Texas DPS Pursues Felony Charge Against Journalist for Alleged Assault During UT Protest
A summary of the main news from the U.S.-Mexico border.
Texas DPS Pursues Felony Charge Against Journalist for Alleged Assault During UT Protest
William Melhado, The Texas Tribune.- Carlos Sanchez, a FOX 7 photojournalist, faces a felony charge from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) for allegedly hitting a trooper with his camera during a University of Texas at Austin demonstration. The charge comes after Travis County dropped trespass charges against all arrested at the protest. DPS claims the action was not protected by journalistic rights, while video evidence and the Society of Professional Journalists argue Sanchez did not intentionally hit the officer. This incident has sparked significant concern about press freedom and law enforcement's treatment of journalists covering protests.
Prosecutors Decide Against Retrial for Arizona Rancher in Border Shooting Case
AP.- Arizona prosecutors have chosen not to retry rancher George Alan Kelly, whose trial for the fatal shooting of a Mexican man on his property ended in a mistrial due to a deadlocked jury. The incident, which took place on Kelly's ranch near the U.S.-Mexico border, resulted in the death of Gabriel Cuen-Buitimea last year. After deliberating for over two days, the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict, prompting Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge Thomas Fink to declare a mistrial on April 22. The Santa Cruz County Attorney’s Office cited the case's unique challenges in their decision not to pursue a second trial. A hearing will be scheduled to determine if the case will be dismissed with prejudice, preventing it from reopening.
El Paso Congressional Candidate and Treasurer Use Super PAC for Questionable Expenses
Robert Moore, El Paso Matters.- Irene Armendariz-Jackson, a Republican candidate in Texas' 16th Congressional District, established the Border Security Coalition super PAC shortly after her electoral defeat in 2022. Despite its mission to support border security advocates, FEC filings reveal that the PAC has raised minimal funds and spent virtually none on its stated electoral goals. Most of its expenditures have gone towards credit card fees, raising concerns about financial mismanagement. This super PAC, managed by treasurer Thomas Datwyler—who has a history of FEC fines—has not made significant electoral contributions, highlighting potential inefficiencies and questionable financial practices within this political fund.
Rescue of Venezuelan Family in the Río Bravo After Facing Obstacles at the US Border
La Voz de Piedras Negras.- A Venezuelan family was rescued from the waters of the Rio Grande after facing physical barriers on the North American shore, including barbed wire and metal containers. The incident occurred in Piedras Negras, Coahuila. The group, made up of two adult women, three minors, and two Guatemalan men, was trying to cross the border irregularly. After encountering obstacles on the US shore and difficulties returning, Mexican Army’s soldiers intervened to help them. They received thermal blankets and rehydrating drinks and did not have serious injuries. Finally, they were transferred by the National Migration Institute to evaluate their immigration situation.
Texas Renews Inspections on Cargo Trucks and Causes Collapse at Export Crossing
Ivette Saldaña, El Universal.- The Governor of Texas, Gregg Abbott, has reactivated physical-mechanical inspections of cargo vehicles that transport export products from Mexico to the United States, causing significant interruptions at border crossings. Since Saturday, April 27, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported that the Texas Department of Public Safety has intensified its inspections of all cargo vehicles entering through El Paso, Texas, a border point with Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua. This intersection has the second vehicle flow, with approximately 3,500 units daily. The reviews have affected wait times and the flow of commercial vehicles, and the duration of these inspections is unknown. In addition, the hours of foreign trade operations for exporters have been extended as of April 29, from Monday to Friday from six to twenty-two hours and on Saturdays from eight to sixteen hours.