Texas immigrants with legal status speak out after being detained by ICE
⚖️🚔 Mexican Court Admits "El Chapo’s" Appeal Against Repatriation Denial 📉⚖️ Temporary Tariff Truce Leaves Investments in Limbo
🚨🛂 Texas Immigrants With Legal Status Speak Out After ICE Detainment
Brammhi Balarajan, Chron.- Two Houston immigrants are raising alarm after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) despite having legal authorization to be in the U.S. Sergio Carlos Gomez, a DACA recipient since 2013, was detained at an internal checkpoint despite presenting his work permit. He avoided possible deportation by refusing to sign documents he did not understand. Meanwhile, Kevin Zaldana, a 20-year-old construction worker, was arrested in a worksite raid despite holding legal status. His lawyer, Susana Hart, called the detainment unlawful and demanded his immediate release. Advocates from FIEL Houston condemned ICE's actions, saying they violate due process and create fear within the immigrant community. ICE has not provided a statement explaining Zaldana’s continued detention. The incidents add to mounting concerns over aggressive immigration enforcement in Texas, particularly amid ongoing workplace and community raids.
🇺🇸🛂 Immigration Rights and Deportation: FIEL Houston Answers Key Questions
Danya Pérez, Houston Landing.— With deportation fears rising, FIEL Houston held a “Know Your Rights” session to educate undocumented immigrants about their legal protections. Director Abraham Espinosa emphasized that undocumented individuals have constitutional rights, including freedom of speech and due process. He advised families to establish “circles of protection” and prepare financial and legal defense plans, noting that deportation cases often start at $10,000 in legal fees. Espinosa warned that DACA is at risk, urging recipients to carry copies of legal documents. He also highlighted the importance of knowing one’s “A Number” to help detained immigrants communicate with their families. The organization continues to assist those seeking relief, stressing that seeking legitimate legal advice is crucial to avoid scams and deportation risks. As enforcement intensifies in areas like Colony Ridge, FIEL remains a vital resource for Houston’s immigrant community.
🏥🍎 Texas Hospital Opens Food Pantry to Fight Hunger and Improve Patient Health
Berenice Garcia, The Texas Tribune.— DHR Health in Hidalgo County launched a food pantry to combat food insecurity affecting thousands in the Rio Grande Valley. Patients like 68-year-old Evangelina Yzaguirre rely on the pantry as soaring poverty and food deserts limit access to nutritious meals. Staff noticed some people were admitted to the hospital primarily to receive meals, prompting health equity officer Lauren Boeta-Lopez to partner with the local food bank. Texas lawmakers are pushing for legislative solutions, including a bill by Rep. Christina Morales to study food deserts and another by Rep. Tom Oliverson to incorporate food-based health programs instead of medication. Meanwhile, some legislators propose restricting what Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients can buy. As Texas grapples with the nation’s second-highest food insecurity rate, initiatives like DHR’s pantry highlight the critical role of healthcare providers in addressing hunger.
⚖️🚔 Mexican Court Admits "El Chapo’s" Appeal Against Repatriation Denial
Carlos Álvarez Acevedo, ZETA Tijuana.- A Mexican federal court admitted an appeal filed by Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán's legal team challenging the government's refusal to process his repatriation from the U.S., where he is serving a life sentence. The appeal, filed on March 4, targets the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs (SRE) for denying the extradition request submitted in 2023. Although the court allowed the case to proceed, it denied suspending government action. Guzmán’s lawyers argue that treaties between Mexico and the U.S. allow for his transfer, but the decision requires approval from both governments. Former President López Obrador previously acknowledged the appeal, citing human rights concerns. The SRE maintains that Guzmán was lawfully extradited in 2017 and that his conditions in a maximum-security U.S. prison are outside Mexico’s jurisdiction. The case remains controversial, with no immediate resolution in sight.
🎈🚨 Border Surveillance Balloon Breaks Free, Travels 600 Miles Before Crashing in Texas
Associated Press.- A U.S. Customs and Border Protection surveillance balloon broke free from its tether on Monday during a severe wind event on South Padre Island, traveling 600 miles north before crashing in Hunt County near Dallas. The Tethered Aerostat Radar System, designed to detect low-altitude aircraft, was swept away as wind gusts in South Padre ranged from 20 to 30 mph, while the Dallas area saw gusts exceeding 75 mph. Quinlan, Texas residents were startled by the unexpected crash, initially mistaking it for a tarp before officials arrived. Upon landing, the aerostat’s helium-filled upper chamber and pressurized lower compartment remained intact. Customs and Border Protection has launched an investigation in coordination with federal, state, and local agencies to determine how the incident occurred and to prevent future mishaps.
📉⚖️ Temporary Tariff Truce Leaves Investments in Limbo
Grupo Reforma.- A temporary agreement between Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and U.S. President Donald Trump has postponed the implementation of 25% tariffs on T-MEC exports. However, uncertainty still looms over Mexico’s economic outlook. The truce, effective until April 2, comes after a phone call between both leaders, during which Trump praised Mexico’s cooperation on border security and fentanyl interdiction. However, business leaders and financial analysts warn that the delay does little to reassure investors, as the threat of tariffs could still disrupt trade flows. Juan José Sierra of Coparmex noted that Mexico's economy has slowed, with GDP growth dropping from 3.2% in 2023 to 1.2% in 2024. Francisco Cervantes of the CCE highlighted the strain on supply chains, while Finance Ministry officials acknowledged that investment plans may be reconsidered. Key sectors such as transportation equipment, computing devices, and electronics could face production shifts depending on next month's final U.S. decision.