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After teasing border security rollback, Texas plunges in deeper
Read full article: After teasing border security rollback, Texas plunges in deeperTexas’ border spending exploded after Joe Biden’s election, then state leaders signaled a new willingness to reduce it when Trump won. That didn’t last long.
Abbott sends state troops to U.S.-Mexico border to work with Border Patrol
Read full article: Abbott sends state troops to U.S.-Mexico border to work with Border PatrolThe 400 members of a special tactical unit left bases in Houston and Fort Worth on Monday morning, according to the governor’s office.
U.S. Senate investigation of migrant child’s death finds poor medical care at border protection facilities
Read full article: U.S. Senate investigation of migrant child’s death finds poor medical care at border protection facilitiesThe Senate Judiciary Committee launched its investigation following the 2023 death of an 8-year-old girl at a facility in Harlingen.
Greg Abbott seeks $11 billion in federal reimbursements for border security
Read full article: Greg Abbott seeks $11 billion in federal reimbursements for border securityIn a letter to U.S. congressional leaders, the governor blamed previous border security policy for leaving Texas “defenseless,” forcing state officials to spend billions.
Migrants at Texas border in shock after Trump canceled their asylum appointments
Read full article: Migrants at Texas border in shock after Trump canceled their asylum appointmentsHours after Trump’s inauguration, his administration canceled appointments allowing migrants to enter the U.S. to request asylum, leaving many of them stranded on the U.S.-Mexico border.
Many Texas schools take “wait and see” approach to Trump’s mass deportation plans
Read full article: Many Texas schools take “wait and see” approach to Trump’s mass deportation plansSchools near the border say it’s hard to prepare for the unknown. Immigration advocates say they should help communities understand students’ rights.
Texas Supreme Court to decide legal battle over El Paso migrant shelter’s future
Read full article: Texas Supreme Court to decide legal battle over El Paso migrant shelter’s futureJustices on Monday heard arguments from Annunciation House, which is fighting to stay open, and the Texas Attorney General’s office, which claims the shelter’s work with migrants violates state law.
Look back at some of the best Texas Tribune reads of 2024
Read full article: Look back at some of the best Texas Tribune reads of 2024Our journalists brought life to the experiences of everyday Texans, held powerful institutions accountable and surfaced stories that went beyond the daily news cycles.
Why were border wall materials put up for auction? Here's what you should know.
Read full article: Why were border wall materials put up for auction? Here's what you should know.Some Texas lawmakers including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick slammed the Biden administration over the auction of wall materials. But the sale was directed by Congress — and Texas has already bought some of it.
Cartels turn to social media to lure Americans into human smuggling as Texas enforces stricter laws
Read full article: Cartels turn to social media to lure Americans into human smuggling as Texas enforces stricter lawsThousands of people have been arrested under Texas’ human smuggling law. Now they face at least a decade in prison under sentencing guidelines that took effect this year.
Texas’ latest effort to deter migrants is a billboard campaign in Mexico, Central America
Read full article: Texas’ latest effort to deter migrants is a billboard campaign in Mexico, Central AmericaGov. Greg Abbott announced the new strategy, which will cost an estimated $100,000, during a press conference in Eagle Pass.
As landowners resist, Texas’ border wall is fragmented and built in remote areas
Read full article: As landowners resist, Texas’ border wall is fragmented and built in remote areasAt least a third of landowners approached by state officials have refused to let wall be built on their properties. That’s forced the state to largely build on ranchland in remote areas, or erect sections that are full of gaps.
Henry Cuellar pitched adding buoys in Rio Grande to deter migrants years ago
Read full article: Henry Cuellar pitched adding buoys in Rio Grande to deter migrants years agoThe congressman said he joined other Democrats in opposition to the use of the floating barriers and razor wire at Texas’ border because of the lack of permits.
Texas’ top elected officials signal Texas could cut border spending after Trump takes office
Read full article: Texas’ top elected officials signal Texas could cut border spending after Trump takes officeWith Donald Trump returning to the White House, Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick have both recently signaled new openness to winding down the state’ border security operation.
