INSIDER
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.
Judge strikes down Biden administration program shielding immigrant spouses from deportation
Read full article: Judge strikes down Biden administration program shielding immigrant spouses from deportationA federal judge has struck down a Biden administration policy that aimed to ease a path to citizenship for some undocumented immigrants who are married to U.S. citizens.
Nearly 200 families separated by US-Mexico border reunite briefly in annual event
Read full article: Nearly 200 families separated by US-Mexico border reunite briefly in annual eventNearly 200 families have gathered along a stretch of the United States-Mexico border for heartfelt but brief reunions with loved ones they had not seen for years because they live in opposite countries.
Texas agriculture commissioner’s new executive order aims to provide water for Rio Grande Valley farmers
Read full article: Texas agriculture commissioner’s new executive order aims to provide water for Rio Grande Valley farmersRio Grande Valley farmers' concerns about a lack of water are being addressed in a new executive order issued by state agriculture commissioner Sid Miller’s office.
Arrests for illegal border crossings jump 3% in August, suggesting decline may be bottoming out
Read full article: Arrests for illegal border crossings jump 3% in August, suggesting decline may be bottoming outU.S. authorities say arrests for illegal border crossings from Mexico rose slightly in August.
Data shows Rio Grande water shortage is not just due to Mexico’s lack of water deliveries
Read full article: Data shows Rio Grande water shortage is not just due to Mexico’s lack of water deliveriesDrought conditions in South Texas have brought increased pressure on Mexico to make good on its commitment to deliver water to the U.S. under a 1944 treaty. But an analysis by the agency that enforces that treaty shows that water from U.S. sources has significantly diminished over the years.
US arrests at Mexico border are expected to drop 30% in July to a new low for Biden's presidency
Read full article: US arrests at Mexico border are expected to drop 30% in July to a new low for Biden's presidencyU.S. arrests for illegally crossing the border from Mexico during July have plummeted to a new low for Joe Biden’s presidency, raising prospects a temporary ban on asylum may be lifted soon.
Texas' floating Rio Grande barrier can stay for now, court rules as larger legal battle persists
Read full article: Texas' floating Rio Grande barrier can stay for now, court rules as larger legal battle persistsA floating barrier in the Rio Grande meant to discourage migrants from trying to cross from Mexico into Texas can stay for now, a full federal appeals court has ruled.
Texas’ floating barrier in the Rio Grande can stay for now, appeals court says
Read full article: Texas’ floating barrier in the Rio Grande can stay for now, appeals court saysAfter Texas deployed the barrier, a panel ordered it removed. The full appeals court says it can stay while a lower court hears a case on the merits.
Border Patrol agents recorded the fewest monthly migrant apprehensions since 2021 on southern border
Read full article: Border Patrol agents recorded the fewest monthly migrant apprehensions since 2021 on southern borderMigrant apprehensions in Texas decreased by nearly one-third in June, the first month of a new order by President Joe Biden that widely limited asylum claims.
An alligator in the Rio Grande? KSAT crew shares experience on exclusive ride along with Border Patrol in Eagle Pass
Read full article: An alligator in the Rio Grande? KSAT crew shares experience on exclusive ride along with Border Patrol in Eagle PassIn the Del Rio sector, which covers a 245-mile stretch of the border, Border Patrol agents travel up and down watching for signs of smuggling and illegal crossings.
‘It makes me really sad’: Professor says buoys in Rio Grande have created significant ecological impact
Read full article: ‘It makes me really sad’: Professor says buoys in Rio Grande have created significant ecological impactOne year after Texas began installing buoys in Eagle Pass, a professor says the floating barrier has created a significant ecological impact on the Rio Grande.
U.S. Supreme Court blocks the state’s Rio Grande water deal with New Mexico
Read full article: U.S. Supreme Court blocks the state’s Rio Grande water deal with New MexicoWater law experts say the Supreme Court's recent decision will set a precedent for the federal government to intervene in water conflicts between states moving forward.
