BREAKING NEWS
ICE arrests hundreds in Houston area during week-long operation targeting criminals, gang members
Read full article: ICE arrests hundreds in Houston area during week-long operation targeting criminals, gang membersU.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials have taken hundreds of undocumented individuals into custody across Houston over the last week.
Venezuelan parents watch from home as their son is buried in Texas after drowning
Read full article: Venezuelan parents watch from home as their son is buried in Texas after drowningGustavo Alfonso Garcia Olivares died at 24, drowning in the Rio Grande not far from where he was buried Thursday at the Maverick County Cemetery in Eagle Pass.
Federal judge won't order immigration officials to change school arrests policy
Read full article: Federal judge won't order immigration officials to change school arrests policyA federal judge says he won't order immigration authorities to revert to a Biden-era policy limiting arrests at schools after officials in Denver challenged new policies from the Trump administration.
South Texas immigration detention center with capacity for 2,400 people to reopen
Read full article: South Texas immigration detention center with capacity for 2,400 people to reopenThe Biden administration shuttered the Dilley facility last year because of high operating costs. It’s expected to hold immigrant families under the Trump administration.
ICE arrests 9 undocumented immigrants accused of sex crimes in Houston
Read full article: ICE arrests 9 undocumented immigrants accused of sex crimes in HoustonBetween Feb. 24 and 28, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested nine undocumented immigrants in the Houston area who have been charged with or convicted of sex offenses and are subject to removal from the United States.
Operaciones de ICE en Texas: Qué derechos tienen los inmigrantes
Read full article: Operaciones de ICE en Texas: Qué derechos tienen los inmigrantesAbogados y grupos de inmigración recomiendan a los inmigrantes informarse sobre las acciones de la administración del presidente Donald Trump, como la expansión del uso de expulsiones aceleradas.
How the Supreme Court of the United States and federal courts work and affect Texans
Read full article: How the Supreme Court of the United States and federal courts work and affect TexansHere’s how federal courts help determine the fate of controversial issues, such as immigration laws, in Texas and beyond.
Feds target “criminals and illegal immigrants” in Houston-area development, Abbott says
Read full article: Feds target “criminals and illegal immigrants” in Houston-area development, Abbott saysThe Colony Ridge development has long been under scrutiny from conservative lawmakers, think tanks and influencers who cast it as a hotbed for undocumented immigrants and cartel crime.
In Odessa, multiple efforts are underway to help immigrants stay and work
Read full article: In Odessa, multiple efforts are underway to help immigrants stay and workA naturalized citizen, along with other business leaders, are working to create new resources for undocumented people living in the Permian Basin.
Texas migrant shelters are nearly empty after Trump’s actions effectively shut the border
Read full article: Texas migrant shelters are nearly empty after Trump’s actions effectively shut the borderThe shelters began seeing fewer people dropped off by customs and border agents following former President Joe Biden’s executive order limiting some asylum claims.
Texas could sell 100 miles of border to feds, Abbott says
Read full article: Texas could sell 100 miles of border to feds, Abbott saysAbbott is in Washington this week to lobby Congress for $11 billion to compensate Texas for money spent on his Operation Lone Star, to secure the border during the Biden Administration.
Texas appeals court hears attorney general’s arguments for questioning Catholic Charities director over migrant services
Read full article: Texas appeals court hears attorney general’s arguments for questioning Catholic Charities director over migrant servicesThree Republican judges heard oral arguments Wednesday after a lower court blocked Attorney General Ken Paxton’s efforts to depose the charity’s leader.
Houston DACA recipient shares her story amid uncertain future
Read full article: Houston DACA recipient shares her story amid uncertain futureIn the face of ongoing political and legal challenges surrounding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, Houston resident Eliana Muñoz is sharing her journey as a Dreamer to highlight the human impact of the program and what could happen if it’s revoked.
Rep. Roger Williams introduces bill to reimburse Texas for Operation Lone Star
Read full article: Rep. Roger Williams introduces bill to reimburse Texas for Operation Lone StarThe new bill reinforces Gov. Greg Abbott’s push for the federal government to repay the $11 billion Texas has paid for the border security operation.
'The Heart Sellers' at Stages in Houston gives haunting look at losing cultural identity
Read full article: 'The Heart Sellers' at Stages in Houston gives haunting look at losing cultural identityChildren born to immigrant parents understand the struggle of having to balance cultural identity with American values, but a new play at Stages hopes to give a more reflective view from the other side.
