Brackettville Archives - Uvalde Hesperian

VIDEO: Stage 5 Drought and aquifer’s future fuels heated remarks at Kinney County’s Water Conservation Board Meeting

admin — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 01:49:02 +0000

January 6th, 2026

By Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

Kinney County residents showed up en masse at Monday night’s, January 5th meeting of the Kinney County Water Conservation District’s Board meeting in Brackettville, Residents from Brackettville and Kinney County filled the building with about a dozen standing outside of the front door as the meeting commenced.

Several signed up to speak during public comments, with some speaking very passionately about the board’s possible actions tonight on the aquifer management changes. The Board is asking for recommendations from the District’s hydrologist on possible action tonight.

The issue is complicated but during public comments, several speakers are concerned with the drying up of Los Moras Springs. One or two landowners have stated their wells are going dry. A few accused the board of possibly voting on personal ambitions and not representing the people in the county.

One board member stated the state is in a Stage 5 drought. At stake are private property rights, available water for the population, and the health of wildlife.

According to the District’s hydrologist, the main issue is defining the optimal future conditions of the aquifer.

Option 1: Non-relevance for joint planning purposes. According to Vince the board’s hydrologist, Uvalde is considering this.

Option 2: We develop an approach that aligns with the DFC or District Flow Control or Desired Future Conditions.

“If we don’t act, the GMA decides for us,” one board member said.

Option 3: we come up with a new DFC with the new MAG.

“We don’t have a lot of time,” Vince said, referring to option 3.

Option 4: “Hail Mary, “one board member said.

The district is close to hitting a deadline to update its Groundwater Management Plan.

“We don’t have a lot of time,” Vince said, referring to option 3.

The district is close to hitting a deadline to update its Groundwater Management Plan.

The post VIDEO: Stage 5 Drought and aquifer’s future fuels heated remarks at Kinney County’s Water Conservation Board Meeting appeared first on Uvalde Hesperian.

Senator Roland Gutierrez joins Eagle Pass, Brackettville and Del Rio Residents to demand DOJ halt Abbott’s inhumane border policies

admin — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 12:56:15 +0000

Press Release from the office of Texas State Senator Roland Gutierrez

AUSTIN, TX – After Texas border communities and migrants have endured years of suffering under Operation Lone Star, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has finally filed a lawsuit to force the state to remove buoys from the Rio Grande, which represents just one small, but potentially lethal, aspect of Gov. Abbott’s border operation. Border residents are gathering in front of the U.S. District Court to share how lives have been impacted not just by the buoys, but by every aspect of Operation Lone Star – from criminalizing Black and brown communities to high-speed vehicle chases. Advocates will walk into the courthouse to witness this important hearing.

Since March 2021, many have warned of the dangers and human rights violations associated with Operation Lone Star (OLS). Now that this operation has turned deadly, advocates are demanding that the DOJ do more than a narrow lawsuit— DOJ must investigate DPS state troopers’ illegal arrests and family separation practices under OLS, and the DOJ should bring additional lawsuits based on the Title IV violations occurring under OLS.

What: Press Conference & Court Watch

When: Tuesday, Aug. 22nd, 2023 at 8:00 AM CDT

Where: 501 W 5th St Austin, TX 78701

Who: Senator Roland Gutierrez

Sergio Treviño, San Juan resident

Robie Flores, Eagle Pass resident

Anita Anaya, Brackettville resident

This event is co-sponsored by the following organizations: Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC), Grassroots Leadership, La Unión del Pueblo Entero (LUPE), Human Rights Watch (HRW), Eagle Pass Border Coalition, The Border Organization, and Poder Latinx.

