Abbott unveiled the first 900 feet of border barrier Saturday. But the state has been mum on where it plans to build additional barriers and how many miles it can afford.
Uriel J. García
Uriel J. García is an immigration reporter based in El Paso. Before joining the Tribune in 2021, he worked at the Arizona Republic where he covered police violence and immigration enforcement. He started his journalism career at the Santa Fe New Mexican where he covered the city's immigrant community and criminal justice issues. Originally from Mexico and a native Spanish speaker, Uriel grew up in Phoenix and graduated from Arizona State University.
To report a tip, contact Uriel on Signal at @ujohnnyg.83
Gov. Greg Abbott inaugurates first stretch of state-funded border barrier in Starr County
Abbott launched the construction of a wall along the Texas-Mexico border using state money and crowdfunded private donations. The state has at least $1.05 billion for the border barriers.
“I thought he was going to kill me”: Migrants say return of Trump-era border policy will put asylum seekers in danger
A Cuban woman sent to Ciudad Juárez after seeking asylum in El Paso was raped as she waited for her U.S. court date. She worries more migrants could be victims of violence as the Biden administration revives the “remain in Mexico” program.
The number of undocumented immigrants in detention centers has increased by more than 50% since Biden took office
A Texas construction worker who’s been locked up for 11 months is one of an increasing number of undocumented immigrants detained since Biden took office — despite the president’s instructions to prioritize more dangerous immigrants.
Evictions in some Texas cities are almost back to normal levels as tenant help dries up
Evictions in major Texas cities have reached levels not seen since the pandemic began. But tenant protections and financial assistance for struggling renters are beginning to fade.
Texas uses shipping containers to create “steel wall” next to international bridge at Eagle Pass
Gov. Greg Abbott says the wall of roughly 20 shipping containers will help prevent migrants from crossing the border.
Among El Pasoans, Beto O’Rourke’s gubernatorial run excites loyal fans and revives longtime grudges
El Pasoans who have followed O’Rourke’s political career are excited about his run for governor. But his critics still remember his support of a development plan that could have displaced Mexican American residents from one of the city’s oldest barrios.
“Happy to see you again”: U.S. reopens land borders with Mexico to vaccinated travelers after 19 months
The ports of entry were closed in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19. Mexican nationals will need to present proof of vaccination to enter the U.S.
Five firms being considered for design and construction of Texas-Mexico border wall that Gov. Greg Abbott promised
One of the companies being considered previously built a 3-mile barrier that is at risk of falling into the Rio Grande.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sues Biden administration in bid to force construction of U.S.-Mexico border wall
Paxton and Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt argue that Biden can’t legally stop border wall construction after Congress dedicated money for the project. They previously sued the administration to force it to restore the “remain in Mexico” policy.