New immigration enforcement leaves Houston parents, students on edge: How one HISD middle school is handling change
Read full article: New immigration enforcement leaves Houston parents, students on edge: How one HISD middle school is handling changeAs immigration enforcement ramps up in southeast Texas, Houston ISD schools, like Fleming Middle School, are taking steps to reassure parents and protect students.
Border Patrol chief calls report that agents will board buses to check students’ citizenship “absurd”
Read full article: Border Patrol chief calls report that agents will board buses to check students’ citizenship “absurd”The chief’s comments came after Alice ISD sent a letter to parents Wednesday warning students may be detained and possibly deported if they can’t prove they’re in the country legally. The letter was later removed from the district’s website.
After teasing border security rollback, Texas plunges in deeper
Read full article: After teasing border security rollback, Texas plunges in deeperTexas’ border spending exploded after Joe Biden’s election, then state leaders signaled a new willingness to reduce it when Trump won. That didn’t last long.
Venezuelan migrant faces uncertainty as Temporary Protective Status ends
Read full article: Venezuelan migrant faces uncertainty as Temporary Protective Status endsIn recent days, the lives of over a million migrants in the U.S. have been turned upside down with the cancellation of their Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
Justice Department restarts legal aid programs for detained immigrants
Read full article: Justice Department restarts legal aid programs for detained immigrantsThe agency’s reversal comes after a federal judge told the Trump administration it must continue to pay for grants and other programs it abruptly froze last month.
Living in the shadows: One immigrant’s struggle for a better life in an uncertain America
Read full article: Living in the shadows: One immigrant’s struggle for a better life in an uncertain AmericaFor many immigrants in the United States, the pursuit of a better life often means facing an unspoken truth: navigating a system that doesn’t officially recognize them.
Protesters march in Houston to demand immigration reform, protection for undocumented immigrants
Read full article: Protesters march in Houston to demand immigration reform, protection for undocumented immigrantsA peaceful protest is happening at a Houston-area park to advocate for immigration rights and protection for undocumented immigrants in Texas.
Immigration crackdown in Texas: What you need to know about your rights
Read full article: Immigration crackdown in Texas: What you need to know about your rightsRecent enforcement operations across Texas have raised concerns among undocumented immigrants. Here’s what immigration attorneys want you to know about your rights and resources.
“A lot of fear going on”: Texas immigrant community on edge during Trump’s first weeks
Read full article: “A lot of fear going on”: Texas immigrant community on edge during Trump’s first weeksAcross the state, immigrants and their loved ones are changing their daily habits as the Trump administration orders at least 1,200 daily arrests of undocumented people.
LULAC Houston set to speak out on mass deportations across the US
Read full article: LULAC Houston set to speak out on mass deportations across the USAs immigration crackdown efforts ramp up across the U.S., the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and community residents will join to speak out on the fear some migrants have been feeling.
Abbott expected to promote vouchers and other highlights of his 2025 agenda in Sunday speech
Read full article: Abbott expected to promote vouchers and other highlights of his 2025 agenda in Sunday speechAfter successful campaigns for House allies, the governor is in a position to set an ambitious course for the legislative session.
Feds to review parole status of immigrants released into US
Read full article: Feds to review parole status of immigrants released into USA Homeland Security memo released earlier this month expands the use of expedited removal and calls for a review of immigrants released into the US under parole programs.
By the numbers: ICE daily enforcement updates provide arrest, detainer statistics
Read full article: By the numbers: ICE daily enforcement updates provide arrest, detainer statisticsU.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is issuing daily updates detailing the number of individuals arrested and detainers lodged as part of immigration enforcement efforts.
Houston family facing uncertainty after U.S. immigration policy changes threatens daughter’s legal citizenship
Read full article: Houston family facing uncertainty after U.S. immigration policy changes threatens daughter’s legal citizenshipOne Houston family whose story highlights the challenges even those with legal documentation are facing under the new directives.
Houston’s Venezuelan immigrants’ future in limbo after Temporary Protected Status gets revoked
Read full article: Houston’s Venezuelan immigrants’ future in limbo after Temporary Protected Status gets revokedA major shift in U.S. immigration policy is leaving thousands of Venezuelans uncertain about their future. The Trump administration has revoked the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) extension that previously allowed them to stay and work legally in the U.S., putting approximately 600,000 Venezuelans at risk of losing their legal protections.
KPRC 2 spoke with an ICE official about Houston operations | Here’s what we learned
Read full article: KPRC 2 spoke with an ICE official about Houston operations | Here’s what we learnedWith anxiety over the idea of immigration raids, KPRC 2′s Bryce Newberry spoke with an ICE official to get more clarity on what is going on.