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The Political Clash over the Border Crisis and the floating barricade on the Rio Grande River

admin — Sun, 30 Jul 2023 15:42:50 +0000

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

Picture Credit: Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott

“You might not be interested in politics, but politics may take an interest in you.” – Source unknown

” I just got back from the border. And what I know makes me know for sure we’re out of order” Song- Down on the Border by the Little River Band

Local governments and residents of the City of Uvalde as well as Uvalde County, Zavala County and Kinney County have been directly affected by the flow if undocumented migrants from the United States Mexican Border. Area landowners have seen their fences damaged or destroyed and Texas DPS, County Sheriff’s Offices and City Police Departments as well as the U.S Border Patrol regularly deal with high speed chases and human trafficking situations where migrants are found on railroad cars and stuffed in large trucks and other vehicles. Recently, The Uvalde City Council and the Uvalde County Commissioner’s Court have renewed their respective emergency declarations pertaining to the ongoing border crisis.

While these situations continue to occur, state and federal politicians have taken sides on the issue. Texas Governor Greg Abbott , Ted Cruz and other Republicans accuse the Biden Administration of not doing enough to protect the border, Texas Senator Roland Gutierrez blasts Texas Governor Abbott calling floating border barricades: “traps” and the U.S. The Department of Justice takes legal action against the State of Texas.

U.S. Sentator from Texas Ted Cruz posted this Tweet critizing the Biden Administration claiming it has failed to address the U.S Border Crisis:

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris should be ashamed of themselves for suing the state of Texas.

Texas has been forced to address the problems the Biden administration created.#BidenBorderCrisis pic.twitter.com/qyXSe9o7zE

— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) July 25, 2023

Texas State Senator Roland Gutierrec posted this Tweet blasting Texas Governor Greg Abbott over Operation Lone Star which Gutierrez claims us cruelty and rised to the level of neglegent homicide:

Texans are tired of the failure that is Operation Lone Star.

The cruelty on the border has turned into negligent homicide.

I will fight like hell for accountability. Enough is enough.
pic.twitter.com/Vuc0PfGw9N

— Senator Roland Gutierrez (@RolandForTexas) July 23, 2023

July 18th, 2013 Press Release by Texas State Senator Roland Gutierrez

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – Tuesday morning, Senator Roland Gutierrez sent a letter to the Department of Justice demanding an investigation into a report from the Houston Chronicle detailing a series of immoral and inhumane punishments against migrants ordered by Governor Greg Abbott. Troopers were allegedly under orders from the governor to refuse water to migrants and push young children into the Rio Grande river.

“What is happening at our southern border is not security in any sense of the word. This is cruelty, inflicted by a governor that has failed to keep Texans safe. I am calling for a swift investigation into this matter by the U.S. Department of Justice and for the Federal authorities to shut down Abbott’s unconstitutional rogue operation,” said Senator Roland Gutierrez.

In the letter, Senator Gutierrez states:

“There are few greater sins in this world than watching children scream in agony from “traps” that were set for them by law enforcement officials. I believe that these new orders and policy changes violate federal law and our international agreements with Mexico. Likewise, I believe that those that instituted this policy will not face accountability for their actions from state officials. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) has said that it will conduct an audit or an investigation into this matter. DPS cannot be trusted to investigate itself.

“In South Texas, we have seen this before. Nearly fourteen months ago, 19 children and 2 educators were left by law enforcement to fend for themselves for 77 minutes against a heavily armed and deranged gunmen. More than a year later, law enforcement officials have not faced one shred of accountability for their failure to breach the classroom at Robb Elementary. These same law enforcement officials have now initiated a policy that ensures horrendous pain and severe injury to migrants entering our country.”

You can read Senator Gutierrez’s letter to the Department of Justice here.

Photo creditL Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott

On June 8th, 2023 during the 88th Legislative Session, Texas Governor Greg Abbott held a signing ceremony where he signed several bills addressing border securing into law.

According to a press release by the Office of Governor Greg Abbott, the following actions were taken and bills were signed:

“During the press conference, Governor Abbott also announced the deployment of new marine floating barriers to deter illegal crossings in hotspots along the Rio Grande River. This strategy will proactively prevent illegal crossings between ports of entry by making it more difficult to cross the Rio Grande and reach the Texas side of the southern border. The first 1,000 feet of the marine floating barrier will be deployed near Eagle Pass.

