Honduran Migrant Testifies of Forced Labor at Juarez Shelter; Pastor Faces Human Trafficking Charges
A summary of the main news at the U.S. - Mexico border
Honduran Migrant Testifies of Forced Labor at Juarez Shelter; Pastor Faces Human Trafficking Charges
Blanca Carmona, LaVerdad Juárez.- In Ciudad Juárez, a Honduran migrant testified via videoconference in a trial against Pastor Velia H.G., accused of enforcing forced labor at the Aposento Alto shelter. The migrant, identified as D.E.L.A., described living conditions akin to slavery, where he and others were compelled to work on extensive construction projects without pay. The Chihuahua State Prosecutor's Office has charged the pastor with human trafficking and seeks a 180-year prison sentence. The trial continues with more witness testimonies and the presentation of further evidence. This case highlights ongoing human rights violations under the guise of sheltering vulnerable populations.
Federal Funds Flow to Rio Grande Valley to Aid Migrant Humanitarian Efforts
Dina Arevalo, McAllen MonitorThe Department of Homeland Security is allocating over $17.7 million to various Rio Grande Valley cities and humanitarian organizations to support undocumented migrants, announced U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez. This funding, part of a $300 million national initiative, aims to alleviate the financial and logistical burden on local governments and organizations providing essential services to migrants. McAllen and Brownsville, along with several non-profits, will benefit from this aid. The funding reflects a continuing commitment to manage migrant welfare responsibly and support border communities heavily impacted by migrant crossings.
Mayra Flores Outraises Vicente Gonzalez in Heated Texas Congressional Race
Matthew Choi, San Antonio Express News.- In the race for Texas' 34th Congressional District, former U.S. Rep. Mayra Flores, a Republican, has raised more than double the funds of her Democratic opponent, incumbent Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, in the first quarter of 2024. Flores, who aims to reclaim the seat, garnered over $1.1 million compared to Gonzalez's $449,000. Despite Flores' substantial fundraising, Gonzalez maintains a higher cash reserve with over $1.4 million. This district, historically Democrat-dominated but recently targeted by Republicans for its shifting political landscape, underscores the intensified battle over South Texas in the upcoming elections.
Mexico Delays Visa Requirement for Peruvian Nationals Until May 2024 Amidst Diplomatic Tensions
Carlos Alvarez, Zeta Tijuana.- Mexico's government has postponed the implementation of a temporary visa requirement for Peruvian nationals until May 2024. This decision, announced by the Mexican Secretariat of the Interior, adjusts the original enforcement date to ensure proper implementation amid rising migration flows. This regulatory shift follows Mexico's announcement of visa requirements due to significant increases in Peruvian migrants engaging in unauthorized activities. Meanwhile, Peru, citing reciprocal treatment, initially imposed and then rescinded a similar visa requirement for Mexican nationals. The diplomatic exchanges occur amidst broader tensions, highlighting challenges within the Pacific Alliance and regional migration policies.
Rio Grande Valley Farmers Face Severe Drought, Demand Water Treaty Compliance
Berenice Garcia, Texas Tribune.- In South Texas' Rio Grande Valley, farmers like Mike England are experiencing severe water shortages amid one of the region's worst droughts. The closure of the state's last sugar mill, a significant agricultural employer, marks the end of an era due to these water shortages. Local farmers are increasingly desperate, with England having to cease his sugar cane production entirely. The area's water crisis is compounded by Mexico's delayed water deliveries under a 1944 treaty, critical for the region's agriculture. Local officials have issued disaster declarations, and farmers are pressing the U.S. government to ensure treaty compliance to mitigate the dire situation.
South Texas Woman Sentenced for Smuggling AK-47s into Mexico
Marc Duvoisin, San Antonio Express News.- Jessica Alvarado, a 33-year-old resident of San Juan, Texas, has been sentenced to nearly four years in federal prison after attempting to smuggle dozens of firearms, including AK-47s, into Mexico. Caught at the Hidalgo Port of Entry while driving a stuffed Ford F-150, Alvarado was initially questioned and denied having any firearms. However, an inspection revealed 33 AK-47 variants, three AR-15 rifles, other weapons, and ammunition hidden in her vehicle. Additional searches at her residence uncovered cocaine and a substantial amount of cash. Alvarado admitted to cocaine trafficking, though there was no direct evidence linking the weapons to Mexican cartels.