🔍 Drug cartels control parts of Mexican territory, says US Intelligence Director
The Border Center share a summary of the main news on the U.S.-Mexico border
U.S. Intelligence Director States Drug Cartels Control Parts of Mexico
Zeta Weekly’s Carlos Acevedo.- Avril Danica Haines, the U.S. Director of National Intelligence, highlighted during a Senate hearing on March 11, 2024, that some regions of Mexico are effectively under the control of drug cartels. This revelation came as part of the annual threat assessment report, encompassing insights from 16 U.S. intelligence agencies, including the CIA, FBI, DEA, and TFI. Haines acknowledged the challenge Mexico faces in combating these cartels, indicating a significant influence of these criminal organizations within Mexican territories. Despite these challenges, she also pointed out the improved cooperation between U.S. and Mexican authorities aimed at curbing organized crime, emphasizing the role of Mexico as a key producer and supplier of illicit drugs to the U.S. market. The report also delves into the historic levels of drug threat, particularly highlighting the trafficking of synthetic opioids like fentanyl, which has complicated disruption efforts and seen some aspects of its production spreading into the U.S. This detailed assessment underscores the critical and ongoing nature of the drug trafficking threat and the importance of continued collaboration between the U.S. and Mexico to address these challenges.
🔒 Judge Blocks Texas AG's Investigation into El Paso Migrant Shelter, Citing Political Motives
The Texas Tribune’s Uriel J. Garcia.- In El Paso, Texas, a judge has intervened to block Attorney General Ken Paxton's aggressive efforts to subpoena documents from Annunciation House, a prominent migrant shelter. The legal move by state district court Judge Francisco Dominguez raises significant questions about the motivations behind the Texas AG's investigation. During the proceedings, Dominguez suggested Paxton might be aiming to politically exploit the situation by potentially shutting down the shelter. This suspicion arises amidst Paxton's claims of Annunciation House engaging in human smuggling, which the shelter and its director, Ruben Garcia, firmly deny. The judge's ruling mandates that further actions against the shelter proceed through standard legal channels, highlighting concerns over due process and fair play. This development underscores ongoing tensions between Texas officials and organizations supporting migrants against a backdrop of rising political rhetoric surrounding immigration policies and border security.
🚨 GOP Resubmits Vetoed Border Enforcement Bill to Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs
In a determined move, Arizona's Republican legislators plan to resend the border enforcement bill, previously vetoed by Governor Katie Hobbs, back to her desk. Representative Steve Montenegro and Senate President Warren Petersen are leading this effort despite Hobbs's clear rejection of the bill, which aims to allow state and local police to arrest individuals crossing the border illegally. This persistence highlights a sharp political divide over border security measures and immigration policy in Arizona. Despite legal and ethical concerns, the GOP's decision to reintroduce the bill underscores their commitment to stricter border control. Governor Hobbs's office remains skeptical, hinting at the likelihood of another veto, while Republicans hope for a different outcome, citing public safety and state sovereignty. This ongoing conflict reflects broader national debates over immigration and the role of state versus federal authority in managing border security.
🌍98 Migrants Cross U.S. Border Via Tijuana River, Prompting Security Questions
The San Diego Union-Tribune’s Alexandra Mendoza.- In an unexpected surge, nearly 100 migrants managed to enter the U.S. through the Tijuana River channel, an event vividly captured by bystanders. On Sunday morning, a diverse group of 98 individuals swiftly crossed into San Ysidro, later surrendering to the Border Patrol for processing. This movement occurred despite recent efforts by Mexican authorities to fortify the border with a chain-link fence to prevent such mass crossings. Notably, the group found a breach in this new barrier, highlighting the persistent challenges of border security and the ingenuity of migrants in seeking new paths to asylum.
🌟 Undocumented Activist Elvira Arellano Candidate for the Mexican Senate for Morena, a Historical Milestone
https://laraza.com/2024/02/29/elvira-arellano-destacada-activista-indocumentada-de-chicago-es-candidata-al-senado-de-mexico/
Elvira Arellano, a prominent undocumented activist from Chicago, emerged as a transformative political figure when the Morena party named her a candidate for the Mexican Senate. This historical development highlights her journey from being a critical voice in the fight for immigrant rights in the United States to aspiring to a position of national representation in Mexico. Arellano, deported from the U.S. and later returned, has overcome significant barriers, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to social justice and political inclusion. Her candidacy symbolizes a bridge between transnational immigrant struggles and underscores the potential for change through political participation. Arellano, now on Morena's list for the June 2, 2024 elections, could become the first undocumented person to occupy a seat in the Mexican Senate, marking a milestone in the political representation of immigrants.