Senate Bill 423 (Paxton/Wilson, T.M.) provides Texas military forces the authority to use unmanned aircrafts as part of an operation, exercise, or mission. The bill legalizes the use of drones for search and recovery missions after natural disasters and for monitoring the Texas-Mexico border as part of Operation Lone Star.

Senate Bill 602 (Birdwell/Harless) expands the authority of U.S. Border Patrol agents who have completed a DPS training program to include arrest, search, and seizure at established border checkpoints and points of entry for felony offenses under Texas law. Current law only allows agents to detain certain individuals at these locations.

Senate Bill 1133 (Blanco/King, T.) creates a grant program to compensate agricultural landowners up to $75,000 for property damage caused by trespassers committing a border crime, such as the smuggling of persons, evading arrest, human trafficking, or a drug offense. Increased migrant traffic and law enforcement activity has left many landowners with significant financial losses and property damage.

Senate Bill 1403 (Parker/Spiller) authorizes the Governor to coordinate and execute an interstate compact for border security among interested states without congressional approval. The compact will allow participating states to share law enforcement intelligence and resources for heightened detection and deterrence of illegal border activity and will further protect personnel and property to overcome continued shortcomings of existing federal border policy.

Senate Bill 1484 (Creighton/Holland) creates a collaborative border operations training program through DPS for peace officers employed by local law enforcement agencies along the border. The bill will allow DPS to share expertise in identifying and preventing of transnational criminal activity to local authorities.

Senate Bill 1900 (Birdwell/Guillen) designates Mexican drug cartels and criminal organizations as foreign terrorist organizations in the State of Texas and increases penalties for the destruction of illegal drugs and the operation of stash houses. This bill also adds foreign terrorist organizations to current intelligence databases and allows local entities to seek public nuisance claims against them. Governor Abbott issued an executive order last September designating Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations and has requested President Joe Biden take similar federal action.

On July 24th, 2023 Poltico reported the following in the article: ‘See you in court’: Abbott responds to DOJ border lawsuit warning

“The Department of Justice plans to sue Texas for deploying a floating barricade at the southern border, according to a letter to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott obtained by POLITICO.

Abbott’s response: “I’ll see you in court, Mr. President.

In its Thursday letter, the DOJ cited the “unlawful construction of a floating barrier in the Rio Grande River” and asserted that the barrier might impede the federal government’s “official duties.”

The letter did not address any migrant-related concerns at the Texas-Mexico border, but DOJ spokesperson Xochitl Hinojosa said Friday that “the department is aware of the troubling reports, and we are working with DHS and other relevant agencies to assess the situation.”

July 24, 2023 | Austin, Texas | Press Release from the office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott

Governor Greg Abbott today defended Texas’ right to secure the border through the recent deployment of floating marine barriers in the Rio Grande River in Eagle Pass as part of the state’s unprecedented response to America’s ongoing border crisis. In a letter to President Joe Biden, the Governor counters threats by the U.S. Department of Justice to sue the state over the barriers by pointing out that the U.S. Constitution grants Texas sovereign authority to protect its borders because the President refuses to enforce federal immigration laws.

“If you truly care about human life, you must begin enforcing federal immigration laws,” reads the letter. “By doing so, you can help me stop migrants from wagering their lives in the waters of the Rio Grande River. You can also help me save Texans, and indeed all Americans, from deadly drugs like fentanyl, cartel violence, and the horrors of human trafficking. To end the risk that migrants will be harmed crossing the border illegally, you must fully enforce the laws of the United States that prohibit illegal immigration between ports of entry. In the meantime, Texas will fully utilize its constitutional authority to deal with the crisis you have caused. Texas will see you in court, Mr. President.”

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Zavala County neighbors describe life of constant vigilance as bailouts and high speed chases are a daily occurrence

admin — Wed, 31 May 2023 15:20:42 +0000

Picture from Zavala County Sheriff’s Office Facebook Page

Article by Michael Robinson

The Uvalde Hesperian spoke with two Zavala county residents about the realities of living in an area where high speed pursuits and bailouts are a daily occurrence. Due to the nature of the subject matter, the two residents wish to remain anonymous and will be referred to with pseudonyms: Both will be referred to as she. Both residents live on properties near Highway 83 not far from Crystal City and Carrizo Springs.

