Press Releases

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is seeking information in the 1980 murder of 31-year-old Estella Salinas and her 14-year-old son, Andrew Salinas, in Houston. The reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for these murders is now increased to $6,000 if the tip is received before the next featured Texas Rangers cold case is announced. Anyone with information is asked to please come forward.

AUSTIN – The Public Safety Commission (PSC), along with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Colonel Freeman F. Martin, recognized the service of several Texans at the first PSC meeting of the year yesterday at DPS Headquarters in Austin. PSC Commissioners and Colonel Martin presented two William P. Clements Excellence Awards, one Director’s Citation, five Director’s Awards and five Lifesaving Awards.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is warning about a fake memo circulating online and through media outlets announcing temporary 10-day road closures in the El Paso area. This is a fake memo, and DPS is NOT closing the major highways – or any roads – in or out of the area over the next 10 days.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds football fans and anyone out on the roads to drive responsibly during this Super Bowl LX weekend. As the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots compete for the Lombardi Trophy on Feb. 8, DPS will be increasing enforcement efforts statewide to ensure everyone has a safe Super Bowl weekend.

AUSTIN – Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitive Billy Joel Alfaro – a repeat offender wanted for various crimes across the state – is this month’s Featured Fugitive. The reward for information leading to his arrest is increased to $6,000 during February if the tip is received this month.

DEL RIO – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) arrested an illegal immigrant from Nicaragua for human smuggling and apprehended a special interest alien (SIA) from China during an Operation Lone Star traffic stop in Maverick Co.

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) today released the Texas Homeland Security Strategic Plan 2026-2030.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announces a successful year for Texas’ 10 Most Wanted Program – with DPS and partner agencies arresting 65 of Texas’ Most Wanted Fugitives, Sex Offenders and Criminal Illegal Immigrants in 2025.

AUSTIN – Earlier this week, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) officially opened its new Aircraft Operations Division (AOD) hangar in Edinburg with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event on Monday celebrated a major expansion of DPS’ aviation capabilities in the South Texas Region, as the new facility is the largest DPS hangar in the state and is now fully operational. DPS’ South Texas leadership was joined at the ceremony by State Senator Juan Hinojosa and Representative Terry Canales.

AUSTIN – As many parts of the state prepare for wintry weather, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds Texans that extreme cold, freezing rain, ice, and snow can pose significant hazards to drivers and pedestrians. The department urges residents to be prepared and exercise caution in such conditions.

CRANE – Starting in July 2024, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Criminal Investigations Division (CID) conducted a targeted conspiracy investigation involving methamphetamine distribution in Crane County, which led to the arrest of three suspects over the course of a year.

AUSTIN – In recognition of National AMBER Alert Day, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds Texans of the importance of this lifesaving tool — and the entire Statewide Alert Program — as a critical resource to public safety efforts in the state.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) proudly welcomed a delegation from the U.S. Naval War College’s Naval Command College (NCC) this week as part of the program’s nationwide outreach and executive-leadership engagement.

AUSTIN – Two of Texas’ 10 Most Wanted are back in custody following their recent arrests. Authorities captured Melvin Kennon in Guadalupe Co. on Jan 6, and Baldamar Martinez in Tom Green Co. on Jan. 7. A Crime Stoppers reward will not be paid in either of their arrests.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is spotlighting its Interdiction for the Protection of Children (IPC) program ahead of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day on Sunday, Jan. 11.