Mexico condemns the use of lethal force, congressmen demand more oversight of the Border Patrol
Border issues between the United States and Mexico are highlighted on the anniversary of the death of Anastasio Hernández Rojas
Widow of Anastasio Hernández Rojas Reacts to Mexican Government's Support on Anniversary of His Death by US Agents
Alliance San Diego.- On the 14th anniversary of Anastasio Hernández Rojas's death by U.S. border agents, his widow, Maria Puga, expressed gratitude for the Mexican government's ongoing support. The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its solidarity with Hernández Rojas's family, condemning the lethal force used during his 2010 incident in San Diego. The case, which saw Hernández Rojas beaten and shocked by agents, is currently pending a decision from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, potentially setting a precedent for accountability in such incidents. Meanwhile, border violence continues to be a critical issue, highlighted by recent statistics from U.S. Customs and Border Protection on the escalated use of force by border agents.
San Diego Lawmakers Call for Oversight on Border Patrol's "Homegrown" Teams
Alex Riggins, San Diego-Union Tribune.- A group of San Diego congressional members, led by Representative Juan Vargas, is demanding answers and transparency following a U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report. This report uncovered the operation of unauthorized "critical incident teams" by the Border Patrol along the U.S.-Mexico border. These teams, which have existed for over 35 years, starting with the San Diego Sector, operated without any oversight from Border Patrol headquarters, raising serious concerns about accountability.
The lawmakers, including Reps. Sara Jacobs, Scott Peters, and Texas Rep. Joaquin Castro have written to the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, urging full implementation of the GAO’s recommendations. They seek assurance that such lack of oversight won't recur and request detailed plans on oversight measures and the progress of implementing these changes.
The Southern Border Communities Coalition has criticized these teams as "cover-up teams" or "shadow police," highlighting a long-standing issue of power abuse. Meanwhile, Border Patrol recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, which sparked protests and calls for justice from community groups and individuals affected by Border Patrol actions, reflecting deep-seated issues of accountability and justice within the agency.
House Ethics Committee Investigates Rep. Henry Cuellar for Alleged Bribery and Misconduct
Luke Broadwater, The New York Times.- The House Ethics Committee has initiated an investigation into Representative Henry Cuellar, a Democrat from Texas, following his recent indictment on charges of bribery, money laundering, and acting as a foreign agent. The committee will examine accusations that Cuellar accepted bribes and other improper benefits linked to his dealings with an Azerbaijani oil and gas company and a Mexican bank. The bipartisan ethics subcommittee, led by Rep. Michael Guest and Rep. Glenn F. Ivey, will conduct the probe. Cuellar has denied all allegations and expressed his intentions to continue serving and seek reelection. This investigation marks a shift toward a more assertive approach by the committee in handling cases involving federally charged members.
Texas AG Ken Paxton Uses Consumer Laws to Target Political Foes, Sparking Legal Debates
Vianna Davila, ProPublica and The Texas Tribune.- The Texas Attorney General, Ken Paxton, has been leveraging consumer protection laws to pursue organizations that clash with his political viewpoints. Historically, these laws were designed to combat deceptive practices like price gouging or fraud. However, Paxton has extended their use to target groups such as hospitals providing gender-affirming care, nonprofits assisting immigrants, and LGBTQ+ organizations without any consumer complaints prompting these actions.
This strategy is seen as a deviation from the original intent of consumer protection, potentially violating constitutional rights such as free speech and protection from unreasonable searches. Critics argue that Paxton's actions not only stretch legal boundaries but also impose chilling effects on the operations and missions of targeted organizations, altering how they operate and interact with their communities. The situation has sparked significant controversy and legal battles, reflecting a broader trend of politicizing attorney general powers across the United States.
Surge in Political Killings Shadows Mexico's Election, Cartels Implicated
Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times.- In the lead-up to Mexico's most significant elections, at least 30 candidates have been murdered, casting a grim shadow over the electoral process. Criminal gangs and cartels, seeking to exert control over local territories, are primarily targeting mayoral candidates in regions like Guanajuato, Guerrero, Tamaulipas, and Michoacán. These killings reflect the cartels' strategy to manipulate local governance by installing sympathetic officials or eliminating opposition, exacerbating the already volatile security situation across these states.