UT-Austin Faculty to Vote on No Confidence in President After Protest Crackdown
A summary of the top news from the U.S. - Mexico border
UT-Austin Faculty to Vote on No Confidence in President After Protest Crackdown
Robert Downen, Ikram Mohamed, and William Melhado, The Texas Tribune.- Following a contentious response to a pro-Palestinian demonstration at UT-Austin, faculty are moving to hold a no-confidence vote in President Jay Hartzell. The protest, which led to 57 arrests, sparked widespread criticism for the use of armed state troopers and aggressive police tactics. The faculty, through the American Association of University Professors, criticized the unnecessary militarization of the campus and the administration's handling of the event. They are now gathering signatures to formalize their displeasure with President Hartzell's leadership, particularly his decision to deploy heavy law enforcement against student demonstrators. This backlash represents a significant challenge to university leadership amid ongoing tensions on campus.
San Diego Nonprofits Demand Involvement in Migrant Services Funding Plan
Emily Alvarenga, San Diego Union Tribune.- San Diego County's deadline to propose a spending plan for a $19.6 million federal grant is today. This funding, provided by FEMA's Shelter and Services Program, aims to assist migrants, particularly as the local influx increases. Local service groups deeply involved with on-ground migrant support are urging the county to collaborate with them to allocate funds. These organizations highlight their critical role in managing the region's migrant services effectively and avoiding the release of migrants onto the streets. While the county contemplates establishing a permanent migrant center with the funds, nonprofits like Catholic Charities and Jewish Family Service, which have also received significant funding, emphasize the ongoing need for more comprehensive support to maintain and expand their services.
Finance Director Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Over $430K from San Diego Nonprofit
Natallie Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune.- Katherine Lu Acquista, 47, admitted guilt for wire fraud in federal court, acknowledging she embezzled over $430,000 from the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corp. from 2017 to 2022. Acquista exploited her role as the director of operations and accounting to fund personal expenses through the nonprofit's resources. She covered her tracks with falsified accounting records, presenting personal expenditures as operational costs. The FBI highlighted the breach of trust in her actions. Acquista, expressing remorse, has repaid the stolen funds and cooperated with the authorities. According to her attorney and the nonprofit, she awaits sentencing in July, having already made full restitution.
Former IES Finance Director Admits Guilt in Federal Embezzlement Case
Xavier Alvarez, McAllen Monitor.- Juan Jose Gonzalez, the former finance director of International Educational Services Inc. (IES), has pleaded guilty to embezzlement and theft involving federal funds designated for a nonprofit serving unaccompanied alien children. Charged with conspiring to embezzle funds and theft concerning programs receiving federal funding, Gonzalez faces up to 10 years in prison. The indictment details that Gonzalez and top executives from IES exceeded federal salary caps and engaged in unauthorized rental agreements, costing the federal government millions. This case highlights significant breaches of trust and legal violations in handling federal grants intended for vulnerable populations.
Grand Jury Indicts Giuliani, Meadows in Arizona Election Fraud Scheme Over 2020 Results
AP: In Arizona, a grand jury has indicted Rudy Giuliani, Mark Meadows, and 16 others for their roles in a scheme to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. These individuals attempted to subvert the electoral process by falsely declaring Donald Trump the winner in Arizona, despite Joe Biden's legitimate victory. The indictment, which was released on Wednesday, involves 11 Arizona Republicans who falsely submitted documents to Congress, asserting Trump's victory. This legal action forms part of broader efforts across various states to hold accountable those who attempted to disrupt the democratic process. The charges reflect a significant push to address and rectify the threats to election integrity posed by these fraudulent actions.
