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City of Houston working to decommission homeless encampments Downtown

ABC13 Houston
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City of Houston working to decommission homeless encampments Downtown

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The City of Houston is working to decommission homeless encampments Downtown.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire’s Office confirmed his administration is working with case managers from several non-profits to decommission homeless encampments Downtown. Case managers visit sites for several weeks, working to move homeless Houstonians into housing before a camp is decommissioned, according to Whitmire’s office.

Houston Housing and Community Development Department Director Mike Nichols said 46 people were connected with a “housing solution” from a Chartres site; at least 19 from Allens Landing; and 15 from Bayou Place.

“Housing Solutions means a variety of different housing options to include permanent housing, temporary shelter, family reunification, diversion or other intervention services,” Nichols explained.

ABC13 spoke with a woman who asked only to be identified by her first name, Jennifer. She said she had been homeless for more than a decade before she was approached at her encampment by non-profit case managers last year. After several weeks of visits, Jennifer said she, her boyfriend, and her dog all agreed to move into housing.

“We’re all good people. Just because we lost a roof over our head or something went bad in our life or we had something unlucky happen to us – we still have the same heart in our chest and the same brain in our head and we still have the same emotions that everybody else has,” she said.

On Wednesday, District K Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum expressed the need for greater city coordination around the effort. She said her office has received an uptick in complaints regarding “more homeless individuals in spaces that we traditionally have not seen,” including neighborhoods.

Whitmire’s office said they’re looking to open a new shelter but have yet to identify a site.

“I also want to make sure that when we’re looking at these transition facilities, we’re being equitable as well. We’ve had several already on the East End,” District I Council Member Joaquin Martinez said.

“There are more vacant buildings on this planet than there are homeless people. It’s just astonishing the way the politics are all involved in this,” Jennifer said. “Everybody needs a fair chance, OK? We’re all God’s children. We all stumble and fall.” Fall down seven times, get up eight.”

On Monday, the initiative is slated for discussion at a Houston City Council Committee meeting.

Former Houston Mayor Annise Parker announces run for Harris County Judge

Edward Saenz
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Former Houston Mayor Annise Parker announces run for Harris County Judge

Annise Parker, former Houston Mayor, is poised to re-enter Houston politics, announcing her candidacy for Harris County Judge in 2026. This sets the stage for a potential Democratic primary challenge against incumbent Lina Hidalgo, who has held the seat since 2019 and narrowly secured re-election in 2022.

Hidalgo has not yet publicly committed to her 2026 plans. Parker is the first prominent Democrat to declare a run for the position overseeing the Commissioners Court of Texas’ most populous county.

In a statement, Parker articulated her campaign’s core objectives: “I’m running for Harris County Judge to keep our county safe, affordable, and thriving. I’m running to fight the chaos that is hurting our seniors, families, and small businesses. I’m running to fight for US.”

Parker also took aim at Republican President Donald Trump, who began his second term in January, stating, “Donald Trump is throwing millions of Americans off healthcare to fund tax cuts for billionaires – and gutting FEMA, which pays for our local response to hurricanes, flooding, and major disasters.”

Historically, Parker made history in 2010 as the first openly LGBTQ+ mayor of a major American city. She served two terms as Houston’s mayor and has been out of politics since 2016. She holds the distinction of being the only individual to have served as mayor, controller, and council member in Houston.

Following her mayoral tenure, Parker served as CEO and President of the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, a political action committee, a position she resigned from in December 2024.

Currently, the only other candidate in the Harris County Judge race is Aliza Dutt, the Republican Mayor of Piney Point Village, who was elected in 2024.

At least 6 men detained by ICE steps outside courtroom after judge dismisses cases, lawyer says

ABC13 Houston
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At least 6 men detained by ICE steps outside courtroom after judge dismisses cases, lawyer says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A number of detentions made by ICE agents at the federal immigration courthouse on Gesner in the last two days have garnered attention as people question why the men were detained, how it was able to happen, and if their due process is being violated.

A video shot by ABC13 shows two men cuffed and surrounded by ICE agents on Tuesday. Immigration lawyer Bianca Santorini said between Monday and Tuesday that six men from Mexico and South America were detained steps outside the courtroom after their immigration cases were dismissed by a judge.