Each day, Martinez listens to police scanner channels covering Uvalde, Zavala, Kenney and Frio Counties on a smartphone app. Martinez also posts reports of illegal aliens referred to as IA’s are a daily occurrence and happen many times a day at all hours. Yesterday, she posted reports of bailouts and high speed police chases on her personal Facebook page. “Eastbound 140 high speed chase…LE losing it,” Martinez posted. In another post, she wrote, “120 mile an hour high speed chase about to hit 35.”

Because many of the bailouts happen close to their properties, Martinez sometimes says they have what is known as “bail-gate parties” where residents sit outside of their homes watching the law enforcement pursuits and bailouts of IA’s near their residences.

Martinez and her husband goats and many of the fleeing migrants crash into the fences which makes it hard to keep the goats from escaping. When asked how often she and her husband have to repair the fences, she said it is a weekly occurrence and happens so often, fencing materials need to be kept on hand. “There is no time to drive to Uvalde to pick up fencing materials when the fences and gates are damaged.” she said. Martinez went on to say that the broken fences have to be repaired quickly as the goats can get out.

Both Smith and Martinez say they when going outside, it is important to always stay armed as IA’s have been found on the properties before. Sometimes, Smith said migrants will knock on the door looking for food and water. That said, many are looking for outlets to charge their cell phones. For example, when a couple of migrants came to the door asking to charge their phones, Smith told them. “Sorry, I can’t help you.” A few hours later it was discovered the migrants went onto the property and found an electrical outlet in a nearby shed.

Constant Vigilance

Smith and Martinez say the migrant activity has brought them and other neighbors together creating an unofficial neighborhood watch. Smith said they each look after each other letting them know of potential incidents and threats. Both say it is not advisable to go out on property at night as it can be unsafe.

While driving and at home, the police scanner is always on. According to Smith, when one listens to the chatter, one learns how to interpret the 10 codes and pick up on the terminology used by law enforcement or LE. “When driving to and from home, I can tell by the way the vehicles are driving that they are local or possibly smugglers,” Smith said.

She went onto say one has to always be on the lookout for vehicles fleeing LE. Even when getting out of the truck in the carport near the house, family members are always checking on each other. Smith said recruitment ads for human smugglers are placed on Craigslist and other sites on the internet and depending on the distance of the drive, the pay offered is high.. Many of the smugglers who are caught often carry large amounts of cash. Migrants also carry other items as well referring to narcotics like Fentanyl.

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Brackettville Bailout search called off at 7 PM: Two Handguns found. No arrests made

admin — Mon, 26 Dec 2022 19:31:14 +0000

The Texas Department of Public Safety issued this update on the status of the Christmas Eve search of armed suspects near Brackettville:

“They stopped search at approximately 7pm that day. Two handguns were located at the scene. One handgun was located a couple feet south of the vehicle, and the second one a couple feet north of the vehicle. The Texas Rangers Division will continue the investigation. The arrests have been made at this time and the investigation is ongoing.”

See related story:

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Brackettville Bailout leads to gun shots heard as police search for 5 suspects near Fort Clark Springs

admin — Sun, 25 Dec 2022 15:55:24 +0000

Main Entrance to Fort Clark Springs

A bailout occurred at approximately 11:35 AM on Christmas Eve just south of Brackettville on FM 131 as four to 5 suspects fled into the brush country, according to a report by DPS officials. At about 4:30 PM DPS officers and other law enforcement officials were seen inside the Fort Clark Springs community with a number of officers dressed in camouflage carrying AR style rifles heading west to search a brushy area west of Sunset Lane. A drone was seen hovering over the area.

Residents were advised by the Kinney County Sheriff’s department to stay indoors and to keep their doors locked. Despite the warning, The Uvalde Hesperian saw a female in her 20’s-30’s jogging on a main road through the Community. When asked if she was aware of the police search, she said she was.

