The county is the most populous to embrace the Republican governor’s “catch-and-jail” policy to arrest people accused of crossing the border illegally for state crimes, including trespassing.
Immigration
In-depth reporting on border issues, policies, communities, and the impact of immigration across the state, from The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
Unconventional Wisdom
Analysis: The Fred Rogers test, for Texas public officials
Texas voters can get some guidance for sorting through the political noise of campaigns from an unlikely source — a comforting tale for children.
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Immigration
Biden’s latest border moves spur criticism that he’s continuing wall construction
The administration says it’s filling in wall gaps for agent safety and flood control, and documents suggest an environmental assessment for 86 miles of wall in South Texas is a stalling tactic.
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Operation Lone Star
“I hate it here”: National Guard members sound off on Texas border mission in leaked morale survey
Frustration, anxiety and anger prevailed in the survey responses obtained by the The Texas Tribune and Military Times. The survey includes responses from nearly 250 members of Task Force South, one of six units that fall under the umbrella of Operation Lone Star.
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Texas 2022 Elections
Analysis: Texas voters and political candidates aren’t on the same page
What top Texas candidates are talking about isn’t always the same as what the voters think are the most important issues facing the state.
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State Government
To build Abbott’s border barrier, Texas will use surplus wall panels from the federal government
The 1,700 unused wall panels are being stored in Eagle Pass. Texas didn’t have to explain its plans for the panels when it secured the federal donation.
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Texas 2022 Elections
Analysis: Hey, Texans, get out there and vote!
On this first day of early voting in the Democratic and Republican primaries, take a moment to think through the issues — whether the candidates are talking about them or not — before you cast your ballot.
Posted in
Politics
Threats from QAnon conspiracists have forced a butterfly sanctuary in the Rio Grande Valley to close
The National Butterfly Center, along the U.S.-Mexico border in Mission, has been the target of conspiracy theorists since 2019.
Posted in
Operation Lone Star
Deplorable conditions, unclear mission: Texas National Guard troops call Abbott’s rushed border operation a disaster
The governor has sent waves of troops to the border as Guard officials scramble to execute a massive mobilization that would normally take months to plan. Some Guard members say the operation has set back their income, education and well-being.
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Immigration
Texas sues Biden administration to halt program that reunites Central American children with parents in U.S.
Texas is one of eight states suing over the Central American Minors Program, which allows some children from three countries to join parents or legal guardians already in the U.S.