The best of our best content from Feb. 14 to 18, 2011.
Immigration
In-depth reporting on border issues, policies, communities, and the impact of immigration across the state, from The Texas Tribune.
The Week in Texas Politics Recap: 2/14 to 2/18
No time to follow every twist and turn of the Texas Legislature? We’ve made it easier for you with our weekly recaps of the action under the dome.
Police Worry Immigrant Victims, Witnesses May Go Silent
Law enforcement authorities worry that some immigration-related legislation would silence immigrant crime victims and witnesses, who may stop cooperating with the police out of fear that their undocumented status will be discovered.
2010 Census Data for Texas Released
New U.S. census data shows the Hispanic population in Texas increased by 42 percent since 2000 and makes up 38 percent of the population. The state’s total population increased by 4,293,741 since 2000.
The Weekly TribCast: Episode 67
This week’s episode of the TribCast features Evan, Ross, Ben and Matt on the supermajority in the Texas House, possible federal court challenges, the coming Census numbers, the Howard/Neil election challenge and the public school budget battle.
Cornyn: U.S. Policy in Mexico Not Working [Updated]
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn said it was time for the White House to re-think its policy concerning Mexico after the shooting death of a U.S. immigration agent Tuesday. “My hope is that the president would tell us what his plan is, because what’s happening now does not seem to be working,” he said.
Napolitano Blasts Cartels After Mexico Shootings
Janet Napolitano minced few words about the killing of a U.S. agent in Mexico today: “Let me be clear: Any act of violence against our ICE personnel — or any DHS personnel — is an attack against all those who serve our nation.”
Bill Would Prevent Immigration Inquiries by Peace Officers
Freshman state Sen. José Rodríguez, D-El Paso, filed SB 600 on Friday, which would prevent law enforcement from asking the immigration status or nationality of a witness to or victim of a crime “except as necessary to investigate the offense.”
Census Bureau Releasing Texas Data Next Week
The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that it plans to release hard population totals and racial breakdowns for Texas next week, the first step in what could be a politically complicated redistricting process.
Hartley: Washington Should Help Solve Husband’s Murder
Gov. Rick Perry had the ultimate guest to further his border security message at today’s State of the State: the young woman whose husband was apparently murdered by a band of Mexican pirates on Texas’ Falcon Lake.

