Senate Republicans approved a budget blueprint early Thursday that sets the stage for increased funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The resolution passed in a 50–48 vote after a lengthy overnight “vote-a-rama,” a marathon session where senators debated and voted on amendments for roughly six hours. The measure required only a simple majority to advance.
Key Vote Details
Two Republicans—Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Rand Paul of Kentucky—broke with their party to oppose the resolution, joining Democrats in voting no. All other Republicans supported the measure.
The vote concluded at approximately 3:36 a.m., highlighting the urgency and partisan divide surrounding immigration funding and border security policy.
What the Resolution Means
While the resolution does not allocate funds directly, it initiates the budget process, allowing Republicans to begin drafting legislation that could deliver billions of dollars to ICE and CBP.
Supporters argue the funding boost is necessary to strengthen border enforcement and immigration operations. Critics, however, have raised concerns over oversight, policy priorities, and the broader direction of immigration enforcement.
What’s Next
Lawmakers will now move into the next phase—writing and negotiating the actual spending bill. The process is expected to face continued debate as both parties push competing visions for immigration policy and Department of Homeland Security funding.
Opening arguments are underway in the retrial of former Franklin County sheriff’s deputy Jason Meade, who is charged with murder and reckless homicide in the 2020 shooting death of 23-year-old Casey Goodson Jr.
A new jury—comprised of nine women and three men—was seated this week, marking a fresh start after Meade’s first trial ended in a mistrial in February 2024 when jurors could not reach a unanimous verdict. Meade has pleaded not guilty.
Conflicting Accounts of the Shooting
The fatal encounter occurred on Dec. 4, 2020, while Meade was assisting U.S. Marshals searching for a fugitive. Authorities confirmed that Goodson was not the intended target.
Meade has maintained that he acted in self-defense, claiming Goodson pointed a gun at him. However, the victim’s family disputes that account, saying Goodson had just returned from a dentist appointment and was entering his grandmother’s home holding a sandwich.
Police reports indicate Goodson was legally armed, with a concealed carry permit. A firearm was recovered at the scene with its safety engaged.
Key Evidence and Legal Arguments
According to the Franklin County Coroner’s Office, Goodson was shot six times from behind, including five wounds to the back—details that have become central to the prosecution’s case.
A judge ruled that Meade may argue self-defense in this retrial, despite prosecutors’ objections that he initiated the confrontation. The court determined that the defense has the right to present that argument before evidence is fully examined.
Notably, no body camera footage exists, as deputies were not equipped with body-worn cameras at the time.
Broader Impact and Ongoing Debate
The case has drawn national attention and sparked debate over police accountability and use of force. It also led to policy changes, with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office implementing body cameras in 2022.
As the retrial unfolds, both sides are expected to focus heavily on forensic evidence and the absence of independent witnesses—factors that could again prove निर्णसive in determining the outcome.
LIBERTY, Texas (KTRK) — A former Liberty County housing official was arrested again Wednesday after being indicted on a new charge related to misuse of public money.
Klint Bush was released from the Liberty County Jail on a personal recognizance bond after being booked on a misappropriation charge stemming from his time as chairman of the Liberty County Housing Authority.
Records show a grand jury indicted him on the latest charge on April 15.
He was already facing charges of theft and abuse of official capacity filed in 2023.
At the time, prosecutors said he directed $33,000 of CARES Act funds to fictitious businesses.
The latest indictment details 14 transactions totaling more than $163,000.
Several involve five-figure checks to an entity called Liberty County Housing Dev Corporation, whose bank account, the indictment alleges, Bush withdrew money from.
Prosecutors also flagged an almost $12,000 check from the Housing Authority to Liberty Technologies and a more than $16,000 check to an entity called County Healthcare.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — As the atmosphere dries out, patchy dense fog could again develop for the Thursday morning drive. Temperatures will start off in the mid 60s. Once the morning clouds and fog burn off, temperatures will climb into the mid 80s. While we cannot completely rule out a stray shower, your chance of getting rain Thursday is 10% or less.
How much longer will this rainy weather stick around?
