Migrants Archives - Uvalde Hesperian

VIDEO: Uvalde Mayor Luevano balks at approving ongoing Disaster Declaration putting the City’s federal funding at risk

admin — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 19:15:19 +0000

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Forbes reports that hundreds of migrants being moved to neighboring towns. City may be busing them on to San Antonio

admin — Sat, 30 Dec 2023 15:29:19 +0000

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian : Top image from Forbes YouTube Video published December 26th, 2023

Forbes posted a YouTube Video reporting that hundreds of migrants crossing the U.S/ Mexico Border are being moving to neighboring border towns.

The Uvalde Hesperian contacted Uvalde Mayor Cody Smith via telephone on Thursday morning, December 28th informing him of the report and then emailing the Mayor the link to the video.

The Uvalde Hesperian asked, “Wanted to get your thoughts on this and also ask if the City is responding in any way to this.”

City of Uvalde Councilman Chip King stated ,”None are coming here that we have heard.”

“Previously we have made a deal with CBP to meet the release with our own busses and we moved them to S.A,” King said.

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The Border: Undocumented migrants scale box car barriers using ladders: Migrants seen walking along US Highway 90 near Uvalde

admin — Sun, 03 Dec 2023 15:32:45 +0000

Image shared by Anson J. Grimm

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian; Top Picture submitted by Anson J. Grimm

Location: Under the International Bridge in Eagle Pass Texas

Waves of migrants arrived at the U.S. / Mexico Border this past week seen crossing the Rio Grande River under one of two International Bridges.

Anson J. Grimm who recently visited the Border accompanied by Republican Candidate Jameson Ellis who is running against incumbent Dan Crenshaw for the U.S. House of Representatives District 2 seat.

Grimm said that migrants could be seen scaling the box cars using ladders.

On Friday, December 1st, Uvalde County Constable Emmanuel Zamora posted a video and report on Facebook showing migrants walking along Highway 90 near Uvalde traveling eastbound toward San Antonio.

Zamora wrote: “Video shared by Uvalde residents is currently circulating social media platforms of several individuals in small to large groups walking towards Uvalde County on HWY 90 West. An influx of processed immigrants have been observed in our community in recent days and over the holidays. Some have been reported by Walmart and convenience stores around town.”

On Saturday, December 2nd, the following was reported on Facebook by Raul Rivas III:

“1:14 pm UVALDE PD in pursuit inside city limits, S Grove, Juarez, Diaz, Nicolas, currently on Sylvester Street

1:15 pm update officers lost visual, search in the area, multiple officers in the area”

Still image from a video posted on Facebook by Emmanual Zamora

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Fleeing vehicle carrying migrants crashes into Westside residence near the interection Fort Clark and Joey Alvarez Saturday morning

admin — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 17:42:37 +0000

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Migrants navigate the river and razor wire to come to the US near an Eagle Pass International Bridge

admin — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 01:30:28 +0000

Migrants stuck on a small island in the middle of the Rio Grande River appear to be waiting to cross or weighing their options as National Guard soldiers were adding more razor wire on the U.S. side of the river.

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian (Report from Eagle Pass, Texas near one of the International Bridges) Pictures by Robinson

With a report coming in of a large group of migrants heading to the U.S. / Mexico Border at Eagle Pass, the Uvalde Hesperian drove to the site earlier today to take pictures and observe the situation up close.

The last part of a large group of migrants composed of men, women and children were seen walking toward the U.S. International Bridge where cars and trucks could be seen passing overhead. Along the river coils of razor wire also called concertina wire lined the banks of the Rio Grande River with numerous law enforcement agencies represented including U.S Border Patrol. Texas DPS, the Eagle Pass Police, as well as members of the National Guard were seen patrolling the river on a dirt road that runs parallel to the river.

