El Paso Leaders Defend Migrant Shelters Against AG Ken Paxton's Closure Threats
The Border Center for Journalists and Bloggers (BCJB) shares a summary of the main news on the border for February 26, 2024.
El Paso leaders rally around migrant shelters after Attorney General Ken Paxton’s threat to shut them down
The Texas Tribune.- El Paso leaders rallied in support of Annunciation House after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton threatened to shut down the longstanding migrant shelter. U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar and other community figures strongly opposed Paxton's actions, emphasizing the shelter's critical role in aiding refugees and migrants in El Paso for nearly 50 years. Paxton's demand for client records from Annunciation House has led to a legal challenge, with a court hearing scheduled for March 7. Accusations of smuggling and operating a stash house by Paxton were firmly rejected by shelter officials and supporters, underscoring the humanitarian and religious mission of Annunciation House in providing refuge to those seeking a better life.
INM Detains More Than 10,000 Migrants in Chihuahua Despite the Closure of Stays in Ciudad Juárez
La Verdad Juarez.- The National Migration Institute (INM) detained more than 10,000 people in mobility in the state of Chihuahua during 2023, despite the closure of the immigration stay in Ciudad Juárez after the death of 40 migrants in a fire. This number represents a 27% decrease compared to 2022. Arrests fell from 14,028 to 10,183 people. The closure of the stay has led to the detainees being transferred to the Leona Vicario shelter. At the national level, 782,176 migrant arrests were recorded, with the majority coming from Central America, the Caribbean, and South America.
Last Sugar Mill in Texas Closes Due to Water Problems with Mexico
San Antonio Express-News.-After 51 years of operation, the last known sugar mill in Texas, located in the Rio Grande Valley, will close its doors due to ongoing water problems with Mexico, announced the company Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers Inc. The company has 500 full-time and temporary employees and ended its last sugar cane harvesting and milling season. The closure is attributed to Mexico's failure to comply with the 1944 water treaty between both countries, affecting agriculture in the Rio Grande Valley due to a lack of adequate and reliable irrigation deliveries.
El Paso Walmart Shooting Trial Date Uncertain Amid Evidence Organization Challenges
State District Judge Sam Medrano Jr., shown in a November 2022 hearing, is presiding over the state trial in the Walmart mass shooting case. (Corrie Boudreaux/El Paso Matters)
El Paso Matters.- The trial date for the 2019 Walmart mass shooting in El Paso remains uncertain after a recent hearing did not conclude with a decision. The hearing involved discussions on the difficulties of organizing the extensive case files provided by the state, with both defense and prosecution pointing fingers regarding the exchange of evidence. A digital forensics expert testified that over 90,000 duplicate files exist, and organizing the files for defense review could take at least six months. The defense cannot propose any dates for pretrial motions or the trial due to the overwhelming amount of discovery documents, totaling over a million and comprising nine million pages. The case has faced delays due to various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in district attorneys, and the prioritization of the federal case. Patrick Crusius, the accused, pleaded guilty to federal hate crimes and weapons charges, receiving 90 consecutive life terms. The state, now seeking the death penalty, has not yet scheduled another status hearing.