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Another round of frost, and more arctic air arrives for the weekend

ABC13 Houston
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Another round of frost, and more arctic air arrives for the weekend

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Another round of frost is expected Thursday morning, and we’ve got another blast of arctic air blowing in on Friday.

Whatever frost develops in the morning should melt away fairly quickly once the sun rises. The abundant sunshine will warm temperatures from near freezing to the mid 60s, close to our seasonal average of 65. Then the next arctic front arrives Thursday night.

How cold will it get behind the next arctic front?

It won’t be nearly as cold as what we just experienced. That said, we will likely see lows in the 20s again this weekend, but at this time it appears we will stay above hard freeze territory (24 or colder).

Will we get a chance for any frozen precipitation with this next front?

No. This front will pass through dry Thursday night, and no precipitation is expected behind the front.

This is too cold for Houston! When will it warm up again?

After this frigid weekend, we should have more seasonal temperatures with lows in the 40s and highs in the 60s. By next Wednesday we could even have a “warm” rain with temperatures near 60.

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

Have weather tips, videos, and photos?

Send it to ABC13 using the form below. If you have a video or photo to send, terms of use apply. If you don’t, just hit ‘skip upload’ and send the details.

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

Have weather tips, videos, and photos?

Send it to ABC13 using the form below. If you have a video or photo to send, terms of use apply. If you don’t, just hit ‘skip upload’ and send the details.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Border Agents Placed on Leave After Fatal Shooting of Alex Pretti

Edward Saenz
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Border Agents Placed on Leave After Fatal Shooting of Alex Pretti

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) says two agents involved in the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old American citizen, have been placed on administrative leave as federal investigations continue.

Pretti, an intensive care nurse, was killed during an encounter with border agents on Saturday, sparking protests in Minnesota and renewed scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement operations in U.S. cities.

Conflicting Accounts of the Shooting

According to a preliminary Department of Homeland Security (DHS) report sent to Congress, agents fired their weapons during a physical struggle after one officer shouted that Pretti had a gun. Initial statements from Trump administration officials had claimed Pretti was brandishing a firearm.

However, video reviewed by BBC Verify showed no visible weapon in Pretti’s hands at the time of the shooting.

CBP said Tuesday the agents were placed on leave under standard protocol for officer-involved shootings, though it remains unclear when the decision was made or how long they will remain off duty.

Federal Operations Under Fire

The shooting occurred amid Operation Metro Surge, a large-scale DHS enforcement effort launched in Minneapolis in December. DHS says more than 3,000 undocumented immigrants have been arrested as part of the operation, including individuals accused of violent crimes and gang activity.

The operation has drawn widespread protests and legal challenges, particularly in Democratic-led cities.

Escalating Political Tensions

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey reiterated this week that the city would not change its sanctuary policies, saying Minneapolis “does not and will not enforce federal immigration laws.” President Donald Trump responded sharply on social media, warning the mayor was “playing with fire.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi said Wednesday that federal authorities have arrested 16 people in Minneapolis accused of assaulting federal officers during recent unrest, adding that more arrests are expected.

Lawmakers Demand Accountability

Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have called for accountability following Pretti’s death. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem initially accused Pretti of “domestic terrorism,” a claim that has since come under heavy criticism.

Senior House Democrats warned Wednesday that impeachment proceedings could begin unless Noem resigns or is removed. Members of both parties are also discussing withholding DHS funding in upcoming spending legislation.

Court Orders Refugee Releases

In a separate ruling Wednesday, a federal judge ordered the release of refugees arrested during the operation while awaiting permanent residency decisions and directed the government to return refugees transferred out of Minnesota.

Judge John Tunheim wrote that refugees targeted in the operation “are not committing crimes on our streets,” adding that the U.S. has historically been “a haven of individual liberties.”

Investigation Continues

As investigations into Pretti’s death move forward, public pressure continues to mount over the scope and conduct of federal immigration enforcement — and the growing political fallout shows little sign of slowing.

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

Federal Reserve Holds Interest Rates Steady, Signals Patience on Future Cuts

Indira Zaldivar
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Federal Reserve Holds Interest Rates Steady, Signals Patience on Future Cuts

WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged Wednesday, signaling little urgency to resume cuts after a contentious series of reductions last year.

Officials voted 10–2 to hold the benchmark federal-funds rate in a range of 3.5% to 3.75%, a move widely expected by investors.

Powell: Fed ‘Well Positioned’ to Wait

Fed Chair Jerome Powell said recent economic data has improved since the central bank’s last meeting, pointing to stronger growth and tentative stabilization in the labor market.

“We’re not trying to articulate a test for when to next cut,” Powell said at a news conference. “What we’re saying is we’re well positioned.”

His remarks suggest the Fed is comfortable keeping rates steady unless inflation shows clearer progress toward its 2% target or the labor market weakens further.