It’s basically over! Rain chances drop down to 10% for Thursday and stay at 20% or less until late next week when a cool front blows in.
What’s the outlook for the weekend?
Temperatures will rise back into the upper 80s over the weekend and so will the humidity. Rain chances will stay low under a partly cloudy sky. The sun at this time of year is about as intense as it is in late August, so you can quickly catch a sun burn if you’re not careful!
Are there anymore cool fronts in the forecast?
We just might get another one late next week as we say goodbye to April and hello to May. For now we have the front penciled in to arrive next Thursday night with a slim chance of rain followed by a day or two with lows in the 50s and highs in the 70s.
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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — What’s a great way to celebrate Earth Month, offload electronics you no longer use, and help a local business ring in its 30th anniversary?
How about joining ABC13 and CompuCycle for the 19th annual ABC13 Earth Day E-Cycle Drive, an event focused on helping our communities safely recycle electronics.
From 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026, you can stop by CompuCycle at 8019 Kempwood Dr., Houston, TX 77055 to drop off old or unwanted electronics.
1 of 10
Take a look through some of the action (and big equipment donations!) during 2025’s drive at CompuCycle.
CompuCycle, who is celebrating 30 years in business and sponsoring this event, will take care of the rest, and you can leave knowing you’ve played a part in reducing harmful e-waste.
You don’t even have to get out of your car as the CompuCycle team will assist once you arrive.
Each year, the amount of electronic waste dropped off for recycling has grown with the drive hitting 100,000 pounds or more multiple times over the years.
In fact, ABC13’s Earth Day E-Cycle Drive holds the Guinness World Record for the largest single day e-waste collection, set in 2014 when we collected 138,174 lbs. of electronics.
But records were meant to be broken!
We want to top that this year. Will you help us?
Here’s what else to know before the big day.
How much is it?
Free! You can drop off and all will be handled at no cost to you. No appointment necessary.
Is there anything I should prepare?
Yes! Before you drop off electronics, back up any important data and perform a factory reset on devices that store personal information. Remove any accessories like cables and chargers.
What can I drop off?
Old computers and phones are just the tip of the iceberg. CompuCycle accepts various items from fax machines and Wi-Fi extenders to e-readers, MP3 players, streaming devices, and charging cables.
So whether you have one device or several, you can drop them off during the drive.
What happens to my electronics after I drop them off?
Once collected, CompuCycle sorts your old electronics, hard drives are wiped clean for your safety, and all materials are then processed for use in new consumer products.
Goods are also recycled in compliance with their e-Stewards certification, according to CompuCycle’s website, adding that they will guarantee secure data destruction on all devices with storage capabilities to protect your personal information.
Why does safely recycling electronics matter?
Diverting hundreds of thousands of pounds of e-waste from Houston landfills promotes a healthier city, preventing the release of toxins in our air, soil and water.
Typically, the impact and response during the drive is great.
In 2024, ABC13 viewers recycled the equivalent of 382 refrigerators worth of electronic waste.
240.92 lbs. of toxic metals diverted
Reduction of 45.37 metric tons of greenhouse gas
Saved 383.72 gallons of oil
Like removing nearly 10 cars from the road
293.60 cubic yards of landfill space saved
3,736,637.20 hours of electricity saved
What if I can’t make it?
We really want to see you on Friday, April 24, but we know things happen.
CompuCycle accepts drop-offs Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Business deliveries can be scheduled by calling (713) 869-6700.
In addition, both residential and corporate drop-offs are welcome during the drive.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Authorities say they are searching for a woman accused of using forged Mexican passports to process fraudulent vehicle registrations.
Guadalupe Alfaro Gonzalez, 36, also known as “Lupita,” is now wanted on felony charges of forgery and tampering with government records tied to an alleged scheme dating back to mid-2024.
Investigators say Gonzalez worked at IS Multiservices on Garvin Avenue in northwest Houston, where she allegedly prepared vehicle title and registration documents under false identities.
Constable Alan Rosen said investigators have identified at least four potential victims so far, but believe there could be more.
