Floor SpeechNeutral2026-02-23

HONORING WATCH COMMANDER RUBEN GARCIA, JR.

ImmigrationTaxesCrime & Justice

Context

On 2026-02-23, Representative Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX-34) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING WATCH COMMANDER RUBEN GARCIA, JR." in the House. The speech addressed immigration and also covered taxes, crime and justice.

Full Text

HONORING WATCH COMMANDER RUBEN GARCIA, JR.

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 35 (Monday, February 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 35 (Monday, February 23, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E152] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING WATCH COMMANDER RUBEN GARCIA, JR. _____ HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ of texas in the house of representatives Monday, February 23, 2026 Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Watch Commander Ruben Garcia, Jr. for his distinguished 25 years of service with the United States Border Patrol. Watch Commander Garcia currently serves at the Harlingen Border Patrol Station, a role which he assumed on April 21, 2024. He previously served as Watch Commander at the Hebbronville Station beginning May 22, 2022. Since joining the U.S. Border Patrol on August 21, 2000, as a member of Class 448, he has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to the mission and the men and women he leads. Promoted to Supervisory Border Patrol Agent in December 2008 at the McAllen Station, Mr. Garcia managed the Border Community Liaison program, served as an Intelligence Officer, and contributed to the Station and Sector Confined Space Entry Team. In addition to his many roles, he also established the first Border Patrol Explorer Post at the McAllen Station, reflecting his commitment to mentorship and community engagement. In 2016, he was selected to serve as a Special Operations Supervisor, overseeing the Rio Grande Valley Horse Patrol Unit and later coordinated the unit's participation in the 2017 Presidential Inauguration Parade in Washington, D.C. Throughout his career, Mr. Garcia has served in multiple leadership capacities, including Acting Deputy Patrol Agent in Charge at McAllen and Acting Assistant Chief at Headquarters over Specialty Programs. In this role, he coordinated the National Horse Patrol Program and earned a Commendation Medal for Meritorious Achievement. Mr. Garcia holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice with a minor in English from the University of Texas--Pan American and served eight years in the United States Army Reserves. Mr. Speaker, Watch Commander Ruben Garcia, Jr.'s career reflects integrity, professionalism, and a steadfast commitment to public service. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring his strong leadership and his enduring contributions to South Texas and our Nation. ____________________

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HONORING WATCH COMMANDER RUBEN GARCIA, JR. Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 35 (Monday, February 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 35 (Monday, February 23, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E152] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING WATCH COMMANDER RUBEN GARCIA, JR. _____ HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ of texas in the house of representatives Monday, February 23, 2026 Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Watch Commander Ruben Garcia, Jr. for his distinguished 25 years of service with the United States Border Patrol. Watch Commander Garcia currently serves at the Harlingen Border Patrol Station, a role which he assumed on April 21, 2024. He previously served as Watch Commander at the Hebbronville Station beginning May 22, 2022. Since joining the U.S. Border Patrol on August 21, 2000, as a member of Class 448, he has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to the mission and the men and women he leads. Promoted to Supervisory Border Patrol Agent in December 2008 at the McAllen Station, Mr. Garcia managed the Border Community Liaison program, served as an Intelligence Officer, and contributed to the Station and Sector Confined Space Entry Team. In addition to his many roles, he also established the first Border Patrol Explorer Post at the McAllen Station, reflecting his commitment to mentorship and community engagement. In 2016, he was selected to serve as a Special Operations Supervisor, overseeing the Rio Grande Valley Horse Patrol Unit and later coordinated the unit's participation in the 2017 Presidential Inauguration Parade in Washington, D.C. Throughout his career, Mr. Garcia has served in multiple leadership capacities, including Acting Deputy Patrol Agent in Charge at McAllen and Acting Assistant Chief at Headquarters over Specialty Programs. In this role, he coordinated the National Horse Patrol Program and earned a Commendation Medal for Meritorious Achievement. Mr. Garcia holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice with a minor in English from the University of Texas--Pan American and served eight years in the United States Army Reserves. Mr. Speaker, Watch Commander Ruben Garcia, Jr.'s career reflects integrity, professionalism, and a steadfast commitment to public service. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring his strong leadership and his enduring contributions to South Texas and our Nation. ____________________