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Texas Appeals Court to Review Case Against Houston-Area Midwife Accused of Illegal Abortions

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A Texas appeals court is set to hear arguments in a high-profile civil case involving a Houston-area midwife accused of violating the state’s strict abortion ban — a case that also carries serious criminal charges.

State officials allege that Maria Margarita Rojas provided illegal abortion services and practiced medicine without a license at multiple clinics in northwest Houston. The lawsuit was filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Clinics Shut Down After Lower Court Ruling

Last year, a Waller County judge issued an injunction against Rojas and three clinics she allegedly operated, forcing them to close. Attorneys with the Center for Reproductive Rights are now asking the appellate court to overturn that decision, arguing the state failed to prove abortions occurred.

Rojas’ legal team says investigators only found the medication misoprostol — a drug used both in abortion care and miscarriage treatment — and did not locate mifepristone or surgical equipment typically associated with abortion procedures.

Criminal Charges Could Carry Life Sentence

Separate from the civil case, prosecutors have charged Rojas with a first-degree felony for allegedly violating Texas’ abortion ban, which could result in a life prison sentence if convicted. Her attorneys argue the investigation lacked medical expertise and was politically motivated.

According to her legal team, the case has had severe personal consequences: Rojas was arrested twice, spent 10 days in jail, posted a $1.4 million bond, and now wears an ankle monitor. Her midwifery license has also been temporarily suspended while criminal proceedings continue.

Impact on Patients and Texas Abortion Law

Supporters say the case has disrupted care for many low-income, Spanish-speaking patients who relied on Rojas for prenatal and midwifery services.

Texas law currently bans most abortions except in limited medical emergencies under the Human Life Protection Act. The appeal is being closely watched because it represents one of the first criminal prosecutions of an alleged abortion provider in the state since abortion rights were overturned nationwide.

What Happens Next

The appellate court’s decision could determine whether the clinics remain closed and may influence the broader legal landscape for abortion enforcement in Texas as criminal proceedings move forward.

For more on this case, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

NRG to Build $617 Million Natural Gas Plant at Greens Bayou Site

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NRG Energy plans to build a $617 million natural gas-fired power plant at its existing Greens Bayou facility in northeast Houston, a project state leaders say will strengthen grid reliability as electricity demand grows across Texas.

The 455-megawatt plant will be constructed in Harris County and is expected to begin supplying power to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas grid by 2028.

The project recently received designation under the state’s Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology and Innovation program, known as JETI, which provides tax incentives for major capital investments. The designation clears a key step for development and signals state support for the project.

Texas officials have emphasized the need for additional dispatchable generation, power sources that can be turned on when demand spikes, as population growth, business expansion and extreme weather continue to strain the grid. Gov. Greg Abbott has said expanding energy infrastructure is critical to maintaining the state’s economic momentum and grid stability.

NRG executives said the plant will help meet rising electricity demand while creating jobs during the construction phase and a smaller number of permanent positions once the facility becomes operational.

The Greens Bayou site already houses power generation infrastructure, and the new plant will expand its capacity. Company officials have not released a detailed construction timeline but said the goal is to have the facility online by 2028.

The announcement comes as Texas continues to encourage new energy projects following years of heightened focus on grid reliability after major outages during severe winter storms.

State leaders say projects like the Greens Bayou expansion are part of a broader effort to ensure the ERCOT grid can meet future demand while supporting economic growth.

New Federal Order Could Detain Thousands of Refugees Awaiting Green Cards

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A sweeping new immigration directive from the Trump administration could place tens of thousands of legally admitted refugees at risk of arrest and detention, even though they are authorized to live and work in the United States while waiting for permanent residency.

According to a memo filed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security ahead of a federal court hearing in Minnesota, refugees applying for green cards may be required to return to federal custody one year after arriving in the country so officials can review their cases. The agency stated it could keep individuals detained for the duration of the inspection process.

Advocates warn the policy could impact nearly 200,000 refugees admitted during the Biden administration and is likely to trigger nationwide legal challenges.

