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Texas Plans $6.5 Billion Boost for Border Security, Despite Record-Low Crossings

Indira Zaldivar
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Texas Plans $6.5 Billion Boost for Border Security, Despite Record-Low Crossings

Texas lawmakers are moving forward with a proposal to spend an additional $6.5 billion on border security—even as illegal crossings hit historic lows and the federal government intensifies enforcement efforts.

Operation Lone Star Grows—Again

Since its launch, Governor Greg Abbott’s Operation Lone Star has cost the state nearly $18 billion. Now, with this new funding proposal, the post-2021 spending on border security would total five times more than the state spent in the previous 14 years combined, the Texas Tribune reported.

Governor Abbott has stood firm, declaring in June, “Texas will not stop until we gain full operational control of the border.”

Record Drop in Border Crossings

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported only 8,347 illegal crossings in February 2025—the lowest number ever recorded for a single month. That’s a 94% drop compared to the same time last year. Most crossings occurred in:

  • El Paso: 2,100+
  • San Diego: 1,650
  • Rio Grande Valley: 1,285
  • Yuma, AZ: 243
  • El Centro, CA: 162

CBP credits the decline to stricter enforcement and new federal policies under President Trump and Secretary Noem. “If you cross the border illegally, you will be deported without the possibility of trying again the next day,” the agency said in a statement.

Local Law Enforcement Sees Benefits—but Questions Linger

Rural sheriffs like Thaddeus Cleveland in Terrell County say the funding has helped keep departments operational. “It kept us alive,” said Cleveland, who used the money to hire deputies and upgrade equipment. But even he admits, with federal enforcement ramping up, the state’s spending may no longer be justified.

Critics Demand Oversight, Priorities

Not everyone supports the continued investment. State Rep. Ana-María Rodríguez Ramos (D-Richardson) proposed redirecting some of the money to increase teacher pay—a suggestion that was rejected. “We could give you a trillion dollars, and you would still cry with this red meat nonsense,” she said during debate.

Sen. Sarah Eckhardt (D-Austin) warned of rising costs to counties, especially from policies like banning bail for undocumented immigrants accused of felonies.

Even conservative experts are urging caution. Selene Rodriguez of the Texas Public Policy Foundation supports border safety but questioned the scale: “If you don’t need 5,000 Guardsmen at the border, maybe don’t have them there.”

Calls for Audits Ignored—for Now

Two bills seeking audits of Operation Lone Star have been introduced, but neither has received a hearing as of mid-April. Without oversight, critics fear ballooning costs will continue unchecked.

Politics Over Policy?

Experts suggest the motivation may be political, not practical. “Good governance and fiscal responsibility don’t carry much weight compared to the politics of immigration,” said Jim Henson, director of the Texas Politics Project at UT Austin. His polling found that 63% of Republicans believe Texas spends too little on the border—despite the recent dip in crossings.

Keep up with news on the border and the Texas Legislature with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Uvalde Reaches Settlement With Families of Robb Elementary Shooting Victims

Edward Saenz
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Uvalde Reaches Settlement With Families of Robb Elementary Shooting Victims

Nearly three years after the devastating mass shooting at Robb Elementary School, the City of Uvalde has reached a settlement with the families of the 21 victims who lost their lives on May 24, 2022.

Settlement Approved by City Council

The settlement was confirmed Tuesday night by attorney Josh Koskoff, who represents the families. It was unanimously approved by the Uvalde City Council. While the exact terms remain confidential, the agreement includes a monetary payout through the city’s insurance.

Evadulia Orta, mother of Rojelio Torres, a victim in the shootings at Robb Elementary School holds a photo of her son as she is interviewed with her sister by ABC News, Uvalde, Texas, May 26, 2022.

Beyond Compensation: A Push for Reform

The families’ demands extended far beyond financial restitution. When the lawsuit was filed in 2024, the plaintiffs urged the city to implement stronger police training and adopt fitness standards for officers—a direct response to law enforcement’s delayed response during the tragedy.

They also requested:

  • Regular maintenance of the cemetery where many victims are buried.
  • Transparent accounting of donations and spending related to the shooting.
  • Official recognition of May 24 as a day of remembrance.
  • The creation of a permanent memorial committee.