“We want to get her in custody, find out what her scheme was and what’s really going on,” Rosen said. “We may have more victims.”
Authorities say the passports used in the alleged scheme contained Gonzalez’s photo and the same passport number but were issued under different names, eventually raising red flags when submitted to county offices, including one in southeast Houston.
Rosen said the motive is unclear.
“That’s one thing we’re not sure about,” Rosen said, adding the operation may have been driven by profit, or possibly to help people who were unwilling or unable to go through official channels.
Regardless, Rosen emphasizes the activity is illegal and says his office is working to stop it.
Gonzalez remains at large, and Rosen believes she may still be in the Houston area.
“I do,” he said. I don’t even think she knows she’s wanted.”
On Tuesday night, her photo was being widely circulated. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is urged to call the Precinct 1 Constable’s Office at 713-755-7628.
The Houston City Council voted 13-4 on Wednesday to approve a revised immigration policy, avoiding a potential loss of $114 million in state public safety funding.
State Pressure Drives Last-Minute Changes
The vote came after Gov. Greg Abbott warned that Houston could lose critical funding if it did not amend its earlier ordinance governing how police interact with federal immigration authorities. The original policy had removed a requirement for Houston Police Department officers to wait 30 minutes for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to respond during certain situations.
Mayor Whitmire Pushes Compromise
Mayor John Whitmire introduced the revised proposal, emphasizing cooperation with the state to prevent a financial shortfall. The updated policy clarifies that nothing in the ordinance limits cooperation with federal immigration authorities when required by law or existing agreements.
It also allows officers to detain individuals “as long as reasonably necessary” to complete an investigation or address additional issues that arise during a stop.
Community Concerns vs. Financial Risk
The changes sparked debate among council members. Some expressed concern that modifying the policy could increase fear within Houston’s immigrant communities. Others, including the mayor, warned that failing to act could result in a significant budget crisis affecting public safety services.
What’s Next
With the amendment now approved, Houston avoids the immediate threat of losing millions in funding. However, the decision highlights ongoing tensions between local governance, state authority, and immigration enforcement policies.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A stopped train is slowing some drivers near the East Freeway on Monday morning.
Video sent by storm tracker Jaime Garcia shows several vehicles turning around at Jensen Drive and I-10 around 9 a.m.
ABC13 reached out to Union Pacific, which said the train was experiencing a mechanical issue. Officials added that crews were on site to resolve the issue.
Some people have reported being stuck behind the train for more than two hours.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Another round of rain is coming this afternoon as a warm front lifts through Southeast Texas. This time we are expecting scattered strong thunderstorms that could bring street flooding, gusty winds, and small hail. That’s why we’ve declared an ABC13 Weather Watch for Wednesday afternoon.
This warm front is bringing unstable air back to Southeast Texas, increasing the chances for heavy thunderstorms once it warms up.
High temperatures warm toward 80 in the early afternoon, and that’s when showers start blossoming into stronger thunderstorms. We expect those thunderstorms to be clustered around Houston and surrounding suburbs. They will be capable of dropping a quick 1-3″ of rain that could flood streets. Gusty downburst winds over 40 mph, small hail, and frequent lightning are also possible. This could make for a rough drive home from work and school in some parts of our region. Tornadoes are unlikely but cannot be 100% ruled out.
Because these storms will be partially driven by the heat of the day, we should see the storms dissipate pretty quickly after sunset, if not sooner. Sunset now occurs closer to 8PM. Your chance of getting rain at some point during the day is 70%.
How much longer will this rainy weather stick around?
After Wednesday, rain chances drop down into the 20-30% range for the rest of the week and the weekend.
What’s the outlook for the weekend?
Temperatures will rise back into the mid-to-upper 80s by the weekend and so will the humidity. A few showers and storms are possible each day Friday through Sunday, but at this time the rain does not look to be widespread nor does it look to be severe. In fact, most of us will just have a rain-free, warm weekend.
Are there anymore cool fronts in the forecast?
We just might get another one late next week as we say goodbye to April and hello to May.
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