Hidalgo County DA Partners with Border Patrol, Schools to Launch Program for At-Risk Youth

Staff Report

EDINBURG – Hidalgo County Criminal District Attorney Toribio “Terry” Palacios has teamed up with U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s McAllen Border Patrol Station, Region One Education Service Center, the 449th District Court, the Hidalgo County Juvenile Justice Department, and Hidalgo ISD to introduce a new initiative aimed at supporting at-risk youth.

The program, called Rewarding Education Attitude Leadership (REAL) Mission, will offer mentorship to students at Hidalgo ISD who face disciplinary action, such as expulsion or transfer to alternative schools. Additionally, the program will serve as a referral for those involved in deferred prosecution cases. The memorandum of understanding for the REAL Mission was signed during a ceremony at Region One’s Edinburg headquarters on Friday.

The six-week mentorship program is designed to provide participants with leadership and teamwork skills, while encouraging academic achievement and positive life choices. U.S. Border Patrol agents and community leaders will lead the sessions, which will also include social-emotional and mental health education provided by Region One specialists.

“We are excited to partner with this new initiative that will give a second chance to at-risk youths,” Palacios said. “We need more mentorship programs in our community to let youths know they matter and can have an opportunity at making better life choices.”

Speakers at the event included Palacios; U.S. Border Patrol RGV Sector Chief Gloria Chavez; Region One ESC Executive Director Dr. Daniel P. King; 449th District Court Judge Renee Rodriguez-Betancourt; and Hidalgo ISD Superintendent Xavier Salinas.

Source – Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office.