Gov. Greg Abbott has followed through on his threat to cut off state funding for Travis County over its new “sanctuary” policy.
Demographics
Explore population trends, diversity, and data shaping Texas communities, politics, and policy.
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Demographics
The Brief: Travis County’s ‘sanctuary city’ policy begins today
A controversial policy that’s provoked the ire of Republicans is set to go into effect today in Travis County. Here’s what you need to know about the latest sanctuary city fight.
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Bordering on Insecurity
Border Patrol agent convicted of corruption but not murder
Border Patrol Agent Joel Luna was found guilty of engaging in organized criminal activity, but a Cameron County jury acquitted him of murder.
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Demographics
Hope turns to heartache for Texas volunteers looking to help refugees
President Trump’s executive order restricting travel from seven predominantly Muslim countries and halting refugee admissions left many refugee resettlement agencies wondering what was left of their mission. But they were undeterred.
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Demographics
Texas congressional delegation largely silent on Trump travel ban
Most members of the Texas congressional delegation remained silent about President Trump’s travel ban over the weekend, but one Republican challenged the ban and another — Michael McCaul of Austin — said his input on the order did not include a ban on Muslims.
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Bordering on Insecurity
Two sharply different portrayals of Border Patrol agent at murder trial
Devoted public servant who protected the nation’s borders and erred only by helping out his family? Or leader of a drug- and gun-trafficking enterprise? Those were the two portraits that emerged of Border Patrol Agent Joel Luna at his two-week murder trial. Now, a jury will decide his fate as early as Monday.
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Demographics
Trump’s latest executive order blocks settlement of thousands of refugees to Texas
President Donald Trump signed an executive order to indefinitely ban Syrian refugees from entering the country and pause all refugee admissions for 120 days — a move that could keep thousands of refugees from being resettled in Texas.
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Bordering on Insecurity
Jury to decide Border Patrol agent’s fate
The fate of Border Patrol Agent Joel Luna and his Mexican-born brother Eduardo, both charged with drug trafficking and the murder of a would-be snitch, is set to fall to a Cameron County jury Friday after almost two weeks of testimony and sparring over evidence.
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Criminal Justice
Amid “sanctuary” standoff, Abbott asks agencies to list Travis County funding
Gov. Greg Abbott’s office is asking state agencies to take stock of their funds to Travis County as he further escalates his standoff with the county’s sheriff, Sally Hernandez, over her new “sanctuary” policy.
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Demographics
Travis County Sheriff not backing down on sanctuary policy
Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez indicated Thursday she is not backing away from her recently introduced “sanctuary” policy.