The Supreme Court rejects a settlement in a water dispute between New Mexico and Texas
Read full article: The Supreme Court rejects a settlement in a water dispute between New Mexico and TexasThe Supreme Court has rejected a settlement between Western states over the management of one of North America’s longest rivers.
Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul faces economic woes after floods, and an unclear path to rebuilding
Read full article: Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul faces economic woes after floods, and an unclear path to rebuildingFlooding in Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul state ravaged nearly everything needed for economic activity, from local shops to factories, farms and ranches.
Brazil's flooded south sees first deaths from disease, as experts warn of coming surge in fatalities
Read full article: Brazil's flooded south sees first deaths from disease, as experts warn of coming surge in fatalitiesHealth officials in Brazil say the first two deaths from waterborne bacterial disease have been reported in the country's south, where floodwaters are slowly receding.
Future of Texas' migrant-blocking buoys may hinge on whether the Rio Grande is 'navigable'
Read full article: Future of Texas' migrant-blocking buoys may hinge on whether the Rio Grande is 'navigable'A federal appeals court is considering the latest arguments on whether Texas must remove a barrier consisting of large floating buoys anchored in the Rio Grande as part of Gov. Greg Abbott’s efforts to deter immigration.
Texas delegation urges Congress to withhold aid to Mexico over water treaty dispute
Read full article: Texas delegation urges Congress to withhold aid to Mexico over water treaty disputeA bipartisan group of Texas lawmakers are demanding appropriators withhold funds for the country until Mexico lives up to its end of a 1944 water treaty that requires it to send 1.75 million acre-feet to the U.S. every five years.
More than 200 migrants arrested after rushing an El Paso border gate
Read full article: More than 200 migrants arrested after rushing an El Paso border gateMore than 200 migrants have been arrested on misdemeanor rioting charges in connection with a late March border breach in El Paso that the local district attorney said injured Texas National Guard members.
Supreme Court temporarily blocks Texas law that allows police to arrest migrants
Read full article: Supreme Court temporarily blocks Texas law that allows police to arrest migrantsTexas’ plans to arrest migrants who enter the U.S. illegally and order them to leave the country is headed to the Supreme Court in a legal showdown over the federal government’s authority over immigration.
As Biden and Trump visit the border, many Texas residents feel ignored
Read full article: As Biden and Trump visit the border, many Texas residents feel ignoredWhen the two presidents used the Texas-Mexico boundary as a backdrop for the national immigration fight, residents felt they were left out of the conversation.
Judge blocks Texas law that gives police broad powers to arrest migrants who illegally enter US
Read full article: Judge blocks Texas law that gives police broad powers to arrest migrants who illegally enter USA federal judge has blocked a Texas law that would allow police to arrest migrants suspected of entering the U.S. illegally.
Judge blocks Texas law that gives police broad powers to arrest migrants who illegally enter US
Read full article: Judge blocks Texas law that gives police broad powers to arrest migrants who illegally enter USA federal judge has blocked a Texas law that would allow police to arrest migrants suspected of entering the U.S. illegally.
Texas will build camp for National Guard members in border city of Eagle Pass
Read full article: Texas will build camp for National Guard members in border city of Eagle PassTexas is expanding its grasp of a border city that has become the focus of a political struggle between the state and federal government.
Texas Democrats host news conference in response to GOP border efforts
Read full article: Texas Democrats host news conference in response to GOP border effortsSeveral congressional Texas Democrats will host a virtual news conference Sunday morning in response to Republican efforts at the border to obstruct the federal government at Shelby Park in Eagle Pass.
U.S. Supreme Court says Texas can’t block federal agents from the border
Read full article: U.S. Supreme Court says Texas can’t block federal agents from the borderThe high court’s order effectively maintains long-running precedent that the federal government — not individual states — has authority to enforce border security.
What to know about Texas’ clash with the Biden administration over Border Patrol access
Read full article: What to know about Texas’ clash with the Biden administration over Border Patrol accessTexas’ refusal to allow Border Patrol agents into a park along the U.S.-Mexico border is a new marker in the state’s deepening rift with the Biden administration over immigration.