Legal Fight Unfolds in Minnesota

The announcement came just before a hearing before U.S. District Judge John Tunheim, who is considering whether to extend protections for refugees living in Minnesota. His earlier temporary order blocked arrests and deportations of certain refugees in the state, finding that the plaintiffs were likely to succeed in arguing the policy was unlawful.

Tunheim also rejected the government’s claim that refugees could be detained for failing to obtain green cards within one year, noting they are not eligible to apply for permanent residency until they have been in the U.S. for at least that long.

The restraining order is set to expire Feb. 25 unless replaced with a preliminary injunction.

Operation PARRIS and Enforcement Surge

The dispute stems from “Operation PARRIS” — Post-Admission Refugee Reverification and Integrity Strengthening — launched in December by federal immigration agencies to reexamine cases of about 5,600 Minnesota refugees without green cards. Officials cited concerns about fraud in public programs as justification.

The initiative was part of a broader immigration enforcement surge that sent thousands of federal officers to Minnesota, described by authorities as the largest operation of its kind. The crackdown sparked protests following fatal encounters involving federal agents. While officials recently announced the surge was ending, a smaller federal presence will remain.

Advocates: Policy Creates Fear and Uncertainty

Refugee and resettlement organizations strongly criticized the directive. The nonprofit HIAS called it an attempt to detain and potentially deport people who were legally admitted after extensive vetting.

Advocacy groups say immigration officers conducted door-to-door arrests during the operation, transferring some refugees to detention centers in Texas without access to legal counsel. Some individuals were later released and forced to find their own way back to Minnesota.

Court Notes Refugees Already Undergo Extensive Vetting

In his ruling, Tunheim emphasized that refugees admitted to the U.S. have already passed rigorous background checks by multiple federal agencies and that those arrested had not been deemed dangerous or a flight risk.

He cited cases including a refugee with no criminal history who was detained during a traffic stop while driving to work. The judge ordered that detainees connected to the operation be released and returned to Minnesota.

Tunheim underscored that refugees are legally present in the country and entitled to due process protections, writing that subjecting them to arrests without warrants undermines fundamental American values.

What Happens Next

The policy’s future now depends on upcoming court decisions and potential nationwide litigation. Immigration experts say the outcome could reshape refugee policy in the United States and determine whether thousands of legally admitted refugees face detention while awaiting permanent residency.

For more on Trump’s anti-immigration policies, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Woman charged with stealing thousands after allegedly posing as immigration officer: Court docs

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A woman faces a felony charge after being accused of exploiting families chasing the American dream.

Investigators said 45-year-old Irma Aidde Hernandez is charged with felony aggregate theft. According to court documents, she posed as an immigration officer and walked away with thousands of dollars after claiming she could fast-track their immigration status.

Authorities said it started outside the Taco Jeep food truck on Edgebrook in south Houston. At the moment, it is unclear if she worked there or was just visiting. ABC13 went to the food truck, but it was closed and they have not returned our phone call.

Court documents said last July, a woman, who said she spent a decade trying to secure green cards for herself and her husband, said she met Hernandez there.

After noticing Mexican license plates on her car, the woman claimed Hernandez allegedly struck up a conversation about immigration status and then claimed she worked at the Houston-area immigration office.

The woman claimed Hernandez promised to speed up the woman’s citizenship paperwork for $12,000.

Court documents showed several different payments the woman said she paid Hernandez via Zelle.

But things took a turn in October, when the victim said Hernandez asked her to drive her to Laredo to pick up the promised documents.

Instead, she claimed the trip was rerouted across the border to Monterrey, Mexico, where Hernandez allegedly demanded another $300.

Court records showed investigators later learned two more people were looking for Hernandez at her apartment complex.

They told police they also met her at the taco truck and believed she was a federal immigration employee who could expedite paperwork. Together, they paid $1,950, according to court documents.

Authorities said Hernandez claimed connections to both the U.S. and Mexican governments, and even cartels.