Fox News.Kens5 and other media outlets had cameras set up in an area near the river and the dirt roadway. Along the roadway, discarded clothing including a pair of jeans with a piece of razor wire stuck in the fabric was seen near the roadway. Another reporter who was standing nearby spotted an ID card left on the ground from a citizen from Columbia. A worn out wallet. empty and a backpack was also seen discarded along the dirt road.

An area designated for media was cordoned off separated from the area underneath the bridge where dozens of migrants are seen seated as officials processed them.

Clothing could be seen draped over sections of the razor wire. A media representative said migrants would use the clothing to cover the sharp barbs of the wire and make their way through.

Another reporter told the Uvalde Hesperian that earlier when the large groups of migrants arrived border patrol officers were seen cutting the wiring to allow people to pass through only to have the wiring put back up, National Guard soldiers were seen driving T-Posts into the ground near the fenceline and unloading additional razor wiring. Conversations between reporters on the scene were overheard, One reporter said several large groups had come through throughout the day and evening and more were expected.

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Uvaldean observes flood of migrants crossing the U.S. / Mexico border crossing at Eagle Pass

admin — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 13:16:14 +0000

By Michael Robinson
Photos and Videos by Dolly Schultz

Thousands of migrants fooded the International border between Mexico and the United States earlier this week at the border crossing at Eagle Pass. Dolly Schultz stood under the International Bridge in Eagle Pass Monday morning and observed floods of migrants corssing the borde overwhelming U.S. Border Partol and Customs Officers. In an interview with Schultz over the phone, she said the U.S. border officials called in numberous busses to transport the incoming migrants away from the border.

In a Facebook post by Schultz, she wrote: “Eagle Pass last night y’all. They’re getting to the border by train, about 1,500 got off the train last night but there were more than 2,000 that crossed throughout the night. The administration is just flushing them out and moving them as fast as they can so as not to attract too much attention.”

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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.

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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Texas State Senator Roland Gutierrez Calls on Gov. Abbott to Pull Death Buoys out of Rio Grande

admin — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 21:32:23 +0000

Press release from the Office of Texas State Senator Roland Gutierrez

File photo by Michael Robinson

EAGLE PASS, TEXAS – Thursday morning, the Houston Chronicle reported that the U.S. Department of Justice is ready to sue the State of Texas over its illegal buoys after a whistleblower account detailed a series of immoral and inhumane punishments against migrants ordered by Governor Greg Abbott. The whistleblower stated that troopers were under orders from the state to refuse water to migrants and push young children into the Rio Grande river.

The DOJ action follows calls to act from Senator Gutierrez, the Texas Democratic Congressional Delegation, and the Texas Senate Democratic Caucus.

“Greg Abbott, pull these buoys out of the water now. Children are dying. People are getting hurt. By no means should these strategies be considered immigration policy or even border security. We are endangering the lives of not only migrants, but law enforcement. This is reckless and cruel, plain and simple,” said Senator Roland Gutierrez.

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

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

admin — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 13:17:36 +0000

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Senator Cruz reintroduces bill which would stiffen penalties for migrants who commit violent crimes after reentering U.S. Illegally

admin — Sun, 25 Jun 2023 14:23:56 +0000

Press Release from U.S. Senator Ted Cruz ;Picture credit; Office of U.S. Senator Ted Cruz

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-Okla.) reintroduced Kate’s Law, bicameral legislation which was first introduced in July 2015. The legislation is named in memory of Kate Steinle, a 32-year-old woman tragically shot and killed by an illegal alien who had several felony convictions and had been deported from the United States five times. This bill would amend federal law to impose a mandatory minimum sentence of five years for any person who has multiple convictions, or a conviction for an aggravated felony, who enters the country illegally. The bill is co-sponsored in the Senate by Sens. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and in the House by Reps. Neal Dunn (R-Fla.), Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.), Bill Posey (R-Fla.), Kevin Hern (R-Okla.), Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.), Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.), Tom Cole (R-Okla.), Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.), Mary Miller (R-Ill.), Ryan Zinke (R-Mo.), Greg Steube (R-Fla.), Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas), Brian Babin (R-Texas) and David Krustoff (R-Tenn.).

