East Texas businessman David Watts has filed paperwork to run as a Republican for Texas land commissioner, setting up a GOP primary match with George P. Bush.
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
Demographics
Mock Immigration Sting on UT Campus Canceled
UPDATED: The UT chapter of Young Conservatives of Texas has canceled a mock immigration sting scheduled for Wednesday.
Posted in
Energy
Land Commissioner’s Office — Is It a Launching Pad for a Political Career?
The theory that being elected Texas land commissioner can serve as a launching pad for higher office has gained traction since George P. Bush decided earlier this year to run for the position.
Posted in
Politics
Van de Putte Will Announce Future Plans on Nov. 23
As promised, state Sen. Leticia Van De Putte, D-San Antonio, said she would make a formal annoncement about her future plans on Nov. 23 in an email sent to supporters Friday. She is expected to run for lieutenant governor.
Posted in
Demographics
Ildefonso Guajardo Villarreal: The TT Interview
Mexico’s secretary of the economy on tax reforms in his country, changes that would allow private investment in Mexico’s state-owned oil monopoly and his government’s thoughts on immigration reform in the United States.
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Demographics
Asylum-Seeker Completes “Pedaling for Justice” Trek
After riding his bike for more than 700 miles over 12 days, Carlos Gutierrez, — a Chihuahua native and businessman whose legs were cut off by Mexican gang members — completed his “Pedaling for Justice” trek Saturday in Austin.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Facing Deportation, Activist Says He Has No Regrets Over Actions
A member of the “DREAM 34” — a group that marched to the Laredo port of entry to criticize U.S. immigration policies and to seek political asylum — is facing deportation. He says his actions were the right thing to do.
Posted in
Demographics
In El Paso, Davis Says She’ll Discuss Border Security With Locals
Gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis talked border security and driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants in El Paso on Thursday.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Castro: No Split Among Democrats on Immigration Reform
U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro said that despite reports that some Democrats are urging their colleagues not to work with Republicans on immigration reform, the party wants to see something pass before the year ends.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Activist Immigrants Hurt Their Cause, Lawyer Says
A top immigration lawyer says activist immigrants like the DREAM 9 in Arizona betray the cause they champion and can dilute important cases like that of Carlos Gutierrez, who sought asylum in the U.S. after criminal gangs cut his legs off.
