has shown how border islands can be exploited by cartels and smugglers. In 2023, I declared Fronton Island, a 170-acre island in Starr County, state land. Following that declaration, DPS and TMD cleared vegetation through Operation Flat Top, helping disrupt criminal activity at the site.” The announcement also marks the culmination of the final pillar, “Protect It” of the GLO’s Texas Engine: Fueled, Fed, and Fortified Initiative. The GLO will always remain focused on safeguarding Texas land, supporting law enforcement, and protecting the resources and infrastructure essential to the state’s security. In 2023, Commissioner Buckingham declared Fronton Island, a 170-acre island in Starr County, state land. After her declaration, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Texas Military Department (TMD) cleared the land of vegetation through Operation Flat Top, and crime at this border hotspot was halted dramatically. In October 2024, Commissioner Buckingham announced that the GLO had acquired a 1,402-acre ranch along the Rio Grande at Starr County’s border with Mexico to build the border wall. Less than 24 hours later, Commissioner Buckingham signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Texas Facilities Commission (TFC), authorizing them to begin state border wall construction. In November 2024, she sent the Trump Administration a letter offering the newly acquired land for the construction of deportation facilities and staging areas to carry out the Trump Administration’s plans to deport violent criminal illegal immigrants. Paneling on 1.5 miles of border wall was completed on this property in Starr County in January 2025. Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.

Three people were arrested in Bryan after a traffic stop led to the discovery methamphetamine, marijuana, and a THC vape. Bryan Police Department were on patrol near the Saddlewood Club Apartments in the 3600 block of Wellborn Road around 9:00pm Monday when they observed a Chevrolet Impala occupied by three people with smoke billowing from the cabin. Upon approach, police observed the smell of marijuana and found 2.88 grams of marijuana inside the vehicle. The driver, 22-year-old Robert Vincent McGee, Jr., was charged with Possession of Marijuana (under two ounces). He is free on $2,000 bond. 21-year-old Shaquvain Nicolette Briane Roston was found with a bag containing eight multicolored pills inside her purse. The pills tested positive for methamphetamine and weighed in at approximately 2.35 grams. Roston was also found with a THC vape pen. She was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance (Penalty Group 2, less than one gram). She is free on $10,000 bond. 21-year-old Devon Christina Long told officers she had taken ecstasy pills earlier that day. She was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance (PG1/1-B, 1-4 grams). She is free on $15,000 bond. Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.

A man is facing a third-degree felony charge of Retaliation after threatening to kill an officer and the officer’s family after an arrest for Criminal Trespass on Monday. College Station Police Department say 44-year-old Reginald Wayne Collins, Jr., of Houston, was trespassing at an apartment complex on Southwest Parkway. Police say Collins made the threats during telephone conversations while in custody. Investigators reviewed body camera footage and determined the statements constituted threats against a public servant in retaliation for performing official duties. Collins was charged with Retaliation in addition to the two counts of Criminal Trespass. He is being held on $43,000 bond. It is his 7th booking in the Brazos County Jail. Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.