A Collective Stand for Change

All 21 families—those of 19 students and 2 teachers—were represented in the lawsuit. Although no additional plaintiff names were released, the settlement represents a collective effort to bring accountability and lasting change to the community.

Keep up with more updates on the Uvalde school tragedy and the families affected with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Senior Citizens Lost $4.8 Billion to Scams in 2024: How to Spot and Prevent Fraud

Edward Saenz
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Senior Citizens Lost $4.8 Billion to Scams in 2024: How to Spot and Prevent Fraud

A new report from the FBI has revealed a staggering rise in financial fraud across the United States, with senior citizens emerging as the most vulnerable group. In 2024 alone, Americans over the age of 60 lost a shocking $4.8 billion to scammers—a heartbreaking statistic that reflects not just monetary losses but shattered trust and security.

The Rising Cost of Cybercrime

The FBI’s annual Internet Crime Report, released Wednesday, paints a troubling picture: total losses from internet-enabled scams reached $16.6 billion in 2024. That marks a 33% jump from the previous year. Over the past five years, victims across all age groups have lost a combined $50.5 billion.

“Every number in this report represents a real person, a victim whose trust was betrayed,” said Christopher Delzotto, section chief of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “Their voice deserves to be heard.”

Scam Types Targeting Seniors

Several types of scams disproportionately affect older Americans, and scammers are using increasingly convincing tactics:

  • Investment Scams: These involve fake opportunities in stocks, real estate, or digital assets that promise big returns. In 2024, victims lost nearly $6 billion to these schemes.
  • Business Email Compromise (BEC): Scammers pose as employers or coworkers, requesting urgent wire transfers or gift card purchases. These scams cost victims $2 billion.
  • Tech Support Scams: Fraudsters pretend there’s an issue with a computer or device, then demand payment to “fix” it—resulting in over $1 billion in losses.
  • Toll Scams: Victims receive fake texts about unpaid tolls. Though individually small, they racked up nearly $130,000 in losses through over 59,000 reports.
  • Emergency or “Grandparent” Scams: Someone pretends to be a grandchild in trouble—often needing bail money or emergency funds. These scams totaled $2.7 million in losses.

Why Seniors Are Most at Risk

Seniors often have more savings, less tech experience, and a trusting nature—factors that make them attractive targets. Additionally, many cases go unreported due to embarrassment or fear of losing independence.

The second-most targeted group was adults ages 50–59, who lost a total of $2.5 billion.

States With the Highest Scam Losses

California, Texas, and Florida reported the most financial losses, reflecting both high populations and high concentrations of retirees.

How to Protect Yourself and Loved Ones

Preventing scams starts with awareness. Here are key tips to stay safe:

  • Never trust urgent requests over email or text, even if they seem to come from someone you know.
  • Verify before you act: Call a known phone number to confirm if a family member is truly in trouble.
  • Don’t click suspicious links or download unexpected attachments.
  • Use two-factor authentication on email and banking accounts.
  • Consult a trusted friend or family member before sending money or investing.
  • Report scams: File a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov).

Final Word

Fraudsters continue to evolve, but with vigilance and education, seniors and their families can defend against these costly crimes. By understanding the tactics used and taking proactive steps, we can help ensure that our most experienced citizens are not the most exploited.

Keep up with more consumer protection tips with us on Que Onda Magazine.

University of Houston fraternity members accused of assaulting student with autism

ABC13 Houston
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University of Houston fraternity members accused of assaulting student with autism

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — University of Houston police are now investigating whether a student with autism was attacked on campus earlier this month.

Twenty-year-old freshman Christian Brooks said multiple members of a fraternity shoved him on April 10 at Frontier Fiesta, one of the university’s biggest events of the year.

The event features a carnival, shows, and even a BBQ cook-off.

Brooks said he walked into a tent that he assumed had free food.

Multiple students inside, he said, started yelling at him.

“They stopped me and they pushed me and they kept doing that,” he said. “Then, the manager came up, aggressed me, and eventually spit on me.”

Brooks said he didn’t understand why the students were angry with him, but he was worried about getting hurt.

“The dynamic was changing fast and intensifying, and I knew I had to leave,” he said. “Man, I had to look behind myself while I was walking away.”

Brooks reported the incident to university police two days after it happened.