A fourth victim filed a report in early February, alleging she paid $4,565 for the same promised services.

According to court documents, Hernandez bonded out of jail and her next court date is in March.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

For more Houston headlines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine and ABC13 Houston.

Houston-Area School Districts Split Over New Texas Law Allowing Daily Prayer Periods

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School districts in the Houston area are taking different approaches to a new Texas law that requires boards to decide whether to create a daily period for voluntary prayer or religious reading on campus.

The debate centers on Senate Bill 11, which amended the Texas Education Code to require every public school board in the state to take a recorded vote by March 1 on whether to adopt a policy allowing a daily prayer or religious reading period. If approved, districts must develop local guidelines outlining how the time will be implemented.

The Magnolia Independent School District board voted unanimously earlier this month to adopt the policy, becoming one of the first districts in the Houston region to move forward with a designated prayer period.

Under Magnolia’s plan, participation will be voluntary for both students and staff. The period must take place outside of instructional time and cannot interfere with classroom learning. Parents must provide written consent for their children to participate, and the district will draft additional procedures governing supervision and logistics.

District officials have said the measure provides families with a structured opportunity for prayer or religious reading during the school day while complying with state law.

In contrast, the Conroe Independent School District board voted unanimously against adopting the prayer period.

Trustees in Conroe said students and staff already have the right to pray individually during noninstructional time under existing federal and state protections. Board members also cited logistical concerns, including how to fit a designated period into an already full academic schedule and the administrative requirements tied to parental consent and supervision.

Similarly, leaders in the Katy Independent School District have indicated they plan to vote against implementing the policy before the state deadline.

Katy officials have said a formal daily prayer period could be redundant because students may already engage in voluntary prayer during appropriate times, such as before or after school or during lunch. Some trustees have also raised concerns that concentrating religious activity into a single scheduled block could create confusion or unintended restrictions.

The differing votes reflect broader divisions across Texas as districts weigh how to respond to the new law. Supporters argue the policy reinforces religious freedom by providing a clear, voluntary opportunity for prayer. Critics say schools must carefully balance religious expression with constitutional limits and practical considerations inside the school day.

With the March 1 deadline approaching, additional districts across the state are expected to finalize their decisions in the coming days.

Soupy air brings more fog, but winter temps are back in Houston next week

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Yes, it feels like spring has sprung, but winter isn’t done with us just yet! A cold front arriving Saturday will push our temperatures below average next week and bring back jacket weather for a few days.

It’s another mostly cloudy and soupy-feeling day in Southeast Texas. Sea fog has formed along the coast, and a Dense Fog Advisory is in effect for our coastal waters until noon Friday.

Sunshine breaking through the clouds is push highs into the low 80s for the afternoon. Our breeze will hold steady out of the southwest around 15 mph.

Tonight we expect the dense fog to blow inland and become widespread for the Friday morning commute. Temperatures will again have a tough time dropping below 70 degrees, and highs will again top out around 80. A cold front will nose into Southeast Texas and then stall out somewhere near or north of Houston. That front will get another kick to the south on Saturday.

What is the cold front expected to do to our weather this weekend?

The cold front should push through Southeast Texas during the day on Saturday, but it only has a 10% chance of producing any rain and no severe weather is expected. Temperatures on Saturday could still get close to 80 ahead of the front, but it will feel like we are back in winter on Sunday with lows in the mid 40s and highs in the mid 60s. The north wind blowing up to 20 mph will also add an extra chill to the air, even with a mostly sunny sky.

13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:
Southeast Texas
Houston
Harris County
Galveston County
Montgomery/Walker/San Jacinto/Polk/Grimes Counties
Fort Bend/Wharton/Colorado Counties
Brazoria/Matagorda Counties

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This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

For more Houston headlines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine!