Markets React Calmly

Financial markets showed little reaction to the decision. Major stock indexes were mostly unchanged, while the yield on the 10-year Treasury note edged up slightly to 4.25%.

Former senior Fed economist William English said the central bank may remain on hold for an extended period. “They’re likely on hold for a while unless there’s a big surprise,” he said.

Balancing Inflation and Employment Risks

Inflation slowed in 2023 and 2024 but has remained above the Fed’s target for the past year, reinforcing the case for patience. At the same time, job growth has cooled sharply, though the unemployment rate has stabilized.

“We still have some tension between employment and inflation, but it’s less than it was,” Powell said, calling the current conditions “a very challenging and quite unusual situation.”

Some officials indicated they are increasingly willing to look past tariff-driven price increases, viewing them as one-time effects. Others remain cautious, noting inflation has exceeded the Fed’s goal for five consecutive years.

Dissents and Political Pressure

Two Fed governors appointed by President Donald Trump dissented from the decision, favoring a quarter-point rate cut. Governor Christopher Waller, considered a potential successor to Powell, and Governor Stephen Miran both voted against holding rates steady.

The decision came amid heightened political pressure. The Justice Department recently opened a criminal investigation into Powell over statements made to Congress, a move the Fed chair has characterized as politically motivated.

Trump’s advisers have indicated the president is close to naming a replacement for Powell, whose term ends in May.

Growing Divisions at the Fed

English warned the political environment could reshape how the Fed operates. “Normally the Fed’s an institution that operates in a kind of consensus manner,” he said. With Powell’s tenure ending, he fears officials are becoming more entrenched in their positions.

Despite the tensions, Powell said Wednesday’s decision reflected broad agreement across the committee.

“This meeting,” he said, “had very strong support.”

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

Man exposing himself on METRO train shot dead during confrontation with deputies, HPD says

ABC13 Houston
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Man exposing himself on METRO train shot dead during confrontation with deputies, HPD says

By Luke Jones, ABC13 Houston

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A man was shot to death after exposing himself on a METRO train during a confrontation with deputies on Wednesday evening, according to authorities.

Houston Police Department Lt. Larry Crowson said officers responded to the scene at 6:30 p.m. at Northline Transit Center in the 7800 block of Fulton Street. Both HPD and HCSO units responded to the scene.

According to Crowson, witnesses told HCSO deputies that the suspect was exposing himself on a train. Once deputies approached him, a fight was instigated, where deputies fired shots, striking the suspect. Crowson said that during the fight, one of the deputies was cut on the arm by the suspect’s knife.

Upon arrival, officers found the suspect who was shot at least once, according to Crowson. The suspect was later pronounced dead at LBJ hospital, police said.

HCSO Assistant Chief John Nanny said that there were two deputies involved in the shooting. Chief Nanny said that one of the deputies was 33 years old and had 9 years with the sheriff’s office, while the other was 32 years old and had 7 years with the sheriff’s office. The 33-year-old deputy was hospitalized after sustaining a laceration to the arm, where he is in stable condition, HCSO said. The other deputy is at the scene and was interviewed by HPD’s homicide division, according to Nanny.

An investigation is still ongoing.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Trump Promises ‘Honest Investigation’ Into Alex Pretti’s Death

Michael Esparza
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Trump Promises ‘Honest Investigation’ Into Alex Pretti’s Death

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that his administration will conduct an “honest investigation” into the death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse who was shot and killed by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis over the weekend.

White House Shifts Tone After Backlash

Trump called the shooting “very unfortunate” and said he does not believe Alex Pretti was acting as an “assassin,” distancing himself from earlier statements by senior aides. Video of the incident showed Pretti was disarmed before agents fired, contradicting initial official claims.

Review of Federal Agent Conduct Underway

Senior White House adviser Stephen Miller acknowledged that agents may have breached protocol and said the operation is under review. A preliminary CBP report indicates two agents fired their weapons and does not show Pretti reaching for his legally registered firearm.

Steps Taken to Ease Tensions in Minnesota

The administration has sent border enforcement official Tom Homan to Minneapolis and moved to reassign a Border Patrol commander as protests continue. State and local leaders are urging federal authorities to scale back enforcement while the investigation remains ongoing.

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

Judge Temporarily Blocks Deportation of 5-Year-Old and Father

Edward Saenz
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0
Judge Temporarily Blocks Deportation of 5-Year-Old and Father

A federal judge on Tuesday temporarily blocked the Trump administration from deporting a 5-year-old Ecuadorian boy and his father after they were taken into immigration custody last week in Minnesota.

Father and Son Detained in Texas

Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias and his son, Liam Ramos, are being held at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Texas. U.S. District Judge Fred Biery issued an order preventing their deportation while the case is being litigated.