“They interviewed my child three or four times. He wrote a five-page police report,” his mother Nikki Brooks said. “That third time he had that hour-long interview with the dean, I said, ‘Full stop. Y’all haven’t even talked to these boys. What else do you need from him?'”

For this family, the police investigation isn’t just about punishment. It’s about teaching a lesson.

“That is hate. I don’t care how you slice that cake,” Nikki Brooks. “Don’t play in our face about it. That is hate.”

After a spokesperson for the university initially said the case was closed and no charges would be filed, he told ABC13 that the investigation is now ongoing due to new information.

A spokesperson with the fraternity said the fraternity is cooperating with the investigation, and it’s too early to say whether the students will face any discipline through the fraternity.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

High chance for rain Wednesday morning

ABC13 Houston
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High chance for rain Wednesday morning

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Odds are good you’ll come across rain at some point on Wednesday, especially during the morning hours.

We’re tracking a line of heavy rain and storms moving this way from West Texas that will mainly impact us during the morning through early afternoon. This next round of rain would likely keep our temps in the 70s most of the day.

Any storm that pops up could produce frequent lightning, heavy rainfall, and a quick inch or two of rain that leads to localized street flooding.

When are the highest rain chances this week?

Wednesday brings our highest chance of rain at 80%. There’s still a 40% chance of rain from additional thunderstorms on Thursday and a 30% chance of storms on Friday.

What about any severe weather?

Overall, this week’s pattern will be more supportive of disorganized thunderstorms capable of heavy rain. However, we cannot rule out stronger storms that could produce gusty winds, small hail, and street flooding on any given day this week.

What about those 90-degree days?

They aren’t far away! By this weekend, you’ll feel the heat once again as the rain cloud move away and high temperatures push toward 90. Factor in the humidity, and it will feel like it’s in the 90s most day this week.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

5 easy ways to care for the planet this Earth Day—and beyond

Indira Zaldivar
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5 easy ways to care for the planet this Earth Day—and beyond

As we celebrate Earth Day, let’s reflect on our environmental impact and adopt practices that contribute to a healthier planet. Here are five actionable steps to help care for Earth:

1. Compost Organic Waste

Landfills are the third-largest source of human-related methane emissions in the United States, accounting for approximately 14.4% of these emissions in 2022. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, significantly contributing to climate change. By composting organic waste, such as food scraps and yard trimmings, we can divert materials from landfills, thereby reducing methane emissions. Composting not only mitigates greenhouse gases but also enriches soil health, promoting robust plant growth.

Truck dumps fruit and veggie scraps at Houston’s composting facility The Ground Up. Credit: Indira Zaldivar.
Houston Council Member Sallie Alcorn launches pilot composting program back in 2024. Credit: Indira Zaldivar.

2. Plant Native Flora to Support Pollinators

Native plants are species that have evolved in a particular region over thousands of years, adapting to the local climate, soil, and wildlife. They provide essential habitats and food sources for native pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. In Houston, incorporating native plants such as Texas Lantana (Lantana urticoides), Scarlet Sage (Salvia coccinea), and Coralbean (Erythrina herbacea) can enhance biodiversity and support pollinator populations.

Native Texas lantana growing at a UHD butterfly garden.
Goldenrod is a native North American perennial wildflower. Credit: Indira Zaldivar

3. Shop Locally and Embrace Secondhand Fashion

Thrift store The Cottage Shop in Houston’s Westheimer area sells pre-loved fashion to raise funds for women’s shelter. Credit: Indira Zaldivar.

The fast fashion industry is the second-largest consumer of water and contributes to about 10% of global carbon emissions—surpassing the combined emissions from all international flights and maritime shipping. By choosing to shop locally and purchasing secondhand clothing, we can reduce the demand for new garment production, thereby conserving resources and minimizing pollution. Extending the lifespan of clothing through secondhand purchases can significantly decrease the environmental footprint associated with textile manufacturing.

4. Opt for Sustainable Transportation

The transportation sector is the largest source of direct greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels for cars, trucks, ships, trains, and planes. Choosing alternative modes of transportation, such as walking, cycling, or using public transit, can substantially reduce your carbon footprint. These choices not only decrease greenhouse gas emissions but also alleviate traffic congestion and improve air quality.