Migrant deaths in Rio Grande intensify tensions between Texas, Biden administration over crossings
Read full article: Migrant deaths in Rio Grande intensify tensions between Texas, Biden administration over crossingsThe White House says U.S. Border Patrol agents need access to the border after officials say three migrants drowned while trying to cross the Rio Grande near the Texas border city of Eagle Pass.
Feds say Texas is blocking Border Patrol from a section of the border, ask U.S. Supreme Court to intervene
Read full article: Feds say Texas is blocking Border Patrol from a section of the border, ask U.S. Supreme Court to interveneThe Justice Department says agents can’t access 2.5 miles of the border and a boat ramp in Eagle Pass.
Eagle Pass mayor says public park closed by state with no warning
Read full article: Eagle Pass mayor says public park closed by state with no warningThe mayor of a Texas border city at the center of Republican Gov. Greg Abbott’s aggressive measures to curb migrant crossings says state troopers have closed a large public park along the Rio Grande.
VIDEO: Family of 5 migrants crosses Rio Grande as congressional delegation holds nearby press conference at Texas border
Read full article: VIDEO: Family of 5 migrants crosses Rio Grande as congressional delegation holds nearby press conference at Texas borderA family of five migrants was captured by KSAT photojournalist Gavin Nesbitt crossing the Rio Grande Wednesday as U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson and other congressional Republicans held a nearby press conference about immigration.
Texas, Arizona & California border crossings with Mexico to reopen a month after migrant influx forced closures
Read full article: Texas, Arizona & California border crossings with Mexico to reopen a month after migrant influx forced closuresU.S. authorities say a border crossing on the most direct route from Phoenix to the nearest beaches will reopen Thursday, one month after it closed in response to a large migrant influx.
Biden administration asks Supreme Court to allow border agents to cut razor wire installed by Texas
Read full article: Biden administration asks Supreme Court to allow border agents to cut razor wire installed by TexasThe Biden administration is asking the Supreme Court to allow Border Patrol agents to cut razor wire that Texas installed on the U.S.-Mexico border, while a lawsuit over the wire continues.
U.S. Department of Justice says it’ll sue if Texas enforces new law punishing illegal border crossing
Read full article: U.S. Department of Justice says it’ll sue if Texas enforces new law punishing illegal border crossingThe state has until Jan. 3 to say it won’t arrest people accused of unauthorized entry from Mexico. If not, the Biden administration will sue, saying immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility.
Appeals court blocks federal government from destroying razor wire along US-Mexico border
Read full article: Appeals court blocks federal government from destroying razor wire along US-Mexico borderTexas Attorney General Ken Paxton is celebrating a win after an appeals court temporarily blocked the federal government from destroying the razor wire along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Groups sue over new Texas law that lets police arrest migrants who enter the US illegally
Read full article: Groups sue over new Texas law that lets police arrest migrants who enter the US illegallyThe White House and Mexico’s president are sharply criticizing a new Texas law that would allow police to arrest migrants who illegally cross into the U.S. and empower local judges to order them to leave the country.
Texas installing anti-climb walls to make it harder for migrants to cross
Read full article: Texas installing anti-climb walls to make it harder for migrants to crossTexas is installing new anti-climb walls in Brownsville. The 8-foot gates are being strung together and wrapped in razor wire to make them even more difficult to get over or through.
Appeals court halts ruling that Border Patrol can legally cut Texas’ border concertina wire
Read full article: Appeals court halts ruling that Border Patrol can legally cut Texas’ border concertina wireLess than a week after a Del Rio-based federal judge ruled against Texas in the ongoing fight over the state’s razor wire, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals paused that decision while it reviews the case.
Court orders Texas to move floating buoy barrier that drew backlash from Mexico
Read full article: Court orders Texas to move floating buoy barrier that drew backlash from MexicoA federal appeals court has ruled that Texas must move a floating barrier on the Rio Grande that drew backlash from Mexico.
