Federico "Fred" Garza, an 80-year-old civil rights leader, has organized Rio Grande Valley voters for more than 50 years. He is riding with League of United Latin American Citizens volunteers in a caravan across the four-county region, aiming to reach eligible voters who have not yet cast a ballot. Garza said he has called every member of his family to make sure they vote.
Garza said federal immigration enforcement has changed life for many Valley families. He said some residents told him they have stopped buying groceries or eating at restaurants because they fear detention and deportation.
Unofficial Texas Secretary of State data showed 148,240 early ballots cast in Hidalgo County through Oct. 29, or 31.8% of its 466,208 registered voters. Cameron County recorded 71,304 early ballots, or 29.2% of 244,070 registered voters. Valley turnout was about 64% ahead of its 2022 midterm pace, though all four counties trailed the statewide average. President Donald Trump carried Hidalgo, Cameron, Starr and Willacy counties in 2024.