Apprehension of families and unaccompanied children surged again along the Texas-Mexico border in 2016, reflecting the new prevalence of illegal immigration from Central America.
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 in
Criminal Justice
Court’s immigration ruling could affect Texas “sanctuary city” debate
An Illinois judge ruled that federal officials can’t ask local jails to hold on to possible criminal immigrants without a warrant.
Posted in
Bordering on Insecurity
El Salvador’s gang violence thrives in aftermath of civil war
Bloody gang conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives and sparked a years-long exodus from El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala to the United States.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
U.S. Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Cross-Border Shooting Case
The case stems from a 2010 incident that ended with the death of a 15-year-old boy at the hands of a Border Patrol agent in El Paso.
Posted in
Bordering on Insecurity
To Die or to Leave: Migrants Flee the Murder Capital of the World
Meet some of the Central Americans who are fleeing violence and abject poverty at home, only to endure shakedowns and abuse on their way to an uncertain future in the United States. This mini-documentary is part of our Bordering on Insecurity project.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Lack of Money Hinders Effort to ID Remains of Migrants Near the Border
The Texas Forensic Science Commission discussed the progress it has made in identifying the hundreds of remains found in border counties since 2010.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Texas Officials to Revisit Issue of ID’ing Remains of Migrants Near the Border
The Texas Forensic Science Commission will discuss an issue tied directly to the hot-button issue of illegal immigration.
Posted in
Demographics
Supreme Court Won’t Rehear Immigration Case
The Obama administration suffered another setback on Monday in its effort to change the country’s immigration laws.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Texas Lawmakers Criticize Border Surge For Moving Crime but Not Stopping It
Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw told state lawmakers that the $800 million border surge has made two counties safer. But he conceded that the rest of the border is more vulnerable.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Did the Pope’s Visit Help the Border? Depends Who You Ask.
Seven months after Pope Francis celebrated mass on the Texas-Mexico border, measuring the lasting effects of his visit is difficult. A recent uptick in violence has fueled concerns about whether another crime wave is on the way.