The ruling also bars federal authorities from transferring the pair out of the judicial district where they are currently detained.

Arrest Followed Incident Outside Home

According to the Department of Homeland Security, federal agents attempted to arrest Conejo Arias in Minneapolis when he fled the scene, leaving his son behind as the child was returning home from preschool.

Some ICE officers stayed with the child while others pursued Conejo Arias, who was arrested shortly afterward, DHS said.

Dispute Over Child’s Custody

Democratic lawmakers have alleged the child was “kidnapped” and used as leverage to detain his father. DHS rejected those claims, saying officers tried multiple times to have the boy’s mother take custody, but she refused.

Afterward, authorities said they honored the father’s request that his son remain with him while in custody. DHS confirmed both are being detained together in Texas.

Immigration Status at Issue

DHS said Conejo Arias entered the United States illegally in December 2024 and was later released. The family’s attorney maintains he has a pending asylum claim that allows him to remain in the country while his case is reviewed.

Federal officials also said Conejo Arias was offered voluntary return to Ecuador without immigration penalties but declined the option.

Legal Fight Continues

The temporary order will remain in effect as the court considers the case, keeping the father and son in the United States while legal challenges to their detention and potential deportation proceed.

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

Three Migrants Have Now Died at El Paso ICE Facility

Indira Zaldivar
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0
Three Migrants Have Now Died at El Paso ICE Facility

Three migrants have died at the Camp East Montana detention center in East El Paso, raising renewed scrutiny of conditions inside the ICE-run facility near the U.S.-Mexico border.

Cuban Migrant’s Death Ruled a Homicide

Geraldo Lunas Campos, a 55-year-old Cuban migrant, died in custody on Jan. 3. ICE initially said he suffered “medical distress,” but the El Paso County Medical Examiner later ruled his death a homicide caused by asphyxia from neck and torso compression.

Witness accounts reported by The Washington Post alleged that guards choked Lunas Campos, details not included in ICE’s original statement. DHS later said Lunas Campos attempted suicide and resisted officers before his death.

Court Blocks Deportation of Key Witnesses

On Jan. 27, federal attorneys agreed to a preliminary injunction preventing six migrant witnesses from being deported. Senior U.S. District Judge David Briones accepted the agreement during a hearing in El Paso.

The migrants are expected to give sworn depositions about what they witnessed leading up to Lunas Campos’ death. ICE officials also agreed not to move the witnesses from the El Paso facility until the end of February.

Family Seeks Accountability and Answers

Lunas Campos’ family has filed a petition to preserve testimony as they prepare a wrongful death lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security and private contractors Akima Global Services, LLC, and Acquisition Logistics, LLC, which operate and staff the facility.

Civil rights attorney Christopher Benoit said preserving eyewitness testimony is critical to establishing an independent account of what happened, separate from the government’s version. Attorneys have also requested that ICE preserve and release surveillance footage from inside the facility.

Witnesses Describe Final Moments

According to court filings, multiple migrants reported hearing Lunas Campos repeatedly say, “No puedo respirar” — “I can’t breathe.” Others described sounds of a physical struggle and what appeared to be a body hitting a wall or floor.

One witness said Lunas Campos’ voice went silent after pleading that he could not breathe.

Depositions Expected Soon

The six migrants — Santos Jesus Flores, Antonio Ascon Frometa, Henry Negrin Bolaño, Jenrry Melendez, Mayron Pazpuerto, and Cobi Ardenis Nazareth — are expected to be interviewed in the coming days.

After depositions are completed, the court will decide whether the witnesses can remain in the United States as the family moves forward with litigation.

Calls for Broader Reform

Attorneys for the family say the case is not only about justice for Lunas Campos, but about preventing similar deaths in ICE detention facilities nationwide.

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

Houston City Council meeting erupts with calls to end ICE cooperation

ABC13 Houston
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Houston City Council meeting erupts with calls to end ICE cooperation

By Luke Jones, ABC13 Houston

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — After two deadly shootings at the hands of federal agents in Minnesota, around 100 people attended Tuesday’s Houston City Council meeting to demand that the city end all cooperation with ICE.

“Get ICE the (expletive) out of Houston!” Adam Laureano-Bowie shouted.

“John Whitmire, guess what? Bending the knee to Greg Abbott will not save this city,” said Hayley Rodgers.

Gov. Greg Abbott was among the prominent voices in the wake of the Alex Pretti shooting, calling on the Trump administration to rethink its immigration enforcement efforts.

“They, being the White House, need to recalibrate on what needs to be done to make sure that that respect is going to be re-instilled,” Abbott said on Monday on the Mark Davis show.

According to ICE figures obtained by the Deportation Data Project, arrests in the ICE-defined Houston area increased 130 percent from 2024 to 2025.

