How to deal with, or talk about, foreigners who commit crimes in the United States — the government’s term for them is the politically incorrect “criminal aliens” — has prompted heated calls for vastly different solutions.
Immigration
In-depth reporting on border issues, policies, communities, and the impact of immigration across the state, from The Texas Tribune.
ICE Chief a Bipartisan Punching Bag in Immigration Debates
When she was a federal prosecutor in Texas, Sarah Saldaña was seen as hard-nosed and nonpartisan. Since President Obama appointed her to lead U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, she’s learned to take hits from the left and right.
U.S. House Race a Test Case of Identity Politics
The upcoming primary face-off between incumbent Gene Green and Adrian Garcia in Houston’s 29th congressional district will test case the influence of identity politics in Texas Democratic races.
Houston Sheriff Still Shielding Killer’s Record
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office has decided to keep secret its investigative files on a Mexican national whose 2015 shooting spree in Houston left two people dead and three injured.
Bongs and Fruitcakes Infuse Central Texas Republican House Race
Fourteen years after first being elected to the Texas House, state Rep. Byron Cook, R-Corsicana, faces what some consider his toughest re-election battle to date.
Molly White, Hugh Shine Get Personal in Central Texas House Race
Incumbent Tea Party darling state Rep. Molly White and challenger Hugh Shine are clamoring to tell voters about the personal experiences they say most qualify them as the most ardent foes of abortion and illegal immigration.
As Supreme Court Prepares to Hear Historic Immigration Case, Texas Explains its Strategy
As the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to hear a case challenging President Barack Obama’s executive order on illegal immigration, the two top lawyers for Texas spoke to the Tribune about what the state is fighting for.
Indicted Border Patrol Agent has Two Birth Certificates
In an unusual twist to an already unusual case, federal immigration authorities are questioning the nationality of a U.S. Border Patrol agent accused of capital murder and drug cartel ties in deep South Texas.
As Feds Plan to Cut Surveillance at Border, Texas Officials Demand Explanation
Gov. Greg Abbott and U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Laredo Democrat, pressed the Department of Homeland Security on Monday to explain why the agency plans to reduce its aerial surveillance on the Texas-Mexico border.
Houston Slayings Fueled Border Security Debate
One year ago today, Spencer Golvach waited for the green light at a Houston intersection. An undocumented Mexican national pulled up next to him, pointed a pistol at Golvach’s head and pulled the trigger. The killing ignited a political firestorm.


