Julián Aguilar

Julián Aguilar reported for the Tribune from 2009 to 2021, most recently on politics and on the Texas-Mexico border. He focused on immigration reform and enforcement, voter ID, international trade, border security, and the drug trade. His political coverage has included local, legislative and congressional races in Texas, as well as local and national elections in Mexico. Before joining The Texas Tribune, he was a freelance writer for the Fort Worth Weekly, a government and crime reporter for the Laredo Morning Times, and a political writer for the Rio Grande Guardian. A native of El Paso, he has a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Texas and a master's degree in journalism from the Frank W. Mayborn Graduate Institute of Journalism at the University of North Texas.

Past Contributions

Mexican Company's Bankruptcy Case Has Cross-Border Impact

By Julián Aguilar May 17, 2012

A bankruptcy case pending in a Dallas courtroom has analysts waiting to see if the outcome could affect how U.S.-based companies do business in Mexico. Full Story

Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman
Major Player in Fight Against Mexican Coal Company Bows Out

By Julián Aguilar May 16, 2012

In a surprise move, the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas has withdrawn its opposition to a planned Eagle Pass coal mine that opponents allege would pollute the area's air and water supply. Full Story

Credit: Jennifer Whitney
Senator to Secretary of State: Tell Public Voter ID Law Isn’t in Effect

By Julián Aguilar May 11, 2012

A state senator on Friday asked the Texas secretary of state’s office to make it clear to the public that requirements mandated in the voter ID law will not be in effect for this month’s primary. Full Story

Credit: Graphic by Todd Wiseman
In CD-16 Race, Tensions High as Accusations Fly

By Julián Aguilar May 10, 2012

It’s never been friendly, but the battle over CD-16 between U.S. Rep. Silvestre Reyes, D-El Paso, and primary challenger Beto O’Rourke is becoming a full-fledged border brawl. Full Story
HD-75 Rivals Take Aim at Each Other Over Ideology

By Julián Aguilar May 8, 2012

Rivals in the Democratic primary battle to replace state Rep. Inocente “Chente” Quintanilla, 69, D-Tornillo, have spent much of the campaign debating who is too liberal or conservative for the rural West Texas district. Full Story
District Court: Voter ID Unlikely for 2012

By Julián Aguilar May 7, 2012

UPDATED: Texas' controversial voter ID law will not likely be in place in time for the November elections, a federal district court ruled today, unless the state can meet a tight deadline to turn over documents. Full Story

Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman
Perry Asks Obama to Address Growing Number of Illegal-Immigrant Minors

By Julián Aguilar May 7, 2012

Calling the "humanitarian crisis" a byproduct of President Obama’s failed effort to secure the border, Gov. Rick Perry has asked the White House to address an influx of unaccompanied minors crossing in to the country. Full Story

Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman / Bob Daemmrich
Immigration Program Stands Out in Travis County Sheriff Race

By Julián Aguilar May 7, 2012

In Travis County, which some consider the liberal hub of Texas, a controversial immigration-enforcement program has become the key issue in the Democratic primary race for sheriff. Full Story

Credit: Bob Daemmrich
23-Year-Old Challenger Takes Aim at Incumbent Marquez in HD-77

By Julián Aguilar May 2, 2012

Aaron Barraza isn't letting his youth stop him from trying to unseat state Rep. Marisa Marquez of El Paso in the Democratic primary for HD-77. Marquez says her record should earn her another term. Full Story

Credit: Graphic by Todd Wiseman
ATF: Two-Thirds of Guns Recovered in Mexico Come From the U.S.

By Julián Aguilar April 26, 2012

An estimated 68,000 of the more than 99,000 guns submitted to U.S. authorities by Mexican law enforcement for tracing had origins here, according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Full Story

Credit: Julian Aguilar