Court orders Texas to move floating buoy barrier that drew backlash from Mexico
Read full article: Court orders Texas to move floating buoy barrier that drew backlash from MexicoA federal appeals court has ruled that Texas must move a floating barrier on the Rio Grande that drew backlash from Mexico.
Texas Legislature sends $1.54 billion bill for border barriers to Gov. Abbott
Read full article: Texas Legislature sends $1.54 billion bill for border barriers to Gov. AbbottSenate Bill 3 would also appropriate $40 million for state troopers to patrol Colony Ridge, a housing development outside of Houston, and allow the state to send money to local jurisdictions to offset the cost of enforcing another immigration-related bill.
Texas judge rips into Biden administration's handling of border in dispute over razor wire barrier
Read full article: Texas judge rips into Biden administration's handling of border in dispute over razor wire barrierA judge for now isn't stopping Border Patrol agents from cutting razor wire that Texas has put on the U.S.-Mexico border to deter migrants.
Judge denies Texas’ request to stop feds from cutting border razor wire
Read full article: Judge denies Texas’ request to stop feds from cutting border razor wireJudge Alia Moses ruled in the federal government’s favor but chided the Biden administration for not allowing migrants to use international bridges to claim asylum.
Illegal border crossings into the US drop in October after a 3-month streak of increases
Read full article: Illegal border crossings into the US drop in October after a 3-month streak of increasesU.S. authorities say illegal border crossings from Mexico fell 14% in October from a month earlier, following three months of big increases.
Biden's movable wall is criticized by environmentalists and those who want more border security
Read full article: Biden's movable wall is criticized by environmentalists and those who want more border securityThe Biden administration’s plan to build new barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border in South Texas calls for a “movable” design that frustrates both environmentalists and advocates of stronger border enforcement.
Federal judge orders immigration agents to stop removing Texas’ concertina wire on the border
Read full article: Federal judge orders immigration agents to stop removing Texas’ concertina wire on the borderBorder Patrol agents have cut through the state’s wire to free migrants or take them into custody. Judge Alia Moses will hear arguments from Texas and the Biden administration next week to determine whether her temporary order will continue past Nov. 13.
Judge orders federal agents to stop cutting Texas razor wire for now at busy Mexico border crossing
Read full article: Judge orders federal agents to stop cutting Texas razor wire for now at busy Mexico border crossingA federal judge has ordered Border Patrol agents not to interfere with razor wire installed by the state of Texas at a busy crossing for migrants on the U.S.-Mexico border.
Texas sues Biden administration seeking to stop federal agents from cutting razor wire on border
Read full article: Texas sues Biden administration seeking to stop federal agents from cutting razor wire on borderThe Texas Attorney General has filed a lawsuit over the breach of the state's controversial razor wire, strung along the border in key areas to deter immigration.
Texas sues to stop Border Patrol agents from cutting state’s razor wire at the border
Read full article: Texas sues to stop Border Patrol agents from cutting state’s razor wire at the borderAttorney General Ken Paxton’s latest lawsuit against the federal government claims Border Patrol agents cut through concertina wire purchased and deployed at the border by the state.
Texas strings concertina wire along New Mexico border to deter migrants
Read full article: Texas strings concertina wire along New Mexico border to deter migrantsGov. Greg Abbott said the barrier — two rows of wire strung between metal posts near Interstate 10 — was necessary because migrants are crossing the border at New Mexico and walking into El Paso.
Texas asks appeal judges to let it keep floating barrier in place on the Rio Grande
Read full article: Texas asks appeal judges to let it keep floating barrier in place on the Rio GrandeAttorneys for Texas are asking federal appeals court judges to let the state keep in place a floating barrier to block migrants from crossing the Rio Grande.
Texas border cities scramble to shelter thousands of newly-arrived migrants
Read full article: Texas border cities scramble to shelter thousands of newly-arrived migrantsThousands of migrants have crossed the border into Eagle Pass and El Paso in recent days, the highest number since the emergency health order known as Title 42 expired in May.
