Many residents of Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, have reacted with silence to the death of a former mayor, who was allegedly kidnapped. It’s yet another signal that while violence has ebbed in the city, a climate of fear still exists.
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
In El Paso, Van de Putte Calls Out GOP, Patrick
State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor, brought her multicity bus tour to El Paso on Tuesday, hurling criticism at the state’s Republican leadership for “disrespecting” border communities.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Demolition Mission Targets Laredo Eyesores
For the first time on the border, the National Guard is teaming up with the Border Patrol in Laredo to help rid the city of dwellings that were once havens for drugs and smuggling.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Lawmakers File Bill to Increase CBP Oversight
U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke has filed a bill that would establish increased oversight committee for Border Patrol agents when it comes to use of force, training and community engagement.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Rolando Pablos: The TT Interview
The CEO of the Borderplex Alliance on what El Paso needs to do to shed its reputation as a hub for low-skilled and low-wage industries, why he thinks the war in Ciudad Juárez is officially over and his thoughts on immigration reform.
Posted in
Politics
Arming U.S. Customs Agents in Mexico Stalling Bilateral Trade Agreement
A little-known customs agreement between the United States and Mexico removes a major hurdle in how goods move across the border and could be an economic boon to South Texas.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Groups Welcome Release of CBP’s Use-of-Force Policy as a First Step
Some Texas-based advocacy groups say the release of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s use-of-force policy for Border Patrol agents is a positive step for transparency. But they add that more could be done.
Posted in
Politics
A Rundown of the Runoffs on the May 27 Ballot
Republican primary races for lieutenant governor and attorney general are among several that are headed for runoffs this year in Texas. Check out the list of races that are set for the May 27 runoff ballot.
Posted in
Politics
Two Republican Factions Split House Races
In Tuesday’s House primaries, establishment Republicans and movement conservatives split the trophies, and at least one incumbent — a Democrat — was a hair’s breadth from a runoff.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Elections Officials See Few Voter ID Issues During Early Voting
Elections officials across the state said that voter ID was hardly an issue during the 11-day early voting period that led up to Tuesday’s primary. But opponents say the law has already disenfranchised voters.