An immigrant faces deportation after a routine traffic stop in Texas, sparking more fear
Read full article: An immigrant faces deportation after a routine traffic stop in Texas, sparking more fearAdvocates worry that rapidly shifting federal and state immigration initiatives will prompt more city police to funnel migrants without criminal records to federal agents.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick outlines sweeping conservative agenda with list of top 25 legislative priorities
Read full article: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick outlines sweeping conservative agenda with list of top 25 legislative prioritiesRestrict THC, help with deportations, infuse religion in schools and provide property tax relief – these are among the Patrick priorities.
Temporary Protected Status, explained | Why some immigrants qualify, who doesn’t?
Read full article: Temporary Protected Status, explained | Why some immigrants qualify, who doesn’t?With immigration crackdown efforts ramping up, some countries under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) have also been revoked, causing residents to have to return home despite unsafe conditions like ongoing conflict or environmental disasters.
Houston farmers market sees decline amid immigration raid fears
Read full article: Houston farmers market sees decline amid immigration raid fearsHouston is grappling with the ripple effects of targeted immigration operations conducted by federal agents over the weekend. The enforcement measures are part of President Donald Trump’s initiative to crack down on undocumented immigrants, a key campaign promise.
Department of Justice cuts off federally funded legal aid to detained immigrants
Read full article: Department of Justice cuts off federally funded legal aid to detained immigrantsThe decision to halt the program could prevent thousands of people detained in immigration detention centers from receiving legal advice.
Conozca sus derechos en Texas si es detenido por la policía, agentes de inmigración o el FBI
Read full article: Conozca sus derechos en Texas si es detenido por la policía, agentes de inmigración o el FBIA medida que Texas continúa a la vanguardia de la aplicación de las leyes de inmigración, entender sus derechos es esencial durante encuentros con las fuerzas del orden o con agentes de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE).
Texas Republicans in Congress propose bills to codify Trump executive orders
Read full article: Texas Republicans in Congress propose bills to codify Trump executive ordersEnding birthright citizenship, increasing oil drilling, and leaving WHO are just a few bills the state’s Republicans pushed in Congress this month.
Know your rights in Texas if stopped by police, immigration agents or FBI
Read full article: Know your rights in Texas if stopped by police, immigration agents or FBIAs Texas continues to be at the forefront of immigration enforcement, understanding your rights is essential during encounters with law enforcement or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Houston-area school districts address immigration enforcement policies amid federal crackdowns
Read full article: Houston-area school districts address immigration enforcement policies amid federal crackdownsIn response to President Trump's heightened immigration policies, Houston-area schools and law enforcement are clarifying their protocols regarding federal agency requests, prioritizing student safety.
Abbott sends state troops to U.S.-Mexico border to work with Border Patrol
Read full article: Abbott sends state troops to U.S.-Mexico border to work with Border PatrolThe 400 members of a special tactical unit left bases in Houston and Fort Worth on Monday morning, according to the governor’s office.
U.S. Senate investigation of migrant child’s death finds poor medical care at border protection facilities
Read full article: U.S. Senate investigation of migrant child’s death finds poor medical care at border protection facilitiesThe Senate Judiciary Committee launched its investigation following the 2023 death of an 8-year-old girl at a facility in Harlingen.
State lawmakers ask education agency for guidance on how Texas schools can respond to Trump’s immigration plans
Read full article: State lawmakers ask education agency for guidance on how Texas schools can respond to Trump’s immigration plansMore than two dozen Texas Democrats expressed concern about the elimination of a federal policy preventing immigration arrests at schools.
Impact of President Trump’s administration already felt on Texas border
Read full article: Impact of President Trump’s administration already felt on Texas borderDuring his first week in office, President Donald Trump signed several executive orders and announced policies impacting border security and immigration.
Migrants at Texas border in shock after Trump canceled their asylum appointments
Read full article: Migrants at Texas border in shock after Trump canceled their asylum appointmentsHours after Trump’s inauguration, his administration canceled appointments allowing migrants to enter the U.S. to request asylum, leaving many of them stranded on the U.S.-Mexico border.
Many Texas schools take “wait and see” approach to Trump’s mass deportation plans
Read full article: Many Texas schools take “wait and see” approach to Trump’s mass deportation plansSchools near the border say it’s hard to prepare for the unknown. Immigration advocates say they should help communities understand students’ rights.
Trump promised mass deportations. Here’s one way they could quietly happen.
Read full article: Trump promised mass deportations. Here’s one way they could quietly happen.The new administration could use the existing system of federal agents, local police and jails to funnel more people into the deportation pipeline.