Bilingual News Saves Time—and Lives—During Houston Emergencies

Bilingual News Saves Time—and Lives—During Houston Emergencies

When Houston faces emergencies, every second counts—and getting news only in English or Spanish slows down critical decisions for many families. You need clear, bilingual news Houston residents trust to cut through confusion and reach every household fast. Que Onda Magazine delivers Spanish and English emergency updates that keep multigenerational families safer and better prepared when city-wide emergencies hit.

Benefits of Bilingual News

In emergencies, understanding information quickly can save lives. Bilingual news ensures no one is left behind.

Faster Comprehension in Emergencies

When emergencies strike, every second matters. Having access to news in both English and Spanish allows families to process information swiftly. Imagine a storm is approaching, and alerts are only in English. For many, this could delay critical decision-making. Bilingual news ensures everyone understands the risks and actions needed. It bridges language barriers, so no one is left guessing in a crisis.

In Houston, where the Hispanic community is a vital part, bilingual news is not just helpful—it’s essential. Knowing what to do and when to do it can make all the difference. With Spanish and English updates, families can act fast, ensuring their safety and well-being.

Reducing Misinformation Gaps

Misinformation spreads quickly, especially in emergencies. Accurate bilingual news helps stop confusion. When messages are clear and available in both languages, there’s less chance for misunderstandings. This clarity is vital for making informed decisions and keeping everyone safe.

Consider a power outage in Houston. If information about when electricity might return is unclear, families can become anxious and make poor choices. Bilingual updates reduce these gaps, ensuring everyone gets the correct facts at the right time. This approach keeps misinformation at bay and supports informed community responses.

Supporting Multi-Generational Households

Multi-generational households are common in Hispanic communities. In emergencies, it’s crucial for all generations to understand what’s happening. Bilingual news caters to both young and old, ensuring everyone is on the same page. When a hurricane is forecasted, grandparents might rely on Spanish updates, while younger family members prefer English.

Bilingual news respects these preferences, creating a unified response during crises. This approach fosters safety and preparedness, strengthening family bonds and ensuring everyone’s needs are met during emergencies.

Que Onda Magazine’s Role

Que Onda Magazine is at the forefront of providing essential bilingual updates, making sure every voice is heard and informed.

Real-Time Bilingual Updates

Que Onda Magazine excels at delivering real-time updates in both English and Spanish. In emergencies, waiting for news isn’t an option. Que Onda’s commitment to immediate updates means families stay informed and can act swiftly. Whether it’s a storm preparedness alert or a sudden public safety issue, they ensure their audience receives timely and accurate information.

Their bilingual approach means language is never a barrier. Readers can trust that they’ll receive crucial information in the language they understand best, promoting swift action and safety.

Partnering with Local Media

Que Onda Magazine partners with trusted local media like ABC13 and Telemundo Houston. This collaboration enhances their reach and reliability. By working with established partners, they ensure the community receives comprehensive coverage.

These partnerships strengthen their ability to deliver breaking news, ensuring that updates are accurate and widespread. When emergencies arise, this network of trusted sources becomes a lifeline, providing the community with the information they need to stay safe and informed.

Preparedness Tools and Resources

Beyond news updates, Que Onda Magazine offers tools and resources for preparedness. They provide tips on hurricane season, power outages, and more. These resources empower families to plan ahead, reducing panic and confusion when emergencies occur.

With their guidance, families learn how to assemble emergency kits, create communication plans, and stay connected. By offering these resources, Que Onda Magazine equips the community with the knowledge and tools needed for effective emergency preparedness.

Getting Connected Before Emergencies

Staying prepared before emergencies is crucial. Que Onda Magazine helps you stay connected and informed every step of the way.

Setting Up Alerts and Notifications

Being prepared means staying informed before emergencies occur. Setting up alerts and notifications is a proactive step. Que Onda Magazine offers guidance on how to receive timely updates directly to your phone or email.

By subscribing to their notifications, you’ll never miss a critical alert. This proactive approach ensures you’re always a step ahead, ready to act when needed. Staying connected with reliable sources like Que Onda Magazine means you’ll have the information you need, when you need it.