About the reintroduction, Sen. Cruz said, “Eight years ago, when I first introduced Kate’s Law, I was just as shocked and dismayed that Kate Steinle was killed by an illegal felon who had reentered the U.S. as I am today. Almost a decade has gone by since this shooting and we have yet to strengthen federal law to prevent a tragedy like this from recurring. The first time this legislation was stopped by Senate Democrats, I vowed to continue fighting for Kate’s Law, and I am proud to introduce this legislation once again to prevent aggravated felons from preying on innocent Americans.”

Rep. Bice said, “Earlier this year in Texas, an individual who had been deported four times killed five individuals, proving the extensive flaws in our immigration system. Under the Biden administration the southern border is completely out of control, with record breaking crossings occurring every month. In Fiscal Year 2022, CBP arrested 12,028 individuals with criminal convictions. This legislation would impose tougher criminal penalties against illegal immigrants who have committed violent crimes, and those who illegally reenter the United States after previously being deported.”

Sen. Cotton said, “Illegal immigrants who re-enter our country after deportation show a knowing and willful disregard for our laws. This bill will ensure that illegal aliens who return to the U.S. face serious prison time.”

Sen. Grassley said, “We need tougher penalties for individuals who re-enter our country illegally, especially those who do so with a long rap sheet to their name. It’s dangerous and unjust to let these criminals off the hook. I hope Democrats will wake up to the reality at our southern border and drop opposition to this bill. The safety of American citizens depends on it.”

Read the bill here.

Kate’s Law would increase criminal penalties for certain aliens who illegally reenter the United States after removal or exclusion.

The legislation is named for Kate Steinle, a 32-year-old woman tragically shot and killed by an illegal alien who had several felony convictions and had been deported from the United States five times.

This bill would amend federal law to impose a mandatory minimum sentence of five years for any person who has multiple convictions, or a conviction for an aggravated felony, who enters the country illegally.

Read the bill here.

The post Senator Cruz reintroduces bill which would stiffen penalties for migrants who commit violent crimes after reentering U.S. Illegally appeared first on Uvalde Hesperian.

Migrants Archives - Uvalde Hesperian

VIDEO: Uvalde Mayor Luevano balks at approving ongoing Disaster Declaration putting the City’s federal funding at risk

Forbes reports that hundreds of migrants being moved to neighboring towns. City may be busing them on to San Antonio

The Border: Undocumented migrants scale box car barriers using ladders: Migrants seen walking along US Highway 90 near Uvalde

Fleeing vehicle carrying migrants crashes into Westside residence near the interection Fort Clark and Joey Alvarez Saturday morning

Photo by Dolly Schultz

Migrants navigate the river and razor wire to come to the US near an Eagle Pass International Bridge

Men, women and children having just crossed the US/ Mexico Border are directed underneath one of the International Bridges where they sit and wait to be processed

Migrants seen wading across the Rio Grande River towads the United States Border near Eagle Pass

Migrants wait under one of the International Bridges

A boat could be seen patrolling the river

National Guard soldier stands with a M-16 Rifle near concertina wire

A family of migrants who did speak to the Uvalde Hesperian said they traveled a long way to get here

Migrant silhouettes could be seen under the deep shade of one of the International Bridges

Uvaldean observes flood of migrants crossing the U.S. / Mexico border crossing at Eagle Pass

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

Texas State Senator Roland Gutierrez Calls on Gov. Abbott to Pull Death Buoys out of Rio Grande

As whistleblower reports of children dying and people getting lacerations at the border, U.S. Department of Justice threatens lawsuit against State of Texas

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

Senator Cruz reintroduces bill which would stiffen penalties for migrants who commit violent crimes after reentering U.S. Illegally

This legislation would impose tougher criminal penalties against illegal immigrants who have committed violent crimes, and those who illegally reenter the United States after previously being deported.”