The Kenney County Sheriff’s Office issued the following statement on Facebook about noon:

“Law Enforcement ended a pursuit of a vehicle on highway 131 towards Brackettville, Texas. All occupants absconded on foot towards the back end of Ft. Clark Springs. All occupants are to be considered armed and dangerous. Stay in doors and keep all doors and vehicles locked. Updates will follow. Call 911 if any suspicious persons are seen.”

A following update was later posted, by the Kinney County Sheriff’s Office:

“Chief Deputy Garcia: TX DPS, Kinney Co Sheriff’s Deputies and US Border Patrol will remain in the area searching for the suspects. A large perimeter has been set and several groups of offices are on the ground searching for the suspects. Law Enforcement is considering the suspects to be armed and dangerous. Keep all doors locked and secure. Call 911 if you see any suspicious persons. Area of concern is Fort Clark Springs and the surrounding area to include the City of Brackettville. Total at latge (sic)is 5. Updates to follow…”

The Texas Department of Public Safety issued the following report that afternoon about 5 PM:

“Following a pursuit, driver came to a stop where he fled the scene with approximately 4-5 individuals believed to be undocumented. Unknown if the driver was documented.

A Texas DPS vehicle seen turning onto Sunset Lane inside Fort Clark Springs

The driver and passengers crossed into a brush field where (a) trooper reported gun shots were heard.

Trooper stopped chasing the group and called for assistance. Several agencies including DPS aircraft, DPS K9, Game Wardens, County SO and others responded. Trooper was not injured and did not shoot back.”

As of the morning of December 25th, Christmas Day, no additional information has been issued on the status of the search.

Update from Brackettville – Fort Clark Springs

Incident time: 11:35am

Incident type: pursuit/bailout/human smuggling

Roadway: FM 131 mile marker 508

County: Kinney

Vehicle: Hyundai Sonata

Following a pursuit driver came to a stop where he fled the scene with approximately 4-5 individuals believed to be undocumented. Unknown if driver was undocumented. The driver and passengers crossed into a brush field where trooper reported gun shots were heard. Trooper stopped chasing the group and called for assistance. Several agencies including DPS aircraft, DPS K9, Game Wardens, County SO, and others responded. Trooper was not injured and didn’t shoot back.

An additional update by by the Kenney County Sheriff’s Department was issued at 5 PM

The post Brackettville Bailout leads to gun shots heard as police search for 5 suspects near Fort Clark Springs appeared first on Uvalde Hesperian.

Brackettville Archives - Uvalde Hesperian

VIDEO: Stage 5 Drought and aquifer’s future fuels heated remarks at Kinney County’s Water Conservation Board Meeting

Senator Roland Gutierrez joins Eagle Pass, Brackettville and Del Rio Residents to demand DOJ halt Abbott’s inhumane border policies

Texas Border Residents and Representatives witness Federal Court Hearing on Rio Grande Buoys

The Political Clash over the Border Crisis and the floating barricade on the Rio Grande River

Texas Border counties and towns continue to deal with the harsh realities of the Federal Goverment’s Border Policy

Texas State Senator Roland Gutierrez Demands Department of Justice Investigate Texas Department of Public Safety for Cruelty at the Border

In June 2023 Governor Greg Abbott signs several bills creating package of laws giving the State new powers in an effort to secure the border

U.S. Justice Department takes legal action against Texas’ floating buoy barricade on the Rio Grande River

Governor Abbott Defends Texas’ Authority To Secure The Border

July 24, 2023 | Austin, Texas | Press Release from the office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott

Zavala County neighbors describe life of constant vigilance as bailouts and high speed chases are a daily occurrence

Zavala County neighbors look out for each other as undocumented migrant bailouts are a daily occurrence

Brackettville Bailout search called off at 7 PM: Two Handguns found. No arrests made

Christmas Eve Bailout leads to gunshots heard and suspects fleeing into brushy area near Fort Clark Springs

Brackettville Bailout leads to gun shots heard as police search for 5 suspects near Fort Clark Springs

Fort Clark Residents advised to stay inside and lock all doors

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