🚨🛑 FIEL Urges Immigrants to Act Before January to Secure Legal Status and Apply for Available Relief
💧🇲🇽 Mexico Signs Updated Water Treaty, But Rio Grande Valley Farmers Remain Skeptical of Impact 🚗🔴 Increase in Illegal Car Crossings to Mexico; 3,200 Vehicles Seized at Tijuana Customs
🚨🛑 FIEL Urges Immigrants to Act Before January to Secure Legal Status and Apply for Available Relief
Danya Pérez, Houston Landing.- FIEL, a legal aid organization for immigrants, urges individuals with pending immigration processes or those who may qualify for relief programs to apply before the possible policy shifts under President Trump’s second term. FIEL recommends immediate action on applications, including naturalization for permanent residents, DACA renewals, and Advanced Parole for travel. The organization advises mixed-status families to prepare legal guardianship documents for children in case of deportation. FIEL is offering virtual sessions and consultations to help immigrants navigate the changing landscape, emphasizing the need to act within the next 60 days before Trump takes office.
🇺🇸🗳️ Ruben Gallego Defeats Kari Lake in Arizona’s U.S. Senate Race, Becomes State’s First Latino Senator
Jonathan J. Cooper, AP.- Democrat Ruben Gallego has won Arizona’s U.S. Senate race, defeating Republican Kari Lake in a tightly contested battle. Gallego’s victory prevents Republicans from expanding their Senate majority and continues the state’s shift toward Democratic control in recent elections. Gallego, a five-term House member and Iraq war veteran, will replace Kyrsten Sinema, who left the Democratic Party. Gallego focused on immigration reform, veterans’ rights, and women’s reproductive rights while leveraging his story of overcoming hardship. Lake, a former TV anchor, struggled with moderates due to her stance on election fraud and abortion. Despite President-elect Trump’s victory in Arizona, Gallego's win reflects the state’s increasing trend of ticket-splitting voters.
🇺🇸📉 Trump’s RGV Success Signals GOP Surge, Poses Challenge for Democrats in South Texas
Francisco E. Jimenez, The Brownsville Herald.- Donald Trump’s victory in the Rio Grande Valley has marked a significant shift in Texas politics. In a region traditionally dominated by Democrats, Trump’s success in winning all four counties has raised alarms for local Democratic leaders. Although Trump’s win signals the growing strength of the GOP in South Texas, the region continues to see Democratic victories in other races. The impact of border policies and local GOP efforts, like increased engagement and financial support, have contributed to this shift. Despite Trump’s influence, Democratic candidates still maintain some foothold, with local candidates like Sen. Ted Cruz losing to their Democratic challengers in certain counties. The changing political landscape in the Valley, including the first Republican presidential win in Hidalgo County in over 50 years, signals a potential long-term shift in local politics.
🚨⚖️ Pima County Supervisors Request Investigation into Sheriff Nanos Over Election Interference
Yana Kunichoff, Arizona Luminaria.- The Pima County Board of Supervisors has voted to request an independent investigation into Sheriff Chris Nanos for potential election interference after he placed his Republican opponent, Heather Lappin, and union leader, Aaron Cross, on administrative leave during the final weeks of the sheriff’s race. While Sheriff Nanos denied causing harm or interference, Lappin and Cross remain on leave under a gag order. The investigation comes amidst ongoing election results and concerns raised by community members about Nanos’ actions, echoing previous calls for external reviews of his conduct.
💧🇲🇽 Mexico Signs Updated Water Treaty, But Rio Grande Valley Farmers Remain Skeptical of Impact
Dina Arévalo, The McAllen Monitor.- A year after the U.S. waited for Mexico to sign an update to a 70-year-old water treaty, the agreement was finally completed with Minute 331. The deal aims to ensure more reliable water deliveries to the U.S. from Mexico, especially during drought. However, local farmers in the Rio Grande Valley are skeptical, as Mexico is still behind on its water delivery obligations, and the new agreement lacks immediate solutions. With crops like sugarcane and citrus already suffering from water shortages, many fear these temporary fixes will not save the region’s struggling agricultural industries. Despite the signing, concerns persist about enforcement and long-term sustainability, leaving many Valley farmers frustrated and uncertain about their future water supply.
📚🚨 Pima County Libraries' Future Under Review Amid Proposals for Closures
Yana Kunichoff, Arizona Luminaria.- The Pima County Public Library advisory board will meet Friday to discuss the library system's future after a controversial internal report proposed closing or downsizing multiple locations. The meeting will address critical issues such as repairs needed for the downtown Joel D. Valdez Main Library, chronic staffing shortages, and a community engagement plan to guide any major changes. Public outrage over the proposal has led to calls for a more transparent process before any closures are made. The session will be held from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at the Valdez library.
🚗🔴 Increase in Illegal Car Crossings to Mexico; 3,200 Vehicles Seized at Tijuana Customs
Julieta Aragón, Semanario Zeta.- The attempted illegal crossing of used vehicles from the U.S. to Mexico has significantly increased since the suspension of the permanent importation decree for a month and a half. The Tijuana Customs Administration reported a jump from 15 to 70 seized cars over the past two weeks, with 3,200 vehicles under embargo and administrative processing. These vehicles will eventually be confiscated by the government and potentially sold by the Institute for Returning Stolen Goods. Customs officials stressed that the increase is driven by individuals, often with dual nationality, purchasing cheap cars in the U.S. to bring them into Mexico for resale. The crackdown also affects previously regularized “chocolate cars” found to be stolen or illegally imported after 2021, with authorities now seizing these vehicles as well.