Texas Supreme Court to decide legal battle over El Paso migrant shelter’s future
Read full article: Texas Supreme Court to decide legal battle over El Paso migrant shelter’s futureJustices on Monday heard arguments from Annunciation House, which is fighting to stay open, and the Texas Attorney General’s office, which claims the shelter’s work with migrants violates state law.
Some Texas business leaders are apprehensive about Trump’s pledged deportations
Read full article: Some Texas business leaders are apprehensive about Trump’s pledged deportations“We wouldn’t survive” without undocumented workers, one South Texas produce business owner said. By one estimate, 8% of Texas’ workforce lacks legal status.
4 Tren de Aragua gang members arrested after attempting to illegally cross border into Texas
Read full article: 4 Tren de Aragua gang members arrested after attempting to illegally cross border into TexasFour confirmed members of a violent Venezuelan gang were arrested after attempting to cross the U.S.-Mexico border into Texas on New Year’s Eve.
Here are the biggest stories from our data visuals team in 2024
Read full article: Here are the biggest stories from our data visuals team in 2024The Tribune’s data journalists helped visualize everything from voter participation and extreme weather to gaps in the state’s border wall. Here are some of the highlights.
Look back at some of the best Texas Tribune reads of 2024
Read full article: Look back at some of the best Texas Tribune reads of 2024Our journalists brought life to the experiences of everyday Texans, held powerful institutions accountable and surfaced stories that went beyond the daily news cycles.
Why were border wall materials put up for auction? Here's what you should know.
Read full article: Why were border wall materials put up for auction? Here's what you should know.Some Texas lawmakers including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick slammed the Biden administration over the auction of wall materials. But the sale was directed by Congress — and Texas has already bought some of it.
Cartels turn to social media to lure Americans into human smuggling as Texas enforces stricter laws
Read full article: Cartels turn to social media to lure Americans into human smuggling as Texas enforces stricter lawsThousands of people have been arrested under Texas’ human smuggling law. Now they face at least a decade in prison under sentencing guidelines that took effect this year.
Texas’ latest effort to deter migrants is a billboard campaign in Mexico, Central America
Read full article: Texas’ latest effort to deter migrants is a billboard campaign in Mexico, Central AmericaGov. Greg Abbott announced the new strategy, which will cost an estimated $100,000, during a press conference in Eagle Pass.
As landowners resist, Texas’ border wall is fragmented and built in remote areas
Read full article: As landowners resist, Texas’ border wall is fragmented and built in remote areasAt least a third of landowners approached by state officials have refused to let wall be built on their properties. That’s forced the state to largely build on ranchland in remote areas, or erect sections that are full of gaps.
Texas Republicans want voters to provide proof of citizenship. Arizona’s law holds lessons.
Read full article: Texas Republicans want voters to provide proof of citizenship. Arizona’s law holds lessons.A Votebeat analysis shows how such requirements risk disenfranchising key voter groups, including Native Americans and college students.
Gov. Greg Abbott announces more than $500 million in public safety grants
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott announces more than $500 million in public safety grantsThe grants will go to private and public sector recipients in Texas for a variety of public safety priorities, including securing the southern border.
Trump’s promise of mass deportation throws undocumented Texans into fear, uncertainty
Read full article: Trump’s promise of mass deportation throws undocumented Texans into fear, uncertaintyAs Republican Texas leaders show support for Trump’s mass deportation plans, undocumented people — some who have lived in America for decades — are weighing their options amid mounting fears.
“The best time to prepare”: Migrant rights group warns undocumented Texans to plan for deportations
Read full article: “The best time to prepare”: Migrant rights group warns undocumented Texans to plan for deportationsGroups are urging the state’s estimated 1.6 million undocumented migrants to prepare financially and make plans for their loved ones if they’re detained.
Federal judge blocks rule that would have given DACA recipients access to Affordable Care Act coverage
Read full article: Federal judge blocks rule that would have given DACA recipients access to Affordable Care Act coverageThe temporary injunction issued Monday would affect roughly 90,000 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients in Texas.
A 2006 study found undocumented immigrants contribute more than they cost Texas. The state hasn’t updated it since.
Read full article: A 2006 study found undocumented immigrants contribute more than they cost Texas. The state hasn’t updated it since.A comptroller’s report found that deporting the estimated 1.4 million undocumented immigrants living in Texas in 2005 would have cost the state about $17.7 billion in gross domestic product.
Henry Cuellar pitched adding buoys in Rio Grande to deter migrants years ago
Read full article: Henry Cuellar pitched adding buoys in Rio Grande to deter migrants years agoThe congressman said he joined other Democrats in opposition to the use of the floating barriers and razor wire at Texas’ border because of the lack of permits.
