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Articles by Aaron Torres
UT Arlington students scramble to figure out voting plans after campus' polling place removed
By Aarón Torres, The Dallas Morning News AUSTIN, Texas - Kiyah Jackson was looking forward to the five minute walk to vote at the University of Texas, Arlington. A sophomore business major, Jackson was excited to cast a ballot in her first election: the November midterms, headlined by the competitive Senate race between Democratic state Rep. James Talarico and Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton.
'Fairly unprecedented': ICE memos to Texas police aim to evade state transparency laws, experts say - Tyler Morning Telegraph
BIG SANDY— A Big Sandy Police Department officer pulled over a man driving past one of the town’s only restaurants this spring, then detained him to investigate his immigration status, according to the man’s lawyer. The lawyer’s account is the only version of events available to the public, despite longstanding Texas law that says basic information about an offense report or arrest must be provided to anyone who asks.
Texas AG Ken Paxton says agency won't represent comptroller's office in Muslim school lawsuit
AUSTIN, Texas - Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton informed Kelly Hancock on Thursday the attorney general's office would no longer represent the comptroller in an ongoing federal lawsuit regarding access Muslim schools have to the state's new education savings account system. The letter came less than two days after Hancock wrote to Paxton knocking the attorney general for how the agency allowed a Houston Muslim school into the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program.
US Supreme Court blocks lower court ruling finding Texas congressional map was illegal
AUSTIN, Texas — The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday night blocked a lower court ruling that found Texas new congressional map was likely a racial gerrymander, allowing the map to stay in effect — for now. The brief order by Justice Samuel Alito came after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton had asked the court to allow the new map to remain in place while the high court considers the state’s appeal. Alito asked the justices to issue a ruling before 5 p.m. on Monday.
US Supreme Court blocks lower court ruling finding Texas congressional map was illegal
AUSTIN, Texas — The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday night blocked a lower court ruling that found Texas new congressional map was likely a racial gerrymander, allowing the map to stay in effect — for now. The brief order by Justice Samuel Alito came after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton had asked the court to allow the new map to remain in place while the high court considers the state’s appeal. kAmp=:E@ 2D<65 E96 ;FDE:46D E@ :DDF6 2 CF=:?8 367@C6 d A]>] @? |@?52J]k^Am kAm!2IE@?
Dallas Police chief says he rejected a $25 million offer from ICE
DALLAS — Dallas police Chief Daniel Comeaux on Tuesday said he turned down a multimillion-dollar offer to join a program that would have authorized some of his officers to enforce federal immigration laws. “We were contacted by the federal government, I think it was last week, or within the last two weeks, and we were offered $25 million to be a part of 287(g) and we said, absolutely not – no,” Comeaux said during the city’s Community Police Oversight Board meeting. “That was me who said that.
International students 'panicked' as more in Texas have visas revoked
By Marcela Rodrigues and Aarón Torres, The Dallas Morning News Dallas-area international students are struggling to navigate why they were told to leave the country immediately after visas were suddenly revoked by federal officials, lawyers working with some of them said. In some instances, the students had faced criminal charges but those charges were dismissed, the lawyers said.
International students 'panicked' as more in Texas have visas revoked
By Marcela Rodrigues and Aarón Torres - The Dallas Morning News (TNS) Dallas-area international students are struggling to navigate why they were told to leave the country immediately after visas were suddenly revoked by federal officials, lawyers working with some of them said. In some instances, the students had faced criminal charges but those charges were dismissed, the lawyers said. Copyright 2025 Tribune Content Agency.
Texas lawmaker asks Gov. Greg Abbott to send state's inmates to El Salvador
AUSTIN, Texas - A North Texas lawmaker asked Gov. Greg Abbott to look into sending undocumented migrants incarcerated in the state to a massive prison in El Salvador, similar to the Trump administration's decision to send hundreds of people they suspect of being gang members to the mega prison. Freshman state Rep.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott directs DPS troopers to help feds target migrants with arrest warrants
AUSTIN, Texas — Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety to deploy what he called “tactical strike teams” to assist President Donald Trump’s administration’s efforts to arrest undocumented migrants across the state. Tuesday’s announcement came a day after Abbott ordered 400 soldiers to the Rio Grande Valley and as the Department of Homeland Security has ramped up immigration enforcement actions in recent days.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott directs DPS troopers to help feds target migrants with arrest warrants
AUSTIN, Texas — Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety to deploy what he called “tactical strike teams” to assist President Donald Trump’s administration’s efforts to arrest undocumented migrants across the state. Tuesday’s announcement came a day after Abbott ordered 400 soldiers to the Rio Grande Valley and as the Department of Homeland Security has ramped up immigration enforcement actions in recent days.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott swears in new director of Texas DPS
AUSTIN, Texas — Freeman Martin was sworn in Monday as the new director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, taking over from longtime leader Steve McCraw. Martin, sworn in by Gov. Greg Abbott, became the agency’s 14th director, working his way up from Highway Patrol trooper in 1990. Martin also held several positions with the Texas Rangers, the elite investigative division of DPS, and in 2018 was appointed deputy director of DPS.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott swears in new director of Texas DPS
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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott swears in new director of Texas DPS
AUSTIN, Texas — Freeman Martin was sworn in Monday as the new director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, taking over from longtime leader Steve McCraw. Martin, sworn in by Gov. Greg Abbott, became the agency’s 14th director, working his way up from Highway Patrol trooper in 1990. Martin also held several positions with the Texas Rangers, the elite investigative division of DPS, and in 2018 was appointed deputy director of DPS. kAm“uC66>2? 3C:?8D 2?
