🔒 🚶♂️🌍 House Votes to Detain Migrants Accused of Theft Amid Border Security Debates
The Border Center shares a summary of the top news on the Border on March 8, 2024
House passes migrant detention measure 37 Democrats join Republicans in backing bill
The New York Times’s Annie Karni.- The House recently passed legislation targeting unauthorized migrants accused of theft, marking a significant push by Republicans to frame the Biden administration and Democrats as lenient on border control. Named after Laken Riley, a victim allegedly killed by a paroled Venezuelan migrant, the bill aims to enforce federal custody for certain migrants despite facing slim prospects in the Democratic-controlled Senate. With 37 Democrats breaking ranks to support the bill, Republicans leverage this issue to heighten immigration fears, echoing former President Trump's rhetoric. The bill criticizes "open borders" policies and calls for stringent actions against "criminal aliens" while proposing the reinstatement of the "remain in Mexico" policy. Critics, including Democrats, denounce the bill as exploiting tragedy for political gain, fearing it could lead to unjust detention and overburden an already strained immigration system.
El Paso Judge Questions Political Motives in Paxton’s Probe of Migrant Shelter
The Texas Tribune’s Uriel J. Garcia.- During a recent court hearing, an El Paso state judge expressed concerns over Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's investigation into Annunciation House, a migrant shelter network. Judge Francisco Dominguez criticized the attorney general's office for its approach, suggesting potential political motivations behind the probe. The state demanded documents from Annunciation House, accusing it of aiding illegal immigration. Shelter officials are willing to comply and seek clarity on what they are legally required to release, fearing sensitive information exposure. The AG’s office has linked the shelter indirectly to a high-profile murder case, intensifying scrutiny. This case highlights the tension between state authorities and NGOs supporting migrants amidst broader political and cultural battles over immigration policies and assistance to asylum seekers.
Texas Democrats Upset Over Biden's 'Illegal' Comment During State of the Union
The Texas Tribune’s Matthew Choi and Sejal Govindarao.- President Joe Biden's use of the term "an illegal" in response to Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's heckling during the State of the Union address has drawn criticism from Texas Democrats. They argue that such language is harmful and potentially politically motivated, particularly in light of recent hate crimes. The incident occurred amidst heated discussions on immigration and border security, highlighting divisions between Democrats and Republicans. While Republicans accuse Biden of weak border policies, Democrats emphasize the need for comprehensive reform and criticize the GOP's stance as fear-mongering. Biden's remarks and the ensuing controversy underscore the complex and contentious nature of immigration policy in the U.S., with both sides using the issue to rally their base ahead of elections.
Grand Jury Targets Arizona Trump Electors in 2020 Election Probe
The Washington Post’s Yvonne Wingett Sanchez & Josh Dawsey.- Federal prosecutors are intensifying investigations into the 2020 presidential election's aftermath, focusing on Arizona's Trump electors. These individuals, part of a broader strategy to challenge President Biden's victory, falsely claimed Trump won Arizona's electoral votes. Subpoenas demand their grand jury testimony, signaling a deep dive into the elector scheme's architects and participants. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes spearheads this inquiry, promising imminent conclusions. This probe, paralleling efforts in Georgia, Michigan, and Nevada, underscores the escalating legal challenges facing those entangled in efforts to subvert the election's outcome. With Trump already contending with multiple legal battles, the Arizona investigation amplifies the legal jeopardy for his supporters in key battleground states.
Uvalde Report Defends Police, Sparks Outrage Among Victims' Families
The Associated Press.- In Uvalde, Texas, a city-led investigation into the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting, which resulted in the deaths of 19 students and two teachers, has controversially exonerated local police actions, triggering a fierce backlash from victims' families. Despite acknowledging significant operational failures during the attack, the report claims Uvalde Police Department officers adhered to protocol, sparking accusations of cowardice and anger at a City Council meeting. The investigation, conducted by Jesse Prado, highlighted systemic issues such as communication breakdowns and inadequate training but failed to alleviate the community, especially the bereaved families who dispute the findings. This report adds to the growing scrutiny of law enforcement's delayed response to the tragedy amidst ongoing investigations by the Justice Department and Uvalde District Attorney Christina Mitchell. The debate over police accountability continues as families grieve and seek justice for the lost lives.
Audit Detects Irregularities for $123 Million in the Court of Justice of Chihuahua
LaVerdad Juárez’s Blanca Carmona.- The Superior Audit of the Federation (ASF) has identified alleged irregularities of 123 million 453 thousand 350 pesos in managing federal funds by the Superior Court of Justice (TSJ) of the State of Chihuahua during the fiscal year 2022. The anomalies include direct awards complaints about public tenders, inconsistencies in the award processes, and the lack of evidence of the delivery of goods, such as vehicles and training services. The ASF recommended that the TSJ prioritize public tenders to ensure the best conditions for the state in terms of price, quality, and opportunity. In addition, the audit highlighted the lack of documents that prove the integration of contracting files and pointed out probable damage to the Federal Public Treasury, suggesting the need for administrative sanctioning investigations for the public servants involved. The TSJ of Chihuahua, under the direction of the presiding judge Miriam Victoria Hernández Acosta, is responding to these observations.