UPDATED: Dan Patrick, the GOP candidate for lieutenant governor, joined some of his conservative colleagues on Tuesday in calling for “immediate action” to address the surge of undocumented immigrants crossing into Texas.
Demographics
Explore population trends, diversity, and data shaping Texas communities, politics, and policy.
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Demographics
In Sprawling CD-23, Advantages Are Seen for Both Gallego and Hurd
U.S. Rep. Pete Gallego, D-Alpine, is facing a challenge from former CIA agent Will Hurd, a Republican. The contest is considered a toss-up, with immigration and border security likely to be key issues in the border district.
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Criminal Justice
Abbott Asks Feds for $30 Million for Emergency Border Operation
Saying the U.S. Border Patrol is overwhelmed by an influx of minors crossing the border illegally, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has asked the Obama administration for $30 million for state-based border security operations.
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Criminal Justice
Cornyn: U.S. Should Help Mexico Seal Its Southern Border
As unaccompanied minors from Central American stream across the border, overwhelming federal resources, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, says U.S. aid is needed to help Mexico secure its southern border.
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Demographics
ACLU: “Shocking Abuse” of Immigrants at Private Prisons
An ACLU report describes overcrowding, squalid conditions, insufficient medical care and overuse of isolation units at federal Texas prisons where convicted immigrants await extradition to their homelands.
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Criminal Justice
ICE Asks Shelters in El Paso to House Undocumented Immigrants
As an influx of undocumented immigrants arrives in El Paso from the Rio Grande Valley, federal officials are looking for help from local shelters and immigrants’ rights groups.
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Demographics
What’s in a Name? For Van de Putte, a Potential Hurdle in Her Campaign
Political analysts say that state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte’s prospects in her lieutenant governor race rely largely on a significant turnout from Hispanic voters in the general election. Could her last name impact her ability to motivate some of those voters?
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Demographics
GOP Approves Hardline Immigration Stance in Party Platform
After hours of debate on the final day of the biennial state GOP convention, Republican delegates reverted the party’s immigration plank to a more hardline stance on immigration.
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Demographics
At GOP Convention, Patrick Focuses on Immigration
State Sen. Dan Patrick, the Republican candidate for lieutenant governor, told delegates at the state GOP convention that the party will attract Hispanic voters, because Republicans stand “for the future of their family.”
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Demographics
Republicans Poised for Lively Floor Debate at State Convention
As they enter the final day of the Texas GOP convention and decide on the party’s political platform, Republican delegates are set to debate key voting issues among conservatives — immigration and homosexuality.