Santorini said the men were in court for a notice to appear. A notice to appear is a hearing to plead your case before a judge on why you should be able to stay in the United States.

But these men allegedly never got that opportunity.

“Due process does not mean you entered illegally and you get to stay, but due process in the constitution means you get that one day in court, and that’s what we’re asking to be respected,” Santorini said.

According to Cesar Espinosa with the immigration rights group FIEL, they used to want cases to be dismissed so they could pursue asylum or other means of staying in the country. But now, with ICE agents waiting outside the courtroom doors, those other avenues are cut off.

Santorini said the detention of these men is possible through President Trump’s signature on an executive order.

ABC13 spoke to Sushum Modi, a former professor of immigration and current lawyer with the Modi law firm. He said expedited removal used to only be enforceable within 100 miles of the border but now spans the country, and allows someone to be removed from the country without seeing a judge if they’ve been in the US from less than two years.

“If they have proof that they’ve been here more than two years, whether it’s bank records, leasing agreements, they should carry that with them to show they are not subject to expedited removal,” Modi said.

The executive order on the White House webpage points towards targeting criminals and violent offenders, but Santorini said none of the men she’s now representing pro-bono have criminal records.

Modi said the courts know the men have no criminal records based on the process they went through to get their court appearances.

“Often they were paroled out of immigration jail, so the majority, probably the vast majority had no criminal history whatsoever, and an ICE officer found they deserved to be paroled out…and they have a fingerprinting, a biometrics that they have to go through,” Modi said.

According to a memo on the ICE government website, ICE agents are allowed to carry out enforcement near or in courthouses.

When ABC13 emailed ICE about arresting people inside courthouses, they sent us a statement saying in part if immigrants have credible claim that they will be in danger in their home countries, they will continue the immigration proceedings, otherwise they will be deported.

“We’re seeing a huge amount of fear, and in a way a lot of people feel trapped,” Modi said.

Both Modi and Santorini said they worry these actions will deter people who are trying to gain legal status from showing up to court. Santorini is encouraging migrants to still go.

“Show up, but if you have been here less than two years, do not come without an attorney,” Santorini said.

Santorini said at least three of the men detained have pending asylum cases that were filed in a timely manner.

Gov. Greg Abbott to deploy Texas National Guard in anticipation of protests

ABC13 Houston
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Gov. Greg Abbott to deploy Texas National Guard in anticipation of protests

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he was deploying the Texas National Guard to multiple locations across the state to “ensure peace and order.”

The deployment comes ahead of planned protests this week in Texas, including one in San Antonio.

A statement from Abbott’s office obtained by ABC News’ affiliate KSAT confirmed the deployment, saying Guardsmen were ready to “uphold law and order across our state.”

“Peaceful protests are part of the fabric of our nation, but Texas will not tolerate the lawlessness we have seen in Los Angeles,” Abbott’s office said in a statement. “Anyone engaging in acts of violence or damaging property will be swiftly held accountable to the full extent of the law.”

Abbott’s move comes amid the escalating protests in Los Angeles, where activists have been protesting the Trump administration’s immigration policies.

The protests in Los Angeles have at times turned violent. President Donald Trump ordered both the National Guard and the Marines to Southern California in recent days.

“Peaceful protest is legal,” Abbott said on Tuesday. “Harming a person or property is illegal and will lead to arrest.”

He said the Texas National Guard would “use every tool and strategy to help law enforcement maintain order.”

Assistant Chief of the San Antonio Police Department Jesse Salame also confirmed to KSAT that Guard members have been sent to San Antonio.

Currently, it’s unclear if any National Guard personnel will be deployed to Houston.

Harris County leaders await updates on status of flood mitigation projects

ABC13 Houston
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Harris County leaders await updates on status of flood mitigation projects

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — For nearly half a year, Harris County commissioners have asked for an update on 2018 flood bond projects, and after missing last month’s deadline, ABC13 was told a presentation is coming soon.

In 2017, the Greater Houston Partnership said Hurricane Harvey caused $125 billion in damages in Harris County. A storm that sent a foot of water in David Skaggs’ northwest Harris County home.