Coordinating with Community Partners

Community coordination is vital during emergencies. Que Onda Magazine works closely with local partners to ensure widespread communication. By collaborating with community leaders, faith groups, and local businesses, they amplify their reach and effectiveness.

This network ensures that information flows smoothly and reaches every corner of the community. When everyone is on the same page, responses are more coordinated, and safety is enhanced. Que Onda Magazine’s commitment to community collaboration strengthens their role as a trusted local news source in Houston.

In conclusion, bilingual news is more than just a resource; it’s a necessity. Que Onda Magazine stands as a steadfast partner in keeping Houston’s diverse community informed and safe during emergencies.

Here’s how you can help Gulf Coast Blood meet demand of 1,000 donations a day

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This story comes from our news partner, ABC13. Read the article here.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Eyewitness News is again partnering with Gulf Coast Blood for our annual blood drive in honor of the center’s mission to meet local demand, which takes about 1,000 blood donations per day.

All successful donors will receive a Gulf Coast Blood power bank changer, a free A1C screening to help measure blood sugar levels, and one general admission ticket to Big Rivers Waterpark.

Be sure to credit KTRK/ABC13 at your appointment.

Plus, your blood donation stays in our community.

How do I know if I’m eligible to give blood?

The following requirements are for all blood and blood component donors:

– Must be 17 years or older or 16 years* with a parental consent form (*16 year olds are only eligible to donate whole blood).
– Personal identification must be presented at time of donation.
– Must feel well the day of donation.

There are also specific donor requirements for donation types such as whole blood, double red cells, platelets and plasma, which you can view here.

In addition, people once deferred may now be eligible to give, thanks to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) changes recommended in 2023.

How do I prepare for my donation?

– Make sure you eat a hearty meal and drink plenty of fluids before you donate.
– Get a good night’s sleep the night before your donation.
Complete your health questionnaire.

Gulf Coast Blood also has extensive materials to help prepare first time donors, including what to expect before, during, and after the donation.

Find that information on their preparation page.

What if I can’t make it the day of the ABC13 Blood Drive?

You can still donate blood!

Gulf Coast Blood has 18 donor centers – permanent donation sites in communities throughout southeast Texas.

You can find all of the locations on their website.

Fast facts about Gulf Coast Blood

– Gulf Coast Blood is the only blood provider to Houston and its surrounding communities 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
– U.S. blood donors are unpaid volunteers and each donation supports critical care such as surgeries, cancer treatments, and emergency procedures.
– Gulf Coast Blood has served the community since Jan. 1, 1975.
– The non-profit 501c3 is not affiliated with the American Red Cross.
– Gulf Coast Blood is one of the largest community blood centers in the country, supporting more than 170 hospitals across 26 counties, including the Texas Medical Center.

In addition to the above, Gulf Coast Blood opened a new donor center in the Texas Medical Center in 2025, with plans to open two additional donor centers in 2026.

You can read more about the organization’s 2025 impact and plans for 2026 here.

ICE Deportation Case Raises Fears for Congolese Woman’s Life, Court Documents Say

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A Congolese asylum seeker known in court filings as “Jane Doe” is believed to be in “grave danger” after being deported by U.S. immigration authorities to an unknown African country, despite previously receiving legal protection to remain in the United States, according to emergency motions filed in federal court.

The Independent reported that the woman had been granted permission to stay under a withholding-of-removal order, which barred her deportation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to credible threats against her life.

Allegations of Abuse and Political Violence

Attorneys say Doe was forced into marriage at age 14 to a powerful Congolese politician to settle a family debt. Over the next decade, she allegedly endured severe physical and sexual abuse and was held “like a hostage,” giving birth to four children.

Court documents claim her husband later tracked her down after she briefly escaped, ordered the killing of her father in front of her, assaulted her family members, and burned down their home. Police reportedly told her they could not protect her because of her husband’s political influence, prompting her to flee the country.