U.S.-Mexico water agreement might bring relief to parched South Texas
Read full article: U.S.-Mexico water agreement might bring relief to parched South TexasThe amendment to a 1944 treaty will help Mexico catch up with its water deliveries to the U.S. and might help Rio Grande Valley farmers devastated by low rainfall.
“Uncharted territory”: Trump’s anti-immigration plans could take center stage in Texas
Read full article: “Uncharted territory”: Trump’s anti-immigration plans could take center stage in TexasTexas is positioned better than any state to help Trump carry out his ambitious anti-immigration agenda. But it is also vulnerable to those policy’s impacts.
Texas buys two ranches near the border, including a huge property next to Big Bend National Park
Read full article: Texas buys two ranches near the border, including a huge property next to Big Bend National ParkA Starr County property was purchased to build border wall, while Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham said the state has many options for a sprawling ranch in West Texas.
Takeaways from the Texas Tribune-Associated Press report on 24 hours along the Texas-Mexico border
Read full article: Takeaways from the Texas Tribune-Associated Press report on 24 hours along the Texas-Mexico borderReporters from both organizations spent a day documenting the reality on the border. Here’s a summary of what they found.
Many Americans say immigration is out of control, but 24 hours on the Texas-Mexico border showed a new reality. Will it last?
Read full article: Many Americans say immigration is out of control, but 24 hours on the Texas-Mexico border showed a new reality. Will it last?The Texas Tribune and The Associated Press visited five locations along the 1,254-mile span to separate the facts from the political narrative during a heated election year.
Texas attorney general says Biden must continue border wall construction after court deadline passes
Read full article: Texas attorney general says Biden must continue border wall construction after court deadline passesTexas sued to stop an executive order issued by President Biden on his Inauguration Day to stop border wall construction and divert funds that had already been allocated for the project.
Texas’ floating barrier in the Rio Grande can stay for now, appeals court says
Read full article: Texas’ floating barrier in the Rio Grande can stay for now, appeals court saysAfter Texas deployed the barrier, a panel ordered it removed. The full appeals court says it can stay while a lower court hears a case on the merits.
El Paso County officials say it’s time the state pays for Operation Lone Star arrests
Read full article: El Paso County officials say it’s time the state pays for Operation Lone Star arrestsCounty officials issued a disaster declaration Tuesday, saying the state’s mass arrests at the border have cost the county millions of dollars and overwhelmed its criminal justice system.
Texas attorney general can’t question Catholic Charities director over migrant services, court says
Read full article: Texas attorney general can’t question Catholic Charities director over migrant services, court saysWednesday’s ruling is the second time a Texas judge has ruled against the attorney general for investigating shelters helping migrants.
Immigration is taking center stage in Texas’ Senate race. Here’s what Colin Allred’s and Ted Cruz’s records show.
Read full article: Immigration is taking center stage in Texas’ Senate race. Here’s what Colin Allred’s and Ted Cruz’s records show.Poll after poll shows Texas voters rank immigration and the border as the most pressing issues.
Border Patrol agents recorded the fewest monthly migrant apprehensions since 2021 on southern border
Read full article: Border Patrol agents recorded the fewest monthly migrant apprehensions since 2021 on southern borderMigrant apprehensions in Texas decreased by nearly one-third in June, the first month of a new order by President Joe Biden that widely limited asylum claims.
GOP-led states have pledged hundreds of troops and spent millions of dollars to help Texas secure the border this year
Read full article: GOP-led states have pledged hundreds of troops and spent millions of dollars to help Texas secure the border this yearThe federal government has deployed National Guard to the border for years, but more than a dozen states have dug into their own budgets to send even more personnel
Eagle Pass residents have mixed feelings about sharing their city with the National Guard
Read full article: Eagle Pass residents have mixed feelings about sharing their city with the National GuardTexas has sent thousands of soldiers to the border as part of Gov. Greg Abbott’s multibillion-dollar initiative Operation Lone Star. No border town has felt their presence more than Eagle Pass.
At half a mile a week, Gov. Greg Abbott’s border wall will take around 30 years and $20 billion to build
Read full article: At half a mile a week, Gov. Greg Abbott’s border wall will take around 30 years and $20 billion to buildThe state has built about 34 miles of wall spread out across at least six counties on Texas’ 1,254-mile border with Mexico.
