Cases continued rising as a state district judge heard arguments Wednesday over a shutdown order issued by El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego. Judge William Moody said he would render a decision later this week on whether to temporarily halt the county order.
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
Coronavirus in Texas
El Paso businesses caught in the middle of a tug-of-war between county judge, mayor over shutdown order
Mayor Dee Margo and County Judge Ricardo Samaniego have battled over what authority local officials have to issue stay-at-home orders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
El Paso County’s judge has ordered nonessential businesses to close to slow coronavirus spread. The Texas attorney general says he can’t do that.
The county is experiencing a record-breaking rise of COVID-19 cases that have overwhelmed hospitals.
Posted in
Texas 2020 Elections
As COVID-19 surges and curfew takes hold, El Paso leaders encourage voters to keep heading to the polls
The situation in El Paso prompted city leaders to ask residents to stay home unless it’s absolutely necessary to be out in public. But they said residents should still get out to vote.
Posted in
Immigration
Thousands of immigrants in Texas hope the courts or the election will save their protected status
The Trump administration ended Temporary Protective Status for immigrants from several countries, and the decision is now before the courts. Tens of thousands of TPS recipients live in Texas.
Posted inState Government
El Paso officials ask residents to stay home for two weeks as COVID-19 hospitalizations surge
“Please continue to exercise your right to vote,” said El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego, who announced a 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
State sends emergency medical personnel, supplies to El Paso as COVID-19 cases rise across Texas
A new University of Texas report says the El Paso area is at high risk of exceeding hospital bed and ICU capacity early next month, and many other Texas cities could see similar problems in the coming weeks.
Posted in
Immigration
U.S. Supreme Court will hear cases on border wall funding, “remain in Mexico” policy
The Migrant Protection Protocols program has been criticized for sending thousands of vulnerable asylum seekers to Mexican border states that have seen sustained violence.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
As El Paso sees another record high for coronavirus infections, leaders step up restrictions
In addition to greater capacity limits for nonessential businesses, visits to nursing homes and elderly care facilities will be put on hold.
Posted inState Government
Border apprehensions down sharply in 2020 but spiked in September
Apprehensions of unaccompanied children dropped by as much as 70% in Border Patrol sectors along the Texas-Mexico border this fiscal year.