“It ruined anything that was sitting down low,” Skaggs recalled. “Family pictures and things that you don’t even think about.”

To help mitigate with future storms, county leaders proposed a $2.5 billion bond for projects. It was passed by voters.

Some of the bond was supposed to go towards subdivision drainage projects. Skaggs’ Norchester neighborhood was one of those supposed to receive $11 million for drainage improvements.

“A few years ago, they give us a little talk about how they had allocated money and they were going to do certain things out here and they haven’t done anything, and I don’t know why,” Skaggs said.

For months, county commissioners have been asking questions about these projects too. A few years ago, the subdivision drainage program was moved from the flood control district to the engineering department.

The flood control district oversees the 2018 bond projects. Since February, commissioners have asked leaders from both departments for an update on all projects.

In March, Commissioner Rodney Ellis grew frustrated when he asked why certain projects that scored higher were passed over by others.

“I don’t go off that often, but that was just shocking to me,” Ellis said. “We could come up with a million reasons why you did it, ‘Oh, we did this. We had to do that.’ But at the end of the day, try explaining that to voters.”

During the March meeting, commissioners voted to get an update from the departments on flood projects at a future meeting.

“What I’m hearing is in May you’ll both come back with your expert recommendations, brutal honesty, radical transparency, and you will tell us where we are on all of these,” Commissioner Lesley Briones said.

However, no presentations took place in May. Commissioners meet again this Thursday.

There’s still no presentation on the agenda. The flood control district told ABC13 commissioners’ offices agreed to push it back to the June 26th meeting.

The agency plans to present recommendations that could bring big cuts to projects that were once part of the 2018 bond project. “There will impacts,” flood control district executive director Tina Petersen said back in March. “There will be tradeoffs and there will be opportunities.”

Exactly what the recommendations are, we may not find out until the end of June, nearly six months after commissioners started asking for them.

The flood control district sent ABC13 a statement regarding the delay:

Since the Harris County Commissioners Court motions earlier this year, the Flood Control District has continued to advance projects supported by the 2018 Bond Program. Teams are actively engaged in a variety of construction and design efforts throughout the county. As of the last reporting period, approximately $3.245 billion in bond funding had been spent or committed to projects currently underway, contributing meaningful progress for Harris County communities.

As a collective decision, all Commissioners Court offices and the Flood Control District agreed to pause formal presentations of 2018 Bond Program data to Court until the June 26 meeting. We are preparing a report for the June 26 Commissioners Court meeting to that end. The Flood Control District has spent the last several months evaluating the 2018 Bond Program to substantially complete the program as efficiently and effectively as possible for the residents of Harris County.

It’s also important to clarify that the Subdivision Drainage Program, overseen by Harris County Engineering Department (HCED), operates independently from the 2018 Bond Program. The Flood Control District is not involved in the funding, management, or reporting of that program and cannot speak to its internal processes or timelines.

Zelenskyy Calls for ‘Action from America’ After Russian Drone and Missile Attacks

Edward Saenz
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Zelenskyy Calls for ‘Action from America’ After Russian Drone and Missile Attacks

At least eight people were killed in Ukraine as Russian drone and missile strikes battered Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv and Odesa, overnight into Tuesday morning.

Russia Launches Massive Aerial Assault

Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia deployed 322 air attack vehicles, consisting of 315 drones and seven missiles. The air force said it shot down or neutralized 277 drones and all seven missiles.

Kyiv’s military administration confirmed at least four people were injured in the capital. “The majority of the damage was sustained by civilian infrastructure,” the administration wrote on Telegram.

In Odesa, local officials reported two deaths and nine injuries. A maternity hospital and an emergency medical center were among the buildings struck.

Heavy Casualties Near Front Lines

In the eastern Donetsk region, three people were killed and eight injured by artillery and drone attacks, according to local authorities. In the southern city of Kherson, one person died and eight others were injured.

Zelenskyy Urges Global Action

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted on social media that the strikes hit Kyiv, Odesa, Dnipro, and Chernihiv regions, noting that at least two North Korean-made ballistic missiles were among the munitions used.

“Residential buildings and urban infrastructure were damaged,” Zelenskyy wrote. “In Odesa, even a maternity hospital became a Russian target. Thirteen people were injured. Tragically, there are fatalities. My condolences to the families.”

“It is vital that the response to this and other similar Russian attacks is not silence from the world, but concrete action,” Zelenskyy added.

“Action from America, which has the power to force Russia into peace,” he said. “Action from Europe, which has no alternative but to be strong. Action from others around the world who called for diplomacy and an end to the war — and whom Russia has ignored. There must be strong pressure for the sake of peace.”

Russia Responds to Ukrainian Drones

Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry said its forces downed 103 Ukrainian drones Monday night and Tuesday morning. The attack came 24 hours after Russia targeted Ukraine with more than 470 drones — one of the largest aerial strikes of the conflict, according to Ukraine’s air force.

Prisoner Swap Offers Glimpse of Diplomacy

Earlier Monday, Russia and Ukraine conducted the first stage of a prisoner swap after reaching an agreement during peace talks in Istanbul.

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

University of Houston-Downtown workers find body in White Oak Bayou, HPD says

ABC13 Houston
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University of Houston-Downtown workers find body in White Oak Bayou, HPD says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — An investigation is underway after authorities say University of Houston-Downtown workers found a body in White Oak Bayou on Monday night.

According to the Houston Police Department Lt. Larry Crowson, officers responded to the scene in White Oak Bayou along N. San Jacinto Street near Steam Mill Street just after 8 p.m.

Police received a report of the body face down in the water.

Crowson said the body is believed to be of a man. The medical examiner’s office will determine the manner and cause of death.

For more on this story stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine and our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Ohio Teen Faces Deportation After Graduation

Que Onda Editorial
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Ohio Teen Faces Deportation After Graduation

An Ohio high school graduate, Emerson Colindres, 19, is facing deportation to Honduras just weeks after earning his diploma.

Colindres, who arrived in the United States at age eight in 2014, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a routine check-in at an ICE facility in Blue Ash, Ohio.

A Long Asylum Fight

The Colindres family sought asylum after fleeing extortion threats from Honduran gangs. However, their case was rejected, and a final removal order was issued in 2023. Despite participating in ICE’s Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP), which allows parole-like monitoring instead of detention, the family had never been explicitly ordered to leave—until now.

“Emerson’s One of the Best Kids I’ve Ever Met”

Bryan Williams, Colindres’s soccer coach at Cincy Galaxy, said ICE agents appeared to be waiting for him at his check-in.

“They informed us that they were detaining and deporting Emerson only,” Williams told a local ABC affiliate. “No explanation was given.”

Williams added: “Emerson’s one of the best kids I’ve ever met. We don’t know what we can do, but we’re doing whatever we can.”

DHS Defends Deportation

A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) statement said, “Those arrested had executable final orders of removal by an immigration judge and had not complied with that order,” adding that “If you are in the country illegally and a judge has ordered you to be removed, that is precisely what will happen.”

DHS also noted that ISAP “exists to ensure compliance with release conditions.”

Teammates Rally for Emerson

On Sunday, Colindres’s teammates gathered outside Butler County Jail, wearing “Free Emerson” T-shirts, and spoke to him by phone. “I was just… living life, minding my own business,” Colindres said. “And now I’m here.”

Describing the conditions, he said, “It’s just awful. We only go out once a day—sometimes twice. [It’s] not a life someone who didn’t do anything should be living.”

Community Cries for Justice

Teammate Joshua Williams said, “He didn’t do anything wrong. And they just took him away.” He added, “I wish I hugged him longer. Because I didn’t know that would be the last time I was going to see him.”

Another teammate, Preston Robinson, echoed that sentiment: “It’s not like he had a say in whether he could or couldn’t come. I just wanted to be here to show that I support him.”

Family’s Plea to the President

Colindres’s mother, Ada Bell Baquedano-Amador, directly appealed to then-President Donald Trump during the protest: “Please, Mr Trump—because I’m talking directly to you—have pity on us. Have compassion.”

She told The Cincinnati Enquirer she now has 30 days to self-deport to Honduras. “You can’t imagine what I’m feeling,” she said. “How is my son going to make it over there? He doesn’t know anything and the country where we come from is very insecure… It’s not just.”

Stay tuned to developments from this tragic story with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Highlights from the 2025 BET Awards

Que Onda Editorial
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Highlights from the 2025 BET Awards

The 25th BET Awards took place in Downtown Los Angeles, hosted by comedian Kevin Hart. Kendrick Lamar led with 10 nominations and won Album of the Year for GNX, though he was absent due to a concert in Detroit. He earned top honors including Album of the Year for GNX, Best Male Hip-Hop Artist, Video of the Year for “Not Like Us,” and Best Collaboration with SZA for their track “Luther.” Lamar also shared the Video Director of the Year award with his longtime collaborator, Dave Free.

SZA and Chris Brown were named Best Female and Male R&B/Pop Artists, respectively. Doechii took home the award for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist. In her acceptance speech, she criticized former President Donald Trump, condemning what she described as “ruthless attacks creating fear and chaos in our communities under the guise of law and order,” referring to recent protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles.

A 106 & Park 25th anniversary tribute also featured performances by Amerie, Ashanti, B2K, Bow Wow, Jim Jones, Keyshia Cole, Mya and T.I., among others. Read on to see the other winners of the 25th BET Awards

Major Award Winners

  • Album of the Year: GNX – Kendrick Lamar
  • Best Female R&B/Pop Artist: SZA
  • Best Male R&B/Pop Artist: Kendrick Lamar
  • Best Female Hip-Hop Artist: Doechii – who accepted the award and used the moment to highlight ongoing ICE protests and military deployment in Los Angeles.
  • Best New Artist: Leon Thomas
  • Viewer’s Choice: “Residuals” by Chris Brown beat out competition including Doechii and Kendrick Lamar.
Kendrick Lamar at the 25th BET Awards. Courtesy: BET Awards

Additional Highlights & Awards

  • Doechii won six nominations, including Best Collaboration, and dedicated her speech to activism.
  • The Ultimate Icon Awards were presented to legendary artists Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, Kirk Franklin, and Snoop Dogg—with Carey noting it was her first BET win.
  • GloRilla picked up the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award for “Rain Down on Me” featuring Kirk Franklin and Maverick City Music.
  • In Best International Act, artists like Ayra Starr (Nigeria) and Tyla (South Africa) were among the nominees (vulture.com).
  • Special awards celebrated achievements in film, sports, and the Young Stars Award, with winners spanning actors like Viola Davis and athletes such as Simone Biles.

Overall, the 2025 BET Awards was a vibrant celebration of Black culture, spotlighting musical excellence, activism, and global artistry—anchored by standout performances, heartfelt tributes, and socially conscious moments.

Jamie Foxx’s Tearful Return at the BET Awards

Indira Zaldivar
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Jamie Foxx’s Tearful Return at the BET Awards

A Long Road to Recovery

Two years after his stroke and coma, Jamie Foxx returned to the stage at the 2025 BET Awards, tearfully accepting the Ultimate Icon Award. He credited his daughters, Corinne Foxx, 31, and Anelise Bishop, 16, for helping him through a harrowing time during his 10-minute acceptance speech.

Facing Mortality

“When I saw that in memoriam, I was like, ‘Man, that could’ve been me.’ But I don’t know why I went through what I went through, but I know that my second chance, I’m not going to turn it down,” Foxx, 57, told the audience at the 25th BET Awards.

Family at the Center

He praised his sister, Deidre Dixon, for caring for him during his illness. Then he turned to Corinne: “My beautiful daughter, Corinne, I cannot say enough about you. You’ve always taken a backseat to everything. But when you needed to drive it, you drove. And you made sure I was here.”

Anelise’s Guitar and a Miraculous Moment

Foxx recounted how Anelise’s music helped him in the hospital: “They said, ‘We’re going to lose him because his vitals are bad.’ … Anelise overheard the conversation and she snuck into my hospital room with her guitar and said, ‘I know what my Daddy needs.’”

He added: “As she played the guitar, my vitals (improved). And I realized God was in her guitar. The nurses ran in and said, ‘What did they give him?’ My daughter said, ‘Shh, I’ve got him.’”

Stevie Wonder’s Lighthearted Reminder

As Foxx’s speech stretched, Stevie Wonder playfully approached him on stage, encouraging him to wrap it up.

For more star-studded news, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

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