Texas National Guard is shooting pepper balls to deter migrants at the border
Read full article: Texas National Guard is shooting pepper balls to deter migrants at the borderMigrants in Mexico said they’ve been shot by the rounds, which leave bruises and disperse a chemical irritant. The state says Guard members are trained not to aim directly at people.
Judge weighing whether to close El Paso shelter that aids undocumented immigrants
Read full article: Judge weighing whether to close El Paso shelter that aids undocumented immigrantsTexas argues that Annunciation House is breaking state law by harboring undocumented immigrants, something the shelter's lawyers called "utter nonsense."
Texas immigrants’ rights groups sue Biden administration over asylum restrictions
Read full article: Texas immigrants’ rights groups sue Biden administration over asylum restrictionsBoth Democrats and Republicans have criticized the order, which limits asylum requests when illegal border crossings ramp up.
Brandon Herrera to request recount in primary runoff against U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales
Read full article: Brandon Herrera to request recount in primary runoff against U.S. Rep. Tony GonzalesHerrera said he doesn’t expect the results to change, “but I feel I owe it to my volunteers, voters, and supporters to leave no stone unturned.”
“Why now?”: Biden’s new immigration policy to limit asylum seekers faces quick criticism in Texas
Read full article: “Why now?”: Biden’s new immigration policy to limit asylum seekers faces quick criticism in TexasPresident Joe Biden’s new executive order, unveiled Tuesday, will restrict the number of asylum seekers allowed to cross the border when crossings reach a certain level.
Texas delegation urges Congress to withhold aid to Mexico over water treaty dispute
Read full article: Texas delegation urges Congress to withhold aid to Mexico over water treaty disputeA bipartisan group of Texas lawmakers are demanding appropriators withhold funds for the country until Mexico lives up to its end of a 1944 water treaty that requires it to send 1.75 million acre-feet to the U.S. every five years.
A Houston woman applied for a green card. She was banned from the U.S. for a decade.
Read full article: A Houston woman applied for a green card. She was banned from the U.S. for a decade.Claudia González was 15 when she crossed the border into Texas to reunite with her mother. Now she’s back in Mexico, separated from her 15-year-old son and her husband in Houston.
Migrant apprehensions are down at the Texas border. Have state policies had an impact?
Read full article: Migrant apprehensions are down at the Texas border. Have state policies had an impact?Abbott has credited his Operation Lone Star for a recent drop in migrant encounters on the Texas-Mexico border.
Texas National Guard member charged with human smuggling after high-speed chase near the border
Read full article: Texas National Guard member charged with human smuggling after high-speed chase near the borderAuthorities said the 26-year-old turned around at a Border Patrol checkpoint and fled from police in Kinney County.
1.7 million Texas households are set to lose monthly internet subsidy
Read full article: 1.7 million Texas households are set to lose monthly internet subsidyThe Affordable Connectivity Program provides a $30 monthly subsidy to help low-income households pay for internet service. The program is slated to run out of money at the end of the month.
Enforcing Texas’ new immigration law may be challenging, even for authorities that support it
Read full article: Enforcing Texas’ new immigration law may be challenging, even for authorities that support itA new law allowing local authorities to deport migrants remains tied up in court. Even if it goes back into effect, logistical challenges could complicate enforcement.
Disagreement and confusion on display in hearing over Texas’ new immigration law
Read full article: Disagreement and confusion on display in hearing over Texas’ new immigration lawThe Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments about whether to allow back into effect a law allowing state and local authorities to deport migrants.
Texas’ new immigration law is blocked again
Read full article: Texas’ new immigration law is blocked againHours after the U.S. Supreme Court had allowed Senate Bill 4 to go into effect, a federal appeals court let an earlier injunction stand. SB 4 lets Texas police arrest people suspected of illegally crossing the Texas-Mexico border.
Supreme Court permits Texas police to arrest people who illegally cross the border as the SB 4 legal clash continues
Read full article: Supreme Court permits Texas police to arrest people who illegally cross the border as the SB 4 legal clash continuesThe ruling allows Texas to start enforcing SB 4 while a lawsuit over its constitutionality remains pending before a federal appeals court.
