One day after Abbott told state troopers to pull over vehicles with migrants suspected of having COVID-19, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said the governor’s order violated federal law.
Immigration
In-depth reporting on border issues, policies, communities, and the impact of immigration across the state, from The Texas Tribune.
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Criminal Justice
Gov. Greg Abbott draws criticism for ordering state troopers to pull over vehicles with migrants, saying it will stem COVID-19 risk
The executive order allows DPS troopers to reroute vehicles back to their origin point or a port of entry. Immigration rights advocates say the governor’s action is an invitation for racial profiling.
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Politics
Gov. Greg Abbott orders Texas National Guard to help with migrant arrests at the border
In a letter to the major general of the Texas National Guard, Abbott said “more manpower is needed” at the border.
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Politics
Gov. Greg Abbott promised “transparency and accountability” for border wall donations. But donors don’t have to use real names.
Despite promises from Abbott that transparency in the crowdfunding process for the border wall would be paramount, donor information released to The Texas Tribune for the first week of collections was bereft of any way to verify the identities of the majority of the donors.
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Immigration
Texas judge orders federal government to stop granting new DACA applications
Judge Andrew Hanen’s ruling doesn’t affect the status of more than 600,000 current DACA recipients.
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Immigration
U.S.-Mexico border apprehensions for the fiscal year surpassed 1 million in June
Apprehensions last reached the 1-million milestone in 2006. But far fewer attempted to cross that year during the searing-hot summer months, when the journey across the Rio Grande or vast ranches is especially dangerous.
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State Government
Can Greg Abbott actually build Trump’s border wall?
The governor wants to finish the wall that Donald Trump began on the Texas-Mexico border, but he’ll have to overcome the same hurdles that impeded the ex-president’s efforts.
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Immigration
Land Commissioner George P. Bush sues Biden administration over halt to Texas-Mexico border wall construction
The lawsuit says the president had no legal right to put a stop to wall construction on the Texas-Mexico border because Congress had already appropriated the funds.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas House attempting to reset on contentious elections bill with new author, new committee in special session
The lower chamber, led by House Speaker Dade Phelan, is trying to start off on a new foot with a controversial election bill that blew up during the regular session.
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Criminal Justice
Almost 150 guards are staffing an empty Texas prison as state officials work on Gov. Greg Abbott’s plan to use it for immigrants
While many Texas prisons are understaffed, some dangerously so, the emptied-out Briscoe Unit in Dilley is in “maintenance mode” as officials scramble to implement the governor’s plan to increase the state’s role in border enforcement.