On Wednesday evening, Jan. 19, FBI agents conducted a "court-authorized" search on the Laredo, Texas home of U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Democrat from TX district twenty-eight. An FBI spokesperson confirmed the investigation but said they "cannot provide further comment on an ongoing investigation."
Political insiders in Laredo and South Texas believe several reasons for this investigation.
First, how did someone from a humble economic background amass such great wealth since serving in the House of Representatives? Like many House members, Cuellar has become wealthy while serving in Washington, D.C.
There is speculation that Cuellar is under investigation for making inside deals and helping friends to secure favorable business deals in return for political support and campaign contributions. The "pay for play" political model is standard in American politics.
Furthermore, many people envy Cuellar, and his family has become a political power in Laredo and Webb County. His brother, Martin Cuellar, is the sheriff of Webb County, and his sister, Rosie Cuellar, was the Webb County tax assessor. They exercise a great deal of influence in the community and south Texas.
However, radical leftist Democrats have turned on Cuellar because he is considered "a moderate" Democrat. The radical socialist Democrats would love to control the nation's busiest inland port of entry.
In addition, Cuellar has criticized the Biden/Harris administration for its "failed leadership" regarding the border crisis. He has a Democrat primary opponent, Jessica Cisneros, supported by N.Y. Rep. Ocasio Cortez and other radical socialist Democrats.
Laredo and Webb County have historically been dominated by an "establishment" of powerful local families. They control and influence the area economically and politically.
Whatever the reasons for the FBI Cuellar investigation, it will create political turmoil for Laredo and Webb County Democrats. But on the other hand, this could be the best opportunity for Republicans to gain control of the local political and economic establishment.