“I absolutely disagree with Governor Abbott to recalibrate ICE. The people voted for mass deportations,” said Maria Espinoza with The Remembrance Project, a group that highlights the stories of Americans killed by undocumented immigrants.

None of the people who spoke during Tuesday’s public comment session voiced support for immigration enforcement efforts.

Viana Truong, who said her father was deported two weeks ago, sought assurances from the mayor “for HPD to limit cooperation with ICE where possible and to protect immigrant families who call this city home.”

“You’re all complicit by the way,” Katya Licona told city council members. “I don’t care if you’re speaking up. You’re not doing enough.”

While the mayor stayed silent on the subject of immigration enforcement on Tuesday night, he previously said HPD only alerts ICE when officers come across someone with an ICE warrant, like it would for a warrant from any agency.

But many who spoke on Tuesday don’t want HPD to do that.

“HPD should solely focus on local matters,” Councilman Edward Pollard said.

“So ignore those warrants?” Eyewitness News asked.

“HPD should solely focus on local matters,” Pollard responded.

Others say that would be a mistake. Of almost 3,600 Houston area ICE arrests over a six-week period last year, ICE said 26 percent had committed non immigration related crimes.

“Gather your families and select which one you will sacrifice for someone else to supposedly have a better life,” Espinoza said in response to people calling for ICE to withdraw from Houston.

Eyewitness News asked Whitmire’s office for a response to any of the comments made at Tuesday’s meeting. His office released a statement praising the success of the meeting but avoiding any talk of immigration enforcement.

For news updates, follow Luke Jones on Facebook, X and Instagram.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Another round of frost Wednesday morning, more arctic air arrives for the weekend

ABC13 Houston
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0
Another round of frost Wednesday morning, more arctic air arrives for the weekend

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We’ll get to enjoy some milder afternoons Wednesday and Thursday, but we aren’t done with freezes just yet. In fact, another blast of arctic air is blowing in on Friday.

We expect a widespread light freeze to bring another round of frost on vehicles, rooftops, and grassy surfaces. We’ll get an abundance of sunshine to help warm temperatures into the mid 50s. Similar weather is expected for Thursday, but this time we’ll warm all the way into the 60s, close to our seasonal average of 65.

I heard another arctic front is coming this weekend. Is that true?

We do predict another round of arctic air will arrive Friday. We will likely see lows in the 20s again this weekend, but at this time it is unclear if we’ll make into hard freeze territory (24 or colder).

Will we get a chance for any frozen precipitation with this next front?

No. This front will pass through dry Thursday night, and no precipitation is expected behind the front.

This is too cold for Houston! When will it warm up again?

After this frigid weekend, we should have more seasonal temperatures with lows in the 40s and highs in the 60s. By next Wednesday we could even have a “warm” rain with temperatures near 60.

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

Have weather tips, videos, and photos?

Send it to ABC13 using the form below. If you have a video or photo to send, terms of use apply. If you don’t, just hit ‘skip upload’ and send the details.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Woman Shot by CBP Seeks Public Release of Evidence

Edward Saenz
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0
Woman Shot by CBP Seeks Public Release of Evidence

An attorney for a Chicago woman shot five times by a Customs and Border Protection agent is asking a federal judge to allow key evidence in the case to be made public, arguing it is necessary to correct what he calls ongoing damage to her reputation.

Shooting During Operation Midway Blitz

Marimar Martinez was wounded during an Oct. 4, 2025, incident tied to “Operation Midway Blitz,” after her vehicle collided with an SUV driven by a supervisory Border Patrol agent. Martinez and another man were later charged with assaulting federal officers, but prosecutors dismissed the case against her in late November.

Call to Lift Protective Order

Martinez’s attorney, Chris Parente, is seeking to modify a protective order that currently blocks the release of body camera footage, photographs, and electronic communications. He argues the evidence should be disclosed to inform the public and counter what he describes as misleading government statements that continue to label Martinez a “domestic terrorist.”

Disputed Accounts and Video Evidence

Parente has said body camera footage does not align with the government’s version of events and has alleged that an agent appeared to provoke the collision before opening fire. Prosecutors have disputed that characterization.

Allegations of Evidence Mishandling

The defense has also raised concerns about how evidence was handled, including the release and cleaning of the agent’s vehicle after the shooting. A judge later ordered the SUV returned to Chicago and required the agent to testify in person.

Texts Under Scrutiny

During court proceedings, Parente cited text messages allegedly sent by the agent to friends and family that appeared to boast about the shooting, including one message referencing the number of shots fired and wounds inflicted.

Push for Transparency

Parente says making the evidence public is critical not only for Martinez, but for broader public understanding of how the Department of Homeland Security responds to shootings involving its agents. Martinez, who was released from custody after charges were dropped, has said she is grateful for the dismissal and intends to continue seeking justice.

For more on Martinez’s case, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

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