🚫💼 Federal Judge Blocks Health Insurance Access for Dreamers in 19 States, Halting ACA Enrollment
⚖️ San Diego Board Restricts Cooperation with ICE, Sheriff Martinez Pushes Back on Immigration Policy 🤝 Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina switches parties, joins Republican after border shift to Trump
🚨🚚 Four Arrested in Connection with 2021 Trailer Accident in Chiapas That Killed 56 Migrants
Ángeles Mariscal, Chiapas Paralelo.- The Policía Nacional Civil of Guatemala (PNC) announced the capture of four individuals allegedly linked to human trafficking, connected to the tragic trailer accident that occurred on December 9, 2021, in Chiapas, Mexico. The accident involved over 200 migrants, resulting in 56 fatalities and 113 injuries. The detainees, identified as Tomás Quino Canil (56), Josefa Quino Canil de Zavala (42), Alberto Macario Chitic (31), and Oswaldo Manuel Zavala Quino (24), were arrested in the departments of Quiché, Huehuetenango, and Alta Verapaz. Most of the victims were from Guatemala, with others from Ecuador and the Dominican Republic. The operation was supported by the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). This tragedy highlighted the growing issue of human trafficking through trailers across Central America, with Guatemala leading efforts to combat these criminal networks.
🌐🤝 Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina switches parties, joins Republican after border shift to Trump
Alejandro Serrano, The Texas Tribune.- Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina announced Tuesday that he is switching parties from Democrat to Republican. Tijerina, elected nearly a decade ago as the top executive of Webb County, which includes Laredo, explained that the Democratic Party’s shift to the left pushed him away. He cited his conservative beliefs, the need for stronger border security, and cultural concerns as reasons for the change. Tijerina’s decision comes after President-elect Donald Trump’s significant wins in border counties, including Webb, which saw a substantial swing in favor of Republicans in the November election. While the region voted Democratic in down-ballot races, Tijerina’s switch could aid the local Republican Party recruit candidates for future elections. Democratic leaders criticized the move, questioning its impact, as no other Republican candidates won in Webb County except Trump.
🚫⚖️ San Diego Board Restricts Cooperation with ICE, Sheriff Martinez Pushes Back on Immigration Policy
Alexandra Mendoza, The San Diego Union-Tribune.- The San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution on Tuesday aimed at further limiting cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in civil immigration matters. The policy, which restricts local agencies from notifying ICE about the release of undocumented immigrants convicted of certain felonies, aims to protect community trust and prevent family separations. Chair Nora Vargas emphasized that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility. However, Sheriff Kelly Martinez opposed the measure, asserting that her office already complies with state law and will not change its practices. The vote reflects ongoing tensions between local and federal authorities, especially with the upcoming second term of President-elect Donald Trump, who has promised to enforce stricter immigration policies. Critics argue the policy could endanger public safety, while supporters believe it strengthens community relations and prioritizes local issues.
🚫💼 Federal Judge Blocks Health Insurance Access for Dreamers in 19 States, Halting ACA Enrollment
John Hanna and Jack Dura, Associated Press.- A federal judge in North Dakota has temporarily blocked a Biden administration rule that would have allowed young immigrants known as “Dreamers” to access health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace in 19 states. The ruling stems from a lawsuit filed by Republican attorneys general, who argue that the policy, which could provide ACA subsidies to immigrants, would create a financial burden on states and incentivize illegal immigration. The judge, appointed by President Trump, stated that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) overstepped its authority by expanding the definition of “lawfully present” to include some immigrants in the U.S. illegally. While some advocates express disappointment over the decision, claiming it denies essential health coverage to Dreamers, GOP officials celebrate the ruling as a win for the rule of law.
🚨🚚 Border Patrol Discovers 36 People Hidden Behind False Wall at Falfurrias Checkpoint
Xavier Alvarez, Media.- A truck driver was arrested at the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint after agents found 36 people hidden behind a false wall in his trailer. Louis Dante Anthony, a U.S. citizen, was charged with attempting to transport individuals illegally present in the U.S. The discovery followed suspicious behavior, and a consented X-ray inspection revealed anomalies in the cargo. The false compartment, which was sealed with screws and blocked by household appliances, was extremely hot and unsafe for the 36 individuals who admitted to being in the U.S. illegally. Anthony initially denied knowledge of the migrants but later confessed to picking them up from a Home Depot and concealing them in the truck. He also admitted to creating fraudulent Texas license plates. Anthony appeared before a federal judge in Corpus Christi on Tuesday.
🇺🇸🌎 Trump Nominates Ronald “Ron” Johnson as New U.S. Ambassador to Mexico
Carlos Álvarez Acevedo, Zeta.- President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Ronald Douglas "Ron" Johnson as the next U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, effective December 10, 2024. Johnson, a former U.S. Army Green Beret and CIA officer, served as U.S. Ambassador to El Salvador during Trump's first term, where he worked to reduce violent crime and illegal immigration. Johnson's extensive career includes roles in science and technology at the CIA, focusing on issues like narcotics control, terrorism, human rights, and regional security. He replaces Kenneth Lee Salazar, who served as ambassador under President Biden. Fluent in Spanish, Johnson brings over 20 years of experience in intelligence and military operations. Trump praised Johnson for his commitment to fighting illegal immigration and drug trafficking and ensuring U.S. national security, emphasizing his vision for a safer America.