Public rail METRORail in Houston, Texas. Credit: Indira Zaldivar.

5. Reduce Meat Consumption

Animal agriculture is a significant contributor to environmental degradation, including deforestation, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. Transitioning to a diet with less meat and more plant-based foods can lead to considerable environmental benefits. For example, replacing beef with beans in the U.S. could free up 42% of U.S. cropland and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 334 million metric tons, achieving 75% of the 2020 carbon reduction target.

By integrating these practices into our daily lives, we can collectively make a significant impact on the health of our planet. Earth Month serves as a reminder that our individual choices contribute to a larger environmental legacy. Let’s commit to these sustainable actions not just in April, but throughout the year, to ensure a thriving Earth for future generations.

Keep up with more green tips to live sustainably with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Vatican Sets Saturday Funeral for Pope Francis; Public Viewing Begins Wednesday

Indira Zaldivar
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Vatican Sets Saturday Funeral for Pope Francis; Public Viewing Begins Wednesday

Final Farewell for a Historic Pontiff
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica beginning Wednesday, with his funeral set for Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square. The Mass will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals.

Global Leaders to Attend
World leaders are expected at the funeral, including U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, Argentine President Javier Milei, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife.

A Peaceful Passing After Final Public Blessing
The 88-year-old pope died Monday following a stroke that led to heart failure. Just one day before, he gave a final Easter blessing from his popemobile in St. Peter’s Square—a symbolic closing chapter to his 12-year papacy.

Public Viewing Schedule
The Vatican announced visiting hours for the faithful wishing to view Pope Francis’ body:

  • Wednesday, April 23: 11:00 a.m. – Midnight
  • Thursday, April 24: 7:00 a.m. – Midnight
  • Friday, April 25: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

His body, dressed in red vestments and a bishop’s miter, lies in a simple wooden coffin, facing the pews with a Paschal candle nearby—reflecting the pope’s humility.

A Legacy Rooted in Compassion
Francis is remembered for championing the poor, migrants, and the environment. His focus on reforming the Church and uplifting women’s roles left a lasting impact. He chose to be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major, beneath the beloved Marian icon Salus Populi Romani, rather than the traditional papal grotto beneath St. Peter’s.

“He wanted to be buried under the shadow of a woman, in this case Maria,” said Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, highlighting Francis’ commitment to honoring women in the Church.

Global Mourning and Tributes
Condolences poured in worldwide. Flags flew at half-staff, church bells tolled, and soccer games paused in Argentina and Italy. In East Timor, where Francis once celebrated Mass for nearly half the population, President José Ramos-Horta called him “a brave man who dared to speak truth to power.”

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu praised his environmental advocacy and call for global justice, despite belonging to a different faith.

The Road to the Next Pope
With Pope Francis’ passing, the Catholic Church enters a period of mourning known as the novendiali. The conclave to elect his successor must begin between May 5 and May 10. Cardinals will cast secret ballots in the Sistine Chapel, with white smoke signaling the election of a new pope.

Keep up with more updates on Pope Francis’s passing with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Federal Judge Orders ICE to Reinstate Legal Status of 133 International Students

Edward Saenz
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Federal Judge Orders ICE to Reinstate Legal Status of 133 International Students

Deadline Set for Tuesday at 5 p.m.

The Trump administration has been ordered to reinstate the legal status of 133 international students by 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 22. The directive comes after U.S. District Judge Victoria M. Calvert granted a temporary restraining order (TRO) in response to a lawsuit filed on April 18 in Georgia.

Lawsuit Challenges Student Record Terminations

The lawsuit, filed by the ACLU and other legal advocates in the Northern District of Georgia, accuses U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of unlawfully revoking student statuses by terminating records in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). SEVIS is the federal database used by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to track non-immigrant students.

Plaintiffs Claim Coercion and Wrongful Revocation

According to the complaint, the termination of SEVIS records effectively renders students undocumented and subject to deportation—even though many had committed no legal violations. Some plaintiffs were previously cited for minor traffic offenses or misdemeanors, but many had charges dismissed. At least one plaintiff, identified as “Jane Doe #12,” had no criminal or traffic record whatsoever.

“DHS’s act of unlawfully terminating SEVIS records appears to be designed to coerce students… into abandoning their studies and ‘self-deporting,’ despite not violating their status,” the lawsuit alleges.