Grand Jury Indicts 11 Arizona Republicans and Trump Aides in 2020 Election Fraud Scheme
Stacey Barchenger, Arizona Republic: A grand jury in Arizona has indicted 11 state Republicans and seven top aides to former President Donald Trump for their roles in a conspiracy to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. The charges allege that this group, including notable figures like Tyler Bowyer and former chairs Kelli Ward and Jim Lamon, falsely certified Trump as the winner in Arizona, where voters had favored Joe Biden. The nine-count indictment addresses conspiracy to impede the lawful transfer of presidential power and disenfranchise Arizona voters. Key national figures implicated include Rudy Giuliani and Mark Meadows, with Trump labeled as an "unindicted coconspirator." This legal action underscores Arizona's new commitment under Attorney General Kris Mayes to addressing election-related conspiracies.
The indicted persons in Arizona are:
Tyler Bowyer, an executive with Turning Point USA and a committeeman for the Republican National Committee
Nancy Cottle, who chaired the Arizona Trump electors
State Sen. Jake Hoffman, R-Queen Creek
State Sen. Anthony Kern, R-Glendale
Jim Lamon, former U.S. Senate candidate
Robert Montgomery, former chair of the Cochise County Republican Committee
Samuel Moorhead, a former leader of the Gila County Republican
Party Loraine Pellegrino, the secretary of the Arizona Trump electors
Greg Safsten, former executive director of the Arizona Republican Party
Kelli Ward, former chair of the Arizona Republican Party
Michael Ward, her husband, and a GOP activist.
Ten Candidates in Baja California Request Protection Amid Election Violence
Lorena Lamas, Zeta Weekly.- Following violent incidents targeting political candidates in Mexico and specifically in Baja California, ten candidates have requested protective measures from the state government for the upcoming June 2, 2024 elections. Alfredo Álvarez, the Secretary General of Government, stated that for security reasons, the identities of these candidates cannot be disclosed. The requests include seven at the state level and three at the federal level, with two from Ensenada. The protection varies from security monitoring and patrols to personal escorts, depending on the assessed risk level. Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda has emphasized that security protocols are available to any candidate regardless of political affiliation.
Five Saltillo Mayoral Candidates Fail to Submit Tax Declarations
Armando Ríos, Vanguardia de Saltillo.- In Saltillo, Coahuila, five out of six mayoral candidates have not presented their tax declarations to the Servicio de Administración Tributaria (SAT), despite transparency requirements. Launched in March 2024, the transparency platform "Candidatas y Candidatos, conóceles" aims to publicize candidates' financial, property, and tax declarations. Only Javier Díaz has complied among the candidates, reporting a tax payment of 7,000 pesos. The rest, including Mitchel Márquez from Movimiento Ciudadano, Alejandra Salazar from Morena, and Amal Esper from PAN, have disclosed high monthly incomes but have not filed the required tax documentation, raising concerns about compliance with fiscal responsibilities.
Man Caught with Over 300 Pounds of Meth at Rio Grande City Port
Xavier Alvarez, McAllen Monitor.- Arnulfo Hinojosa was arrested at the Rio Grande City port of entry after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered over 300 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in his vehicle. During a secondary inspection, a CBP K-9 team alerted to the presence of a controlled substance, leading to the uncovering of 101 vacuum-sealed packages within the vehicle's custom compartments and fuel tank. Hinojosa, born in 1981, has been charged with illegal importation of a controlled substance and confessed to working for a drug trafficking organization. He was scheduled for a court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nadia S. Medrano.
Over 240 Pounds of Marijuana Found in a Vehicle During Rio Grande City Traffic Stop
Xavier Alvarez, McAllen Monitor.- Jesus Maldonado-Chavez was arrested in Rio Grande City after a Starr County sheriff’s deputy discovered more than 240 pounds of marijuana during a traffic stop. The drugs were found packaged in large bundles, concealed in the backseat and trunk of his green Ford Explorer. Maldonado-Chavez, a Mexican citizen born in 1992, faced charges of possession with intent to distribute. He admitted to knowing he was transporting the drugs and was supposed to deliver them to another individual. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nadia S. Medrano and is being held without bond pending trial.