As Biden and Trump visit the border, many Texas residents feel ignored
Read full article: As Biden and Trump visit the border, many Texas residents feel ignoredWhen the two presidents used the Texas-Mexico boundary as a backdrop for the national immigration fight, residents felt they were left out of the conversation.
Ken Paxton’s Annunciation House investigation is the latest attack on religious organizations aiding migrants at the border
Read full article: Ken Paxton’s Annunciation House investigation is the latest attack on religious organizations aiding migrants at the borderFor years, conservative religious groups and Texas politicians have accused groups housing newly-arrived migrants of encouraging, and profiting from, illegal immigration.
In two Texas border towns, Biden and Trump push for different immigration approaches
Read full article: In two Texas border towns, Biden and Trump push for different immigration approachesImmigration is a driving issue in the almost-certain presidential rematch between the Democratic incumbent and ousted Republican.
El Paso leaders rally around migrant shelters after Attorney General Ken Paxton’s threat to shut them down
Read full article: El Paso leaders rally around migrant shelters after Attorney General Ken Paxton’s threat to shut them downPaxton’s office demanded records of migrants that Annunciation House has helped and threatened to shut down the Catholic shelter network.
Ken Paxton sues to revoke an El Paso nonprofit’s state registration after it didn’t immediately hand over client records
Read full article: Ken Paxton sues to revoke an El Paso nonprofit’s state registration after it didn’t immediately hand over client recordsAnnunciation House, a network of shelters that serves migrants, sought relief from the attorney general’s demand to immediately release information about its clients. Paxton accused the religious group of smuggling humans across the southern border.
Texas and Biden administration lawyers face off in court over new law making illegal border crossing a state crime
Read full article: Texas and Biden administration lawyers face off in court over new law making illegal border crossing a state crimeAn Austin judge will decide whether Senate Bill 4 will go into effect on March 5. The new law allows police to arrest people suspected of illegally crossing the border.
Border security overpowers school vouchers and Paxton impeachment in Republican Texas House primaries
Read full article: Border security overpowers school vouchers and Paxton impeachment in Republican Texas House primariesDespite all the hubbub about vouchers and the attorney general’s impeachment, it’s still about the border.
FBI foils 2022 plot by militiamen to “start a war” at the Texas-Mexico border
Read full article: FBI foils 2022 plot by militiamen to “start a war” at the Texas-Mexico borderA Tennessee man arrested Monday hoped to travel to the southern border with a militia group that allegedly plotted to go “to war with the border patrol,” believing that the country was being invaded by migrants.
Hospitalized Texas Democrat Al Green rushed to Capitol for impeachment vote in scrubs, saving Mayorkas
Read full article: Hospitalized Texas Democrat Al Green rushed to Capitol for impeachment vote in scrubs, saving MayorkasThe Houston Democrat is recovering from abdominal surgery. Democrats did not expect him to attend the vote, but his surprise appearance sank the impeachment vote.
Texas' standoff with the feds in Eagle Pass is igniting calls for secession and fears of violence
Read full article: Texas' standoff with the feds in Eagle Pass is igniting calls for secession and fears of violenceThe calls for Texas to defend itself and defy the federal government have set fire to a long-simmering fight over states’ rights, emboldening right-wing figures.
U.S. Supreme Court says Texas can’t block federal agents from the border
Read full article: U.S. Supreme Court says Texas can’t block federal agents from the borderThe high court’s order effectively maintains long-running precedent that the federal government — not individual states — has authority to enforce border security.
In Eagle Pass, a tense border standoff between Texas and the federal government is reaching a crescendo
Read full article: In Eagle Pass, a tense border standoff between Texas and the federal government is reaching a crescendoA park on the Rio Grande is the new focus of a long battle over border enforcement that’s reached the U.S. Supreme Court.
Feds say Texas is blocking Border Patrol from a section of the border, ask US Supreme Court to intervene
Read full article: Feds say Texas is blocking Border Patrol from a section of the border, ask US Supreme Court to interveneThe Justice Department says agents can’t access 2.5 miles of the border and a boat ramp in Eagle Pass.
Abbott’s immigration rhetoric criticized again after interview response about shooting migrants
Read full article: Abbott’s immigration rhetoric criticized again after interview response about shooting migrantsAsked how far Texas could legally go to secure the border, Gov. Greg Abbott said the state isn’t shooting people who illegally cross the border because the Biden administration would charge officials with murder.