Students Facing Graduation or Work Program Deadlines

The affected students include individuals nearing graduation or participating in work authorization programs, increasing the urgency of the court’s intervention.

Court Rejects Government’s Argument

Government attorneys argued that judicial relief would interfere with the executive branch’s authority over immigration matters. However, Judge Calvert disagreed, issuing an order that not only mandates the restoration of student status but also prohibits the government from using the plaintiffs’ identities outside of the current case.

Next Steps in Court

A follow-up hearing is scheduled for Thursday to assess compliance with the court’s order and determine further legal actions.

Keep up with updates on student deportations with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Harris County Pct. 1 deputy injured in shootout with armed suspect in downtown, officials say

ABC13 Houston
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Harris County Pct. 1 deputy injured in shootout with armed suspect in downtown, officials say

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A career law enforcement officer and current Harris County Precinct 1 deputy was injured Monday afternoon following a chaotic shootout with an armed suspect in downtown Houston.

Deputy Sheila Jones with Harris County Precinct 1 was shot in the upper shoulder area. Previously, Jones spent 30 years with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, rising to the rank of major.

According to Assistant Chief Deputy Carl Shaw of Pct. 1 Constable’s Office, the shootout happened about 12:20 p.m., after reports of a man with a weapon walking down 201 Caroline toward the Family Law Center.

At that point, Johari Burnette, a criminal defense attorney, was walking through the area. He heard the commotion, pulled out his phone, and took cover behind a parked car. Burnette captured video of deputies running to the suspect, then a stream of gunfire.

“I was less than 40 feet away,” Burnette said. “My heart dropped, my stomach dropped, I couldn’t believe it. Pow, pow, pow! A shooting in broad daylight outside of the courthouse.”

Veteran defense attorney Rick Detoto captured video of the suspect, who was also shot, being put on a stretcher and transported to the hospital.

“My wife called and told me there was a shooting,” Detoto, who added that another lawyer in his office had to duck behind hedges for cover, said.

Shaw said a deputy spotted the suspect and began chasing him across San Jacinto Street down Congress. That’s when additional deputies arrived, and a shootout began at 1115 Congress, injuring the deputy and the suspect.

Deputy Jones was taken by a patrol unit to St. Joseph Hospital and then transferred to Memorial Hermann Hospital, where the suspect was also taken.

“We will prosecute this individual to the fullest extent of the law,” Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare said.

At the time of the shooting, Deputy Jones’ son, a courthouse bailiff, was at work nearby in the Criminal Justice Center.

It is unknown at this point exactly how many law enforcement officials fired their weapons. Besides Jones, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez confirmed that one of his deputies also opened fire. Several Harris County buildings, including the Jury Assembly building, were hit with gunfire. Miraculously, nobody else was hit.

Jones works primarily in the county attorney’s building, but came rushing out when reports of a man with a weapon walking around the courthouse complex came over police dispatch.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Keep up with all things Houston with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Keep your umbrellas handy! Rain chances continue through the week

ABC13 Houston
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Keep your umbrellas handy! Rain chances continue through the week

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The rain chances continue!

A stationary front sat over the area yesterday prompting storms to pop Monday morning. Today will be a bit different though… That boundary will lift back north through Houston to generate the scattered storms during the afternoon warmth. Any storm that pops up could drop a quick 1 to 3 inches of rain and produce numerous lightning strikes. Localized street flooding is also possible. Your chance of getting rain is 40%.

Temperatures will warm into the mid-80s. Where it rains, temperatures will drop back into the 70s.

When are the highest rain chances this week?

We expect upper-air disturbances to blow through on Wednesday and Thursday, and those days currently have our highest rain chances at 70% and 60%, respectively. There’s still a 40% chance of rain from additional thunderstorms on Friday.

What about any severe weather?

Overall, this week’s pattern is wetter and unorganized. However, we cannot rule out stronger storms that could produce gusty winds, small hail, and heavy rainfall any day with storms in the forecast.

What about those 90-degree days?

They aren’t far away! By this weekend, you’ll feel the heat once again as the rain cloud move away and high temperatures push toward 90. Factor in the humidity, and it will feel like it’s in the 90s most day this week.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Keep up with all things Houston with us on Que Onda Magazine.

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