Feds can’t destroy razor wire Texas installed near Eagle Pass, appeals court rules
Read full article: Feds can’t destroy razor wire Texas installed near Eagle Pass, appeals court rulesTexas Attorney General Ken Paxton had sued the Biden administration after Border Patrol agents had cut the razor wire.
Houston construction company owner concerned of Trump’s mass deportation plans
Read full article: Houston construction company owner concerned of Trump’s mass deportation plansHouston construction company CEO Stan Marek calling for solutions to immigration other than President-elect Donald Trump’s mass deportation plans.
Texas offers Trump administration more land and support for mass deportations
Read full article: Texas offers Trump administration more land and support for mass deportationsTwo events in the Rio Grande Valley on Tuesday made clear Texas officials will work with the Trump administration on immigration.
Los hospitales en Texas ahora deben preguntarle a sus pacientes sobre su ciudadanía. No tienes que responder.
Read full article: Los hospitales en Texas ahora deben preguntarle a sus pacientes sobre su ciudadanía. No tienes que responder.El gobernador Greg Abbott quiere saber cuánto gastan los hospitales en el cuidado de inmigrantes indocumentados. Los hospitales no deben negar atención en ningún caso.
Texas hospitals are now required to ask for patients’ citizenship. Here’s what you should know.
Read full article: Texas hospitals are now required to ask for patients’ citizenship. Here’s what you should know.Gov. Greg Abbott wants to know how much hospitals spend caring for undocumented immigrants. Hospitals should not deny care based on how patients respond.
Texas’ top elected officials signal Texas could cut border spending after Trump takes office
Read full article: Texas’ top elected officials signal Texas could cut border spending after Trump takes officeWith Donald Trump returning to the White House, Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick have both recently signaled new openness to winding down the state’ border security operation.
Texas’ 90,000 DACA recipients can sign up for Affordable Care Act coverage — for now
Read full article: Texas’ 90,000 DACA recipients can sign up for Affordable Care Act coverage — for nowThose enrolled in the federal program shielding them from deportation can enroll through Jan. 15, but a lawsuit and Trump’s anti-immigration stance threaten to eliminate eligibility.
“Uncharted territory”: Trump’s anti-immigration plans could take center stage in Texas
Read full article: “Uncharted territory”: Trump’s anti-immigration plans could take center stage in TexasTexas is positioned better than any state to help Trump carry out his ambitious anti-immigration agenda. But it is also vulnerable to those policy’s impacts.
Texas buys two ranches near the border, including a huge property next to Big Bend National Park
Read full article: Texas buys two ranches near the border, including a huge property next to Big Bend National ParkA Starr County property was purchased to build border wall, while Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham said the state has many options for a sprawling ranch in West Texas.
Mother of Jocelyn Nungaray puts focus on daughter’s case, migrant crime at Trump rally in Austin
Read full article: Mother of Jocelyn Nungaray puts focus on daughter’s case, migrant crime at Trump rally in Austin“I’ve got blue hair, tattoos. I don’t look like your average person that is on stage with Donald Trump,” the 27-year Latino-American mother said on Saturday afternoon.
Former Eagle Pass detective sentenced to 10 years in prison for running migrant stash houses
Read full article: Former Eagle Pass detective sentenced to 10 years in prison for running migrant stash housesHazel Eileen Diaz received nearly $40,000 in cash and money transfers for letting human smugglers use her rental properties.
At debate, Mayra Flores shrugs off concern about mandating South Texans carry passports
Read full article: At debate, Mayra Flores shrugs off concern about mandating South Texans carry passportsDuring a tense debate with U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, Flores attacked Gonzalez for being soft on border security, then suggested requiring residents to prove citizenship in some instances was appropriate.
How a school voucher supporter won in a Texas House district with almost no private schools
Read full article: How a school voucher supporter won in a Texas House district with almost no private schoolsGov. Greg Abbott said the primary showed Texans want vouchers. In House District 18, an ad blitz and immigration fears may have played a larger role.
Jocelyn Nungaray’s suspected killers under investigation for connections to Tren de Aragua gang, warrant reveals
Read full article: Jocelyn Nungaray’s suspected killers under investigation for connections to Tren de Aragua gang, warrant revealsFranklin Pena and Johan Martinez-Rangel have been indicted for capital murder in Harris County and each have a $10 million bond.
Attorney General Ken Paxton targets El Paso nonprofit that offers legal services to migrants
Read full article: Attorney General Ken Paxton targets El Paso nonprofit that offers legal services to migrantsAttorney General Ken Paxton has investigated at least five organizations this year that do immigration-related work.