U.S. Department of Justice says it’ll sue if Texas enforces new law punishing illegal border crossing
Read full article: U.S. Department of Justice says it’ll sue if Texas enforces new law punishing illegal border crossingThe state has until Jan. 3 to say it won’t arrest people accused of unauthorized entry from Mexico. If not, the Biden administration will sue, saying immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility.
Immigrant rights groups sue Texas to halt new law allowing arrests of migrants
Read full article: Immigrant rights groups sue Texas to halt new law allowing arrests of migrantsThe lawsuit asks a judge to prevent the state from enforcing Senate Bill 4, which will authorize Texas police to arrest immigrants suspected of crossing the border illegally.
Gov. Greg Abbott signs bill making illegal immigration a state crime
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott signs bill making illegal immigration a state crimeThe new law would authorize police to arrest people they suspect crossed the Rio Grande between ports of entry. Abbott also signed a bill earmarking more than $1 billion for more border barriers.
Stigma and language barriers complicate treating Hispanics with Alzheimer’s disease
Read full article: Stigma and language barriers complicate treating Hispanics with Alzheimer’s diseaseBorder counties in Texas have some of the highest Alzheimer’s diagnosis rates in the nation, with rates ranging from 13% to 18% of people aged 65 and over.
Appeals court halts ruling that Border Patrol can legally cut Texas’ border concertina wire
Read full article: Appeals court halts ruling that Border Patrol can legally cut Texas’ border concertina wireLess than a week after a Del Rio-based federal judge ruled against Texas in the ongoing fight over the state’s razor wire, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals paused that decision while it reviews the case.
Texas Legislature sends $1.54 billion bill for border barriers to Gov. Abbott
Read full article: Texas Legislature sends $1.54 billion bill for border barriers to Gov. AbbottSenate Bill 3 would also appropriate $40 million for state troopers to patrol Colony Ridge, a housing development outside of Houston, and allow the state to send money to local jurisdictions to offset the cost of enforcing another immigration-related bill.
Judge denies Texas’ request to stop feds from cutting border razor wire
Read full article: Judge denies Texas’ request to stop feds from cutting border razor wireJudge Alia Moses ruled in the federal government’s favor but chided the Biden administration for not allowing migrants to use international bridges to claim asylum.
New study: Texas’ undocumented immigrant population remained relatively stable in 2021
Read full article: New study: Texas’ undocumented immigrant population remained relatively stable in 2021The Pew Research Center analyzed unauthorized immigrant data from 2021 finding that there’s been a significant shift in migrants’ country of origin and where they choose to live in the U.S.
Mexico “rejects” Texas’ proposal to allow state police to deport undocumented immigrants
Read full article: Mexico “rejects” Texas’ proposal to allow state police to deport undocumented immigrantsMexico said Texas’ Senate Bill 4 will violate the human rights of Mexican immigrants living in Texas. Gov. Greg Abbott said he plans to sign the proposal into law.
Texas legislators approve bill allowing police to arrest people who cross the border illegally
Read full article: Texas legislators approve bill allowing police to arrest people who cross the border illegallyThe Texas House also voted to spend $1.5 billion on new state border walls, though that measure must be reconciled with the Senate version before it’s sent to Gov. Greg Abbott for consideration.
Senate fast-tracks passage of vouchers and border security legislation
Read full article: Senate fast-tracks passage of vouchers and border security legislationThe Senate revved to life Thursday, holding committee hearings with little advance notice and advancing four bills that satisfy Abbott’s agenda.
Texas Legislature tries again with bills making illegal border crossings a state crime
Read full article: Texas Legislature tries again with bills making illegal border crossings a state crimeImmigration experts say the most recent proposals would raise constitutional challenges in the U.S. and Mexico, as federal courts have repeatedly ruled that immigration law enforcement falls under federal jurisdiction.
With time running out, Texas Senate punts on taking action on border bill
Read full article: With time running out, Texas Senate punts on taking action on border billThe Senate on Sunday afternoon failed to take action on a border security bill, leaving virtually no time to pass the bill before the special session ends on Tuesday.