Slim majority of Texans support Gov. Greg Abbott’s border buoys, poll finds
Read full article: Slim majority of Texans support Gov. Greg Abbott’s border buoys, poll findsThe UT poll also touched on a range of other topics, including Texas voters’ opinions on the upcoming presidential election and the U.S. Senate race.
Fierce storm in southern Brazil kills at least 21 people and displaces more than 1,600
Read full article: Fierce storm in southern Brazil kills at least 21 people and displaces more than 1,600Authorities in southern Brazil say at least 21 people have died due to a fierce storm that caused floods in several cities in the region.
Mexico officials say National Guard member who shot at migrant “separated from his position”
Read full article: Mexico officials say National Guard member who shot at migrant “separated from his position”Texas Department of Public Safety and the Military Department would not confirm the status of National Guard member who is accused of shooting across the Rio Grande and wounding a man.
U.S. Justice Department argues for removal of Texas’ floating border barrier in federal court
Read full article: U.S. Justice Department argues for removal of Texas’ floating border barrier in federal courtIn a court hearing over the barrier near Eagle Pass, the U.S. Justice Department argued it was installed without federal authorization, while lawyers for the state said it notified the proper authorities.
Illegal crossings on the US-Mexico border rose in July but were still down from last year
Read full article: Illegal crossings on the US-Mexico border rose in July but were still down from last yearU.S. border authorities stopped migrants entering the country illegally more than 33% more often in July than in June, suggesting lower numbers that followed the end of pandemic-related asylum restrictions may have bottomed out.
Water managers warn that stretches of the Rio Grande will dry up without more rain
Read full article: Water managers warn that stretches of the Rio Grande will dry up without more rainLack of rain and hot conditions in central New Mexico are leaving one of North America's longest rivers in dire shape again.
Eagle Pass residents sour on Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s Operation Lone Star
Read full article: Eagle Pass residents sour on Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s Operation Lone StarAfter initially supporting the governor’s efforts to stem illegal immigration, many residents say Operation Lone Star has gone too far.
Texas separates migrant families, detaining fathers on trespassing charges in latest border move
Read full article: Texas separates migrant families, detaining fathers on trespassing charges in latest border moveTexas officials say state police officers separated migrant families along the border with Mexico by detaining fathers on trespassing charges and turning over mothers and children to federal agencies.
Mexico recovers body of Honduran migrant in Rio Grande; another body found near floating barrier
Read full article: Mexico recovers body of Honduran migrant in Rio Grande; another body found near floating barrierMexican authorities say a Honduran migrant has identified one of the two bodies recovered from the Rio Grande as her son.
Mexico recovers 2 bodies from the Rio Grande, including one near floating barrier installed by Texas
Read full article: Mexico recovers 2 bodies from the Rio Grande, including one near floating barrier installed by TexasMexican authorities are working to identify two bodies recovered from the Rio Grande, one of them along the floating barrier that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott had installed in the river, across from Eagle Pass, Texas.
Mexico says body spotted near floating barriers in Rio Grande River across from Texas
Read full article: Mexico says body spotted near floating barriers in Rio Grande River across from TexasThe Mexican government has reported for the first time that a body was spotted along the floating barrier that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott installed recently in the Rio Grande river, across from Eagle Pass, Texas.
On the Texas-Mexico border, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service gives an owl protected status, seeks to declare two mussel species endangered
Read full article: On the Texas-Mexico border, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service gives an owl protected status, seeks to declare two mussel species endangeredWildlife groups have long lobbied for increased protection for the cactus ferruginous pygmy owl. The agency says the mussels species are threatened by reduced flow and poor water quality in the Rio Grande.
Putting a floating barrier in the Rio Grande to stop migrants is new. The idea isn't.
Read full article: Putting a floating barrier in the Rio Grande to stop migrants is new. The idea isn't.Texas' floating barrier on the Rio Grande is new, but a former Trump administration official says the idea isn't.
U.S. sues Texas after Gov. Greg Abbott declines to remove floating border barrier
Read full article: U.S. sues Texas after Gov. Greg Abbott declines to remove floating border barrierThe U.S. Department of Justice made good on its warning last week that it would sue Texas unless the state agreed to remove the barrier in the Rio Grande near Eagle Pass.