Journey Across Continents to Seek Safety

Doe eventually traveled through multiple countries — including crossing the dangerous Darién Gap — before reaching the U.S.-Mexico border in January 2025, where she requested asylum. She was detained at a Louisiana facility while her case proceeded and later received legal protection preventing her return to Congo.

Her attorneys argue she believed the United States would provide safety and respect for human rights after years of trauma.

Sudden Deportation With Unknown Destination

That protection was upended on February 15, 2026, when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported her without prior notice to her legal team, according to court filings.

Lawyers say she was placed on a flight scheduled to stop in multiple African countries — including Senegal, Cameroon, Chad, Ghana, and Nigeria — but officials could not confirm her final destination. They also claim she had no resources, contacts, or ability to communicate once removed.

Her attorneys allege the deportation violated her constitutional due-process rights and federal law governing immigration procedures.

Family Still in Hiding

Beyond her own safety concerns, Doe fears for her children, whose whereabouts she does not know because they are reportedly hiding from their father. She has also lost contact with her brother, who was allegedly kidnapped in Mexico by a cartel.

In affidavits, attorneys describe her as resilient despite trauma, noting she spent her detention time studying the Bible, making bracelets, and hoping to pursue nursing education in the future.

Legal Battle Continues

Her legal team is asking the court to order the U.S. government to facilitate her return to the United States and release her upon arrival. A judge has temporarily denied the emergency motion, requesting additional details before reconsideration.

ICE has not publicly commented on the case.

The situation highlights ongoing legal and ethical debates surrounding deportations to third countries — nations where migrants may have no citizenship, family ties, or support systems — a practice that has expanded following recent federal policy changes.

For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Mikaela Shiffrin Wins Third Olympic Gold With Dominant Slalom Performance

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American alpine skiing legend Mikaela Shiffrin delivered a commanding performance to capture gold in the women’s slalom at the 2026 Winter Olympics, ending an eight-year Olympic medal drought and further cementing her legacy as one of the greatest skiers in history.

Competing in Cortina d’Ampezzo under clear skies and dramatic Dolomite peaks, the 30-year-old posted two nearly flawless runs to win by a massive 1.50 seconds — one of the largest margins ever recorded in Olympic slalom competition.

Historic Achievement for Team USA

The victory makes Shiffrin the first American alpine skier to win three Olympic gold medals. Her latest triumph comes 12 years after her breakout gold in the 2014 Winter Olympics, where she first emerged as a global star.

She now owns three Olympic gold medals and one silver, adding to an already record-setting résumé that includes more than 100 World Cup wins and multiple world championship titles.

Emotional Moment on the Podium

Overcome with emotion after the race, Shiffrin celebrated with silver medalist Camille Rast and bronze medalist Anna Swenn Larsson before embracing her mother and coach, Eileen Shiffrin, in the finish area.

When the gold medal was placed around her neck, Shiffrin appeared almost in disbelief — a reflection of the pressure she had carried following several Olympic disappointments in recent years.

Redemption After Olympic Struggles

Since winning gold and silver at the 2018 Winter Olympics, Shiffrin endured a difficult Olympic stretch, including a medal-less performance at the 2022 Winter Olympics and earlier events in Cortina this year.

Those setbacks are now firmly behind her.

“I just wanted to feel those two runs,” Shiffrin said afterward, emphasizing gratitude and confidence built through mental preparation with her team.

A Performance No One Could Match

Shiffrin led by 0.82 seconds after the first run — already a significant gap in elite slalom racing — and extended the margin with another smooth, aggressive second run. Even a brief wobble after striking a gate could not derail her momentum.

Her final time marked the largest winning margin in Olympic alpine skiing since 1998, underscoring the dominance of her performance.

Legacy of the Greatest Alpine Skier

With 108 World Cup victories (including 71 in slalom) and Olympic history now on her side, Shiffrin’s career is widely viewed as unmatched in alpine skiing.

As Swenn Larsson put it simply: Shiffrin competes “in another league.”

Her latest gold not only completes a remarkable comeback — it also reinforces her status as a generational icon in winter sports.

For more on the Winter Olympics, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.