The State of Texas is asking the U.S. State Department for help resolving a long-running dispute between Texas and Mexico over water from several rivers — a dispute made more urgent by the long drought.
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.
Hopefuls Taking Aim at Strama’s House Seat
While members of the Legislature are eyeing Memorial Day and Sine Die with increasing anticipation, a growing field of candidates looking toward 2014 has emerged, including four — so far — in Austin’s House District 50, an open seat.
Texas Standing Out on Multiple Fronts in Immigration Debate
Texas is showing how unique it is when it comes to matters of immigration. Statistics say it has more undocumented immigrants in detention centers than any other state. And organizers of a virtual march for immigration reform say the state is the perfect spot to host related events.
Measure Allowing Driver’s Permits for Undocumented Immigrants Stalls
An amendment that would have allowed undocumented immigrants to obtain a permit to legally drive and purchase insurance in Texas was derailed Friday on a point of order.
Industry Opposition Leads to Likely Demise of Worker Classification Bill
Advocacy groups and business owners urged lawmakers to crack down on companies that misclassify their employees for tax and immigration purposes. But in the final days of the session, the measures have run out of steam.
Cornyn Video on Border Deaths Stirs Controversy
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn has released a new video and an accompanying opinion piece describing the hundreds of migrants found dead every year near the Texas-Mexico border. But advocacy groups say Cornyn is part of the problem.
Staples to Rubio: Reform Bill Contains the “Ultimate Amnesty Provision”
A path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants is akin to rewarding lawbreakers, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples wrote Thursday in a letter to U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla.
Measures That Aim to Benefit Undocumented Immigrants in Limbo
The tone on immigration this session is vastly different compared with 2011, when the Legislature entertained more than 100 immigration-enforcement measures. But legislation that would benefit undocumented immigrants is still unlikely to pass on its own.
Cruz Files Amendments to Immigration Reform Measure
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz has jumped into the immigration reform debate by filing several amendments to the legislation put forth by the “Gang of Eight.” His proposals call for additional fencing on the border and blocking a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.
Legislature Honors World War II Vets, Including Perry’s Father
The House and Senate took time on Wednesday to honor the state’s living World War II veterans, including Gov. Rick Perry’s 88-year-old father, Ray Perry.