State investigating claim that DPS troopers were told to push migrants back into the Rio Grande and deny them water
Read full article: State investigating claim that DPS troopers were told to push migrants back into the Rio Grande and deny them waterThe Office of the Inspector General is investigating the claims, which include pushing small children and women with nursing babies back into the river and turning away a 4-year-old girl who later passed out on the riverbank from the heat.
Mexico files diplomatic complaint over Gov. Greg Abbott’s floating border barriers
Read full article: Mexico files diplomatic complaint over Gov. Greg Abbott’s floating border barriersThe Mexican government plans to send an inspection team to see if Texas’ buoys have crossed into Mexico’s side of the border.
Mexico files border boundaries complaint over Texas' floating barrier plan on Rio Grande
Read full article: Mexico files border boundaries complaint over Texas' floating barrier plan on Rio GrandeMexico's top diplomat says her country has sent a diplomatic note to the U.S. government expressing concern that Texas' plan to deploy floating barriers on the Rio Grande may violate 1944 and 1970 treaties on boundaries and water.
Buoy installation at border prompts Eagle Pass business owner to file lawsuit against Texas
Read full article: Buoy installation at border prompts Eagle Pass business owner to file lawsuit against TexasThe state’s latest effort to secure the border by placing a buoy barrier in the Rio Grande has gained a lot of backlash from migrant advocacy and environmentalists.
Texas prepares to deploy Rio Grande buoys in governor's latest effort to curb border crossings
Read full article: Texas prepares to deploy Rio Grande buoys in governor's latest effort to curb border crossingsTexas has started rolling out what is set to become a new floating barrier on the Rio Grande.
4 people, including infant, died while crossing Rio Grande within 48 hours, DPS says
Read full article: 4 people, including infant, died while crossing Rio Grande within 48 hours, DPS saysFour people, including one infant, died while crossing the Rio Grande in Eagle Pass this month, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
New Mexico lawmakers question fallowing as way to reduce water use along the Rio Grande
Read full article: New Mexico lawmakers question fallowing as way to reduce water use along the Rio GrandeSome New Mexico lawmakers are warning that the state’s fight with neighboring Texas over management of one of North America’s longest rivers is still brewing despite a proposed settlement and that leaving farmland unplanted won’t be a long-term answer to ensuring Texas gets its share.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection investigation finds multiple failings in the death of 8-year-old girl in federal custody
Read full article: U.S. Customs and Border Protection investigation finds multiple failings in the death of 8-year-old girl in federal custodyAfter discovering that contracted medical staff ignored the mother’s pleas to take the girl to the hospital as her condition declined, the federal agency said it is taking action to ensure an in-custody death “never happens again.”
Mercy Without Borders helping thousands of migrant arrivals in Reynosa, Mexico
Read full article: Mercy Without Borders helping thousands of migrant arrivals in Reynosa, MexicoRoland and Carolyn Ashby’s home in the Hill Country is a long way from the migrant camps along the Rio Grande in Reynosa, Mexico.
Fewer Venezuelan arrivals lead to drop in illegal entries to US after pandemic asylum limits
Read full article: Fewer Venezuelan arrivals lead to drop in illegal entries to US after pandemic asylum limitsU.S. officials say a 98% drop in Venezuelan arrivals has helped lead to a steep decline in migrants crossing the U.S. border illegally from Mexico since pandemic-related asylum limits expired last week.
Migrants rush across US border in final hours before Title 42 expires
Read full article: Migrants rush across US border in final hours before Title 42 expiresMigrants are rushing across the Mexico border in hopes of entering the U.S. in the final hours before pandemic-related asylum restrictions are lifted at midnight.
Tribes seek invitation to Rio Grande water commission
Read full article: Tribes seek invitation to Rio Grande water commissionA commission that oversees how the Rio Grande is managed and shared among three Western states has adopted a recommendation that could set the stage for more involvement by Native American tribes that depend on the river.