I've never been to McAllen or Donna, but I have a friend who worked in McAllen and they seemed to have liked it pretty well, especially in comparison to surrounding areas.

"I like Texas, but the politics and lack of concern for its people suck."

My sentiments exactly. Texas actually has a lot of great food and landscapes, interesting people, good music, etc. but unfortunately all we're known for rn is racist, slack jawed red-hats and platinum blonde Stepford tradwives. :(

EDIT: also no, I haven't seen Hell or High Water yet. Should I have?