What to know about Texas Sen. John Cornyn as he runs for US Senate majority leader
AUSTIN, Texas — U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, is one of three senators seeking to become Senate majority leader next year, when Republicans take majority control of the Senate. Here are five things to know about Cornyn. kAmw6’D 2 7@C>6C ;FDE:46 2?5 2EE@C?6J 86?6C2=k^Am kAmr@C?J? H2D 6=64E65 E@ E96 %6I2D $FAC6>6 r@FCE :? `hh_ 2?5 D6CG65 2D 2 ;FDE:46 7@C D6G6? J62CD 367@C6 364@>:?8 E96 7:CDE #6AF3=:42? 6=64E65 2D %6I2D 2EE@C?6J 86?6C2= D:?46 #64@?DECF4E:@? H96? 96 65865 @FE s6>@4C2E y:> |2EE@I :?
What to know about Texas Sen. John Cornyn as he runs for US Senate majority leader
AUSTIN, Texas — U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, is one of three senators seeking to become Senate majority leader next year, when Republicans take majority control of the Senate. Here are five things to know about Cornyn. He’s a former justice and attorney general Cornyn was elected to the Texas Supreme Court in 1990 and served as a justice for seven years before becoming the first Republican elected as Texas attorney general since Reconstruction when he edged out Democrat Jim Mattox in 1998.
What to know about Texas Sen. John Cornyn as he runs for US Senate majority leader
AUSTIN, Texas — U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, is one of three senators seeking to become Senate majority leader next year, when Republicans take majority control of the Senate. Here are five things to know about Cornyn. k9bmw6’D 2 7@C>6C ;FDE:46 2?5 2EE@C?6J 86?6C2=k^9bm kAmr@C?J? H2D 6=64E65 E@ E96 %6I2D $FAC6>6 r@FCE :? `hh_ 2?5 D6CG65 2D 2 ;FDE:46 7@C D6G6? J62CD 367@C6 364@>:?8 E96 7:CDE #6AF3=:42? 6=64E65 2D %6I2D 2EE@C?6J 86?6C2= D:?46 #64@?DECF4E:@? H96? 96 65865 @FE s6>@4C2E y:> |2EE@I :?
What to know about Texas Sen. John Cornyn as he runs for US Senate majority leader
AUSTIN, Texas — U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, is one of three senators seeking to become Senate majority leader next year, when Republicans take majority control of the Senate. Here are five things to know about Cornyn. kAmw6’D 2 7@C>6C ;FDE:46 2?5 2EE@C?6J 86?6C2=k^Am kAmr@C?J? H2D 6=64E65 E@ E96 %6I2D $FAC6>6 r@FCE :? `hh_ 2?5 D6CG65 2D 2 ;FDE:46 7@C D6G6? J62CD 367@C6 364@>:?8 E96 7:CDE #6AF3=:42? 6=64E65 2D %6I2D 2EE@C?6J 86?6C2= D:?46 #64@?DECF4E:@? H96? 96 65865 @FE s6>@4C2E y:> |2EE@I :?
Convention delegates from Texas greet Biden news with sadness, questions about what's next
By Aarón Torres, Joseph Morton and Nolan D. McCaskill, The Dallas Morning News WASHINGTON - Passion Jackson of Dallas was determined to stick with President Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee when she attends the party's national convention next month as one of his pledged delegates. Biden's decision Sunday to end his reelection bid left her stunned and lost, unsure what would come next.
Judge rejects Ken Paxton's effort to shut down El Paso nonprofit that helps migrants
DALLAS - A state district judge declined Tuesday to shut down an El Paso nonprofit that assists migrants, rejecting a legal challenge by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton as "outrageous and intolerable." Paxton had asked District Judge Francisco Dominguez to close Annunciation House, which runs several shelters, arguing the nonprofit encourages illegal immigration by providing services to migrants regardless of their legal status.
Who's behind the pro-Palestinian protests on Texas college campuses?
After hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested at colleges nationwide, many - from state lawmakers to members of Congress to former President Donald Trump - are questioning whether students are really the driving force behind the campus protests. In Texas, whenever protesters expressed the intention of occupying campus lawns and plazas, law enforcement officers arrived to dismantle encampments and barricades, leading to arrests.
Police arresting UT protesters forming encampment on campus
Police at the University of Texas on Monday were arresting protesters at a pro-Palestinian demonstration where some were setting up tents on Austin campus. At least five individuals were seen being detained.
Police arresting UT protesters forming encampment on campus
Police at the University of Texas on Monday were arresting protesters at a pro-Palestinian demonstration where some were setting up tents on Austin campus. At least five individuals were seen being detained. The demonstrators began putting up tents on the school’s main lawn around noon. The campus police statement was sent about an hour later. While the tents were being set up, dozens of students and demonstrators linked arms, forming a circle around the encampment.
Police arresting UT protesters forming encampment on campus
Police at the University of Texas on Monday were arresting protesters at a pro-Palestinian demonstration where some were setting up tents on Austin campus. At least five individuals were seen being detained. kAm%96 56>@?DEC2E@CD 3682? AFEE:?8 FA E6?ED @? E96 D49@@=’D >2:? =2H? 2C@F?5 ?@@?] %96 42>AFD A@=:46 DE2E6>6?E H2D D6?E 23@FE 2?
Suspension, curfew and the aftermath of the pro-Palestