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Federal Judge Orders Immediate Release of Kilmar Abrego García

Edward Saenz
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Federal Judge Orders Immediate Release of Kilmar Abrego García

A federal judge in Maryland has ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement to immediately release Kilmar Abrego García, ruling that Justice Department attorneys “misled” the court during a November hearing.

Judge Says Government Misrepresented Costa Rica’s Position

U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis said she acted to preserve Abrego’s right to a fair immigration process after government lawyers and an ICE witness claimed he could only be deported to Liberia because Costa Rica was no longer willing to accept him. Reporting from The Washington Post and ABC later showed Costa Rica had “never wavered” in its offer to receive him.

Xinis previously ordered the Trump administration to help return Abrego to the United States after he was unlawfully deported to a notorious prison in El Salvador. She wrote that his current detention is again “without lawful authority.”

Detention Sparks Sharp Criticism and Praise

Abrego is being held at the Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Pennsylvania. DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin condemned the ruling, calling it “naked judicial activism” and saying the department will continue fighting the case.

His attorneys welcomed the decision. “Mr. Abrego Garcia is eager to reunite with his family and continue defending his rights,” lawyer Benjamin Osorio said.

Judge Challenges Government’s Evidence

Xinis’s 31-page ruling followed a contentious Nov. 20 hearing in Greenbelt, Maryland, where she pressed the government for proof of Costa Rica’s supposed reversal. She criticized Justice Department lawyers for presenting an ICE official with “zero information” about the issue and for failing to produce basic documentation.

When asked to provide any evidence, government attorney Drew Ensign admitted he had none. “It’s so odd,” Xinis responded.

Costa Rica Confirms It Will Accept Abrego

The day after the hearing, Costa Rica’s security minister reaffirmed the country’s commitment to accept Abrego “for humanitarian reasons.” His lawyers quickly filed the statement with the court.

Xinis later described the reporting as “an inconvenient truth,” writing that federal officials “affirmatively misled the tribunal” by claiming Costa Rica had withdrawn its offer.

Next Steps

Abrego’s legal team says he is willing to resettle in Costa Rica and may also pursue residency options in the United States. The case continues to unfold.

For more on Garcia’s legal battle, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Plummer Again Delays Priority Apartment Inspection Ordinance — This Time at Mayor’s Urging

Indira Zaldivar
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Plummer Again Delays Priority Apartment Inspection Ordinance — This Time at Mayor’s Urging

In one of her final actions on Houston City Council, Council Member Letitia Plummer delayed a vote on her long-awaited apartment inspection ordinance — but this time, the decision came after Mayor John Whitmire pushed for the measure to be sent back for review.

A Signature Proposal Years in the Making

Plummer has worked on the ordinance since the start of her first term in 2020. The measure would create a “high-risk rental building” registry for complexes with at least ten health and safety citations within six months, triggering increased inspections and fines for ongoing violations.

“Obviously, from a selfish perspective, I wanted to vote on this today,” Plummer said. “But it’s about people, and it’s about us doing the right thing.”

Pushback, Revisions, and a Revised Ordinance

She previously postponed the ordinance in October after the Houston Apartment Association argued that using 311 complaint volume would unfairly target large complexes. Tenant advocates, meanwhile, said the proposal was too limited because it capped the registry at five properties.

The revised version sought to resolve both concerns. It removed 311 complaints from the criteria, eliminated the cap on the registry, added an appeals process for complexes designated as high-risk, and strengthened penalties for noncompliance. Tenant advocates, including Texas Housers’ Julia Orduña, praised the changes as “significantly better.”

Mayor Whitmire Calls for More Review

Going into Tuesday’s meeting, Plummer believed the proposal was ready for a vote. But during discussion, Whitmire said he preferred the ordinance be reviewed again by council committees.

“This is a long time overdue,” he said, adding, “We’ll do it as quickly as possible.”

Plummer pushed back, asking for a firm timeline. Whitmire responded, “I think you just have to trust.” Plummer replied, “I don’t think that’s good enough, to be honest with you.”

Tense Exchange Leads to a Deadline

The discussion escalated when Whitmire suggested Plummer was distracted by her campaign for Harris County Judge. Plummer objected and demanded an apology. Ultimately, the council approved a 30-day deadline for the ordinance to return to the full body after committee consideration in 2026.

Plummer said afterward she felt optimistic: “Ideally, I would like to see the committee meeting happen in mid-January, if possible, and then mid-February have a vote, and then we go into execution.”

Plummer’s Departure Nears

Her final council meeting is scheduled for Dec. 17, shortly after the runoff election to fill her seat between Alejandra Salinas and Dwight Boykins.

For more on Houston City Council, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Resigns Amid Mass Anti-Corruption Protests

Michael Esparza
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Bulgarian Prime Minister Resigns Amid Mass Anti-Corruption Protests

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov resigned Wednesday night after thousands of protesters filled the streets of Sofia and other Bulgarian cities, just 20 days before the country is set to join the euro. The move came ahead of a scheduled vote of no confidence in parliament.

Public Outrage Over Corruption Allegations

Demonstrators accused Zhelyazkov’s minority centre-right government, in power since January, of rampant corruption. The administration had already withdrawn a controversial 2025 budget proposal following earlier protests.

“We hear the voice of citizens protesting against the government,” Zhelyazkov said in a televised address, adding that both “young and old have raised their voices” for the government’s resignation. His cabinet will remain in place in a caretaker capacity until a new government is formed.

Tens of Thousands Rally in Sofia

An estimated 50,000 to 100,000 people filled Sofia’s Triangle of Power and Independence Square, chanting for the government to step down as the words “Resignation” and “Mafia Out” were projected onto parliament. President Rumen Radev had voiced support for the demonstrators last week and urged the government to resign.

Key Power Figures Draw Public Fury

Much of the frustration has centered on oligarch Delyan Peevski and former prime minister Boyko Borissov. Protesters rallied under the slogan “Resignation! Peevski and Borissov Out of Power.” Peevski, sanctioned by the U.S. and U.K. for alleged corruption, played a key role in sustaining the government. Borissov, leader of the Gerb party, said coalition partners had agreed to remain in power until Bulgaria adopts the euro on 1 January.

Eurozone Entry Still on Track

Despite the upheaval, Bulgaria’s upcoming eurozone accession is not considered at risk. In his resignation message, Zhelyazkov said the country faces a significant political challenge and urged citizens to offer “authentic proposals” for the next governing coalition.

Corruption Remains a Deep-Rooted Issue

Bulgaria continues to rank near the bottom of Transparency International’s EU corruption index, positioned between Hungary and Romania—highlighting the long-standing public frustration driving the latest wave of protests.

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

Cool and sunny for Thursday, stronger cold front coming this weekend

ABC13 Houston
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Cool and sunny for Thursday, stronger cold front coming this weekend

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Get ready for another gorgeous, sunny December day in Houston!

The weak front that blew in Wednesday will bring another round of chilly buy sunny weather to Houston. Temperatures will bottom out in the low 40s then warm into the mid 60s to low 70s for afternoon highs. The Gulf breeze will return by the afternoon, making for milder weather on Friday along with the return of dense fog.

What’s in store for the weekend?

We have a 30% chance of showers in the forecast both days this weekend, but the real difference will be in how it looks and feels outside. Saturday will start off with a round of sea fog and low temperatures closer to 60 degrees. The daytime will be partly sunny and mild with a high in the mid 70s. Sunday will start cloudy with a few morning showers, and it will feel cooler as the next cold front arrives early in the day. This front is part of an arctic outbreak that will most heavily impact the northern part of the country.

When could we get our first freeze?

There’s now almost a 50% chance Houston will register its first freeze of the season on Monday morning. The wind will be blowing, making it feel up to 10 degrees colder. If we miss out on a freeze early next week, long range signals indicate we probably have to wait until late December or early January for a chance of freezing weather in Houston. On average, Houston historically gets its first freeze during the second week of December.

How long will the cold air stick around?

It’s really just a three day shot of colder air that arrives on Sunday, bottoms out on Monday, is still felt on Tuesday, and is gone by Wednesday.

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

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Third Judge Approves Unsealing of Epstein Grand Jury Materials

Edward Saenz
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Third Judge Approves Unsealing of Epstein Grand Jury Materials

A federal judge overseeing the 2019 criminal case against Jeffrey Epstein has become the third — and final — judge to grant the Justice Department’s motion to unseal grand jury materials and other previously undisclosed evidence from the government’s Epstein investigative files.

Judge Berman’s Order

U.S. District Judge Richard Berman issued a four-page order Wednesday, concluding that Congress made its intent clear when it passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act last month. The act overrides traditional grand jury secrecy rules, he wrote, and mandates public disclosure of the materials covered under the Epstein Protective Order.

Berman stated that the “‘plain language’ of the Epstein Files Transparency Act unequivocally intends to make public Epstein grand jury materials and discovery materials covered by the Epstein Protective Order.” He emphasized, however, that the privacy and safety of alleged victims must be protected when the Justice Department releases any records.

Other Judges’ Rulings

This decision follows two similar rulings. On Tuesday, Judge Paul Engelmayer approved the release of grand jury materials and nonpublic evidence from Ghislaine Maxwell’s criminal case. Judge Rodney Smith also granted a DOJ request to unseal records related to the first federal investigation of Epstein in Florida in the mid-2000s.

Epstein Case Background

Berman presided over Epstein’s 2019 arraignment in New York and ordered him detained pending trial. Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail in August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.

Reaction from Congress

Rep. Ro Khanna, who sponsored the Epstein Files Transparency Act, called the trio of rulings “promising” but said he will monitor the Justice Department closely for any efforts to delay release of the files.

“This bill was a bipartisan effort signed by President Trump. I hope Attorney General Pam Bondi will put the survivors above politics and the interests of the Epstein class. The public deserves full transparency, and the survivors deserve justice,” Khanna said.

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

Fed Approves Third Consecutive Interest Rate Cut

Michael Esparza
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Fed Approves Third Consecutive Interest Rate Cut

The Federal Reserve voted Wednesday to lower interest rates for the third straight meeting, signaling a cautious but ongoing shift toward easing monetary policy amid mixed economic indicators.

Details of the Latest Rate Cut

The Federal Open Market Committee voted 9-3 to reduce interest rates by a quarter point, bringing the target range down to between 3.5% and 3.75%. This marks a drop from the previous 3.75% to 4% range set during the October meeting.

What Analysts Expect Next

All eyes now turn to Chair Jerome Powell. Goldman Sachs analysts wrote this week that Powell is expected to signal that the “bar has risen” for any further reductions. They also predict at least five Fed officials will voice caution when discussing additional cuts.

Rate Forecasts for 2025

Traders appear skeptical that the Fed will cut interest rates again at its next meeting in January. According to CME’s FedWatch tool, there is a 72% chance rates will remain unchanged. Betting markets reflect a similar outlook, with Polymarket showing odds of 74% for rates to hold in January and slightly lower but still strong odds in March and April. Goldman Sachs noted that a January rate cut “could turn out to be appropriate” if economic data shows signs of decline.

Who Could Replace Jerome Powell?

President Donald Trump, who has been openly critical of Powell for not cutting rates sooner, said he expects to name a successor “probably early next year.” National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett is currently the betting favorite. Other contenders include former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Fed Governor Christopher Waller. Hassett has argued there is “plenty of room” for rate cuts in 2026 and supported Wednesday’s reduction, saying officials could go beyond a quarter-point cut.

Shifts in Market Sentiment

Market optimism for a rate cut surged last month after New York Fed President John Williams indicated a reduction might be possible in the “near term.” This contrasted with Powell’s earlier warning that another cut was “not a foregone conclusion.” Before Wednesday’s vote, traders had priced in nearly 90% odds of a cut, up sharply from below 40% following Powell’s remarks.

Broader Signals from Fed Officials

Several Fed leaders have recently leaned toward supporting rate cuts. San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly reportedly backed a reduction, citing concerns that have shifted from inflation to a weakening labor market. Major financial institutions—including JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley, Nomura and Standard Chartered—also reversed earlier forecasts and now predict further easing.

Standard Chartered noted that economic data released after the government shutdown has been “unrevealing,” contributing to the growing support for a cut.

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

Iceland Joins Growing Boycott of 2026 Eurovision Song Contest

Edward Saenz
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Iceland Joins Growing Boycott of 2026 Eurovision Song Contest

Iceland has become the latest country to withdraw from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, joining Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands in a coordinated boycott following the confirmation of Israel’s participation.

Statement from Icelandic Broadcaster RÚV

In a statement, Icelandic broadcaster RÚV said the inclusion of Israel’s national broadcaster, KAN, has “created disunity among both members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the general public.” RÚV had previously signaled its intention to sit out the contest but waited for its board of directors to formally review the issue on Wednesday.

A Widening Rift Across Europe

With Iceland’s withdrawal, five countries have now opted out of the 2026 competition, reflecting mounting tensions surrounding Israel’s involvement. The decision follows last week’s announcement confirming Israel’s place in the contest.

Earlier Signs of Protest

Ireland, one of the first to announce its boycott, cited similar concerns. Meanwhile, the broader debate has reignited questions about whether Eurovision—a show famously branded as apolitical—can remain insulated from international conflicts and public pressure.

Context from Recent Contests

The 2025 contest saw pop band VÆB represent Iceland, but their participation will not continue into next year’s event amid the widening protest.

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

Trump to Require Public Social Media Accounts for Visa Waiver Travelers

Indira Zaldivar
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Trump to Require Public Social Media Accounts for Visa Waiver Travelers

Foreign tourists visiting the United States will soon be required to provide five years of social media history as part of President Donald Trump’s latest border and immigration crackdown.

Expanded Data Requirements

According to new guidance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, travelers from visa waiver countries—including the UK, Germany and France—must submit their social media data, email addresses from the last decade, and even information about their relatives. These requirements apply to those using the Visa Waiver Program and the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which currently costs $40 and grants two years of travel authorization.

Previous Policy Steps

In June, the State Department announced that certain visa applicants would need to make their social media profiles public. The latest move broadens those requirements, adding more scrutiny ahead of major international events in the U.S., including the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.

A Broader Immigration Crackdown

Since taking office, Mr. Trump has enforced stricter entry rules, including orders for immigration authorities to screen visa and green card applicants for what the administration calls “anti-American activity.” Officials say such activity could be an “overwhelmingly negative factor” in immigration decisions. Similar social media checks already apply to some student and scholar visa applicants.

Recent Actions and Future Plans

Earlier this month, the administration froze all immigration applications from 19 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean, while also canceling citizenship ceremonies nationwide. According to reporting, the White House is considering extending its travel ban to more than 30 countries following the alleged shooting of two National Guard soldiers in Washington, D.C., by an Afghan national.

Calls for ‘Reverse Migration’

Mr. Trump has also urged what he described as “reverse migration,” stating on social media that he intends to “permanently pause migration from all Third World countries to allow the US system to recover.”

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

Weak cool front arrives today, stronger cold front coming this weekend

ABC13 Houston
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Weak cool front arrives today, stronger cold front coming this weekend

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — It’s another gorgeous, sunny December day in Houston!

Temperatures will warm into the low 70s for afternoon highs under a perfectly sunny sky. The wind will turn to the north late in the day as a weak cool front blows in. This will only shave a few degrees off the lows and highs Thursday, which should be another sun-filled day. The Gulf breeze will return quickly behind this front, making for milder weather on Friday along with the return of dense fog.

Any other cold fronts on the way?

In fact, yes! Two more cold fronts will impact Southeast Texas over the next 10 days. A weak cool front will nose into Houston late Wednesday, but at this time we’re not expecting much of an impact from this front. Just expect similar temperatures between Wednesday and Thursday. It now looks like we’ll have to wait longer for the second cold front, which should blow in over the weekend, likely sometime on Saturday night. This stronger cold front with bitterly cold arctic air behind it will sweep across the eastern half of the country and brush by Southeast Texas, too. While the arctic air will likely miss Texas, there’s a low chance it could still get cold enough to bring freezing temperatures to our part of the state. That scenario is not currently reflected in our 10 day forecast, but there’s about a 30% chance we could get a light freeze. The cold air next week will also feature more clouds and a chance of rain.

When could we get our first freeze?

If we miss out on a freeze early next week, long range signals indicate we probably have to wait until late December for early January for a chance of freezing weather in Houston. On average, Houston historically gets its first freeze during the second week of December. This year it looks like we have to wait a bit longer.

When’s our next chance for rain?

After a dreary and damp end to last week, we’ve got a pattern flip on the way that will keep our forecast sunny and mild through mid-December. There’s a small, 20% chance for rain when a front arrives Friday into Saturday, but otherwise nothing more than that at this point.

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

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

1 Student Killed, Another Critically Injured in Shooting at Kentucky State University

Edward Saenz
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1 Student Killed, Another Critically Injured in Shooting at Kentucky State University

A shooting on the campus of Kentucky State University in Frankfort left one student dead and another critically injured Tuesday afternoon, according to university officials and police. A suspect is now in custody, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear confirmed.

Preliminary information suggests the shooting stemmed from a personal dispute rather than a random attack, an official briefed on the situation told ABC News.

Frankfort police responded to reports of an “active aggressor” near Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall, a residence building on the south side of campus. Two students were shot; one later died, while the other remains hospitalized in stable but critical condition.

The university said there is no ongoing threat to the campus community but confirmed the campus remains on lockdown as the investigation continues. Kentucky State is working with local and state authorities to determine what led to the violence.

“Let’s pray for all those affected,” Gov. Beshear wrote on X.

The university sits about 25 miles northwest of Lexington.

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

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