The U.S. ambassador-at-large on why he thinks people are uneasy about admitting that human trafficking is a problem, what Texas has done to help address the problem, and how the government can team up with the private and nonprofit sectors to draw attention to the crime.
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.
Posted inState Government
Updated: International Election Observers Draw a Warning From Abbott
International observers set to visit Texas to monitor elections next month have the attention of Attorney General Greg Abbott, who warned that observers can’t interfere with Texas elections.
Posted inState Government
While You Were Watching Voter ID
Did the outrage over voter ID take all the energy away from Texas Democrats? A flurry of GOP-backed laws that affect voter registration indicate it did.
Posted inState Government
Campaign Finance Mistake Provides Fodder in South Texas Race
In South Texas, Democrat Yvonne Gonzalez Toureilles is hitting her Republican opponent, incumbent J.M. Lozano of Kingsville, for neglecting to report $55,000 in donations from PACs associated with GOP heavy hitters.
Posted in
Economy
Readying a Rail Bridge Over the Rio Grande
It has been more than 100 years since Texas and Mexico saw a new railroad line that spans both countries. That streak is set to end this year with the expected completion of the Brownsville West Rail Bypass International Bridge.
Posted in
Demographics
Mexican Military Seen as Best Option Against Cartels
Despite widespread criticism of the Mexican military south of the Rio Grande, its soldiers remain the best suited for taking on the cartels, according to a number of observers north of the border.
Posted inState Government
Gonzalez Toureilles Seeks to Oust Lozano in HD-43
Democrat Yvonne Gonzalez Toureilles, who served three terms in the Texas House, is looking to make a return. She’s challenging state Rep. J.M. Lozano, R-Kingsville, who switched from the Democratic Party this year.
Posted inState Government
State, Plaintiffs Reach Deal in “Dead Voter” Lawsuit
A lawsuit by four registered voters alleging that the state of Texas was violating their civil rights by purging them from voter rolls has been dropped after the plaintiffs and the state reached an agreement.
Posted inState Government
It’s Moody vs. Margo, Part Three, in El Paso’s HD-78
State Rep. Dee Margo, R-El Paso, is facing a familiar foe in the 2012 general election. Former state Rep. Joe Moody defeated Margo in 2008 but lost to Margo in 2010.
Posted in
Demographics
Report: DREAM Act Could Mean Billions for Texas Economy
Texas would see an additional $66 billion in economic impact and 282,500 additional jobs by the year 2030 if the U.S. Congress passed the DREAM Act, according to a study released Monday.