Fighting between legislative leaders imperils Texas border security bills
Read full article: Fighting between legislative leaders imperils Texas border security billsThe governor, lieutenant governor and House speaker generally agree on building more border barriers and making illegal border crossings a state crime. But disagreements over strategy and personal animosity mean those measures face long odds this special legislative session.
State Senate approves bill to spend $1.5 billion for border walls, more policing of Liberty County development
Read full article: State Senate approves bill to spend $1.5 billion for border walls, more policing of Liberty County developmentAlong with the money to build more border barriers, Senate Bill 6 would devote $49 million to beef up law enforcement of the Colony Ridge development that’s become a target of far-right media.
Federal judge orders immigration agents to stop removing Texas’ concertina wire on the border
Read full article: Federal judge orders immigration agents to stop removing Texas’ concertina wire on the borderBorder Patrol agents have cut through the state’s wire to free migrants or take them into custody. Judge Alia Moses will hear arguments from Texas and the Biden administration next week to determine whether her temporary order will continue past Nov. 13.
Texas sues to stop Border Patrol agents from cutting state’s razor wire at the border
Read full article: Texas sues to stop Border Patrol agents from cutting state’s razor wire at the borderAttorney General Ken Paxton’s latest lawsuit against the federal government claims Border Patrol agents cut through concertina wire purchased and deployed at the border by the state.
Texas strings concertina wire along New Mexico border to deter migrants
Read full article: Texas strings concertina wire along New Mexico border to deter migrantsGov. Greg Abbott said the barrier — two rows of wire strung between metal posts near Interstate 10 — was necessary because migrants are crossing the border at New Mexico and walking into El Paso.
How Texas lawmakers are trying to deter illegal immigration and secure the border
Read full article: How Texas lawmakers are trying to deter illegal immigration and secure the borderTwo Texas House members and an immigration lawyer sat down with Matthew Watkins, the Tribune’s managing editor of news and politics, to discuss the current state of Texas’ border and immigration bills that lawmakers are weighing during the special session.
Biden administration settles lawsuit over Trump-era migrant family separation policy
Read full article: Biden administration settles lawsuit over Trump-era migrant family separation policyIf the settlement is approved, the federal government would be prohibited from adopting a similar policy for the next eight years. Affected immigrants would be allowed to be in the country legally and receive work permits and other benefits.
Biden administration presses forward with border wall plans in Texas, angering allies
Read full article: Biden administration presses forward with border wall plans in Texas, angering alliesEven as the president says the barriers don’t work, his administration says it will waive environmental laws to build them quickly.
Education savings accounts and illegal immigration will be part of third special legislative session’s focus
Read full article: Education savings accounts and illegal immigration will be part of third special legislative session’s focusGov. Greg Abbott announced the items lawmakers can consider when they return Monday. His agenda also includes COVID vaccine mandates and the Colony Ridge development outside Houston.
Mexico agrees to deport migrants after El Paso reaches “breaking point”
Read full article: Mexico agrees to deport migrants after El Paso reaches “breaking point”Mexican immigration officials said they will negotiate with five countries’ governments to ensure they will take back their citizens. The agreement was announced after shelters in El Paso said they are over capacity.
Texas border cities scramble to shelter thousands of newly-arrived migrants
Read full article: Texas border cities scramble to shelter thousands of newly-arrived migrantsThousands of migrants have crossed the border into Eagle Pass and El Paso in recent days, the highest number since the emergency health order known as Title 42 expired in May.
Slim majority of Texans support Gov. Greg Abbott’s border buoys, poll finds
Read full article: Slim majority of Texans support Gov. Greg Abbott’s border buoys, poll findsThe UT poll also touched on a range of other topics, including Texas voters’ opinions on the upcoming presidential election and the U.S. Senate race.
Texas can keep buoys in the Rio Grande while legal challenge continues, federal appeals court rules
Read full article: Texas can keep buoys in the Rio Grande while legal challenge continues, federal appeals court rulesNearly three months after Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the deployment of the 1,000-foot line of buoys and mesh in the Rio Grande, an Austin federal judge ordered the state to remove the barrier and stop building further obstructions in the river. One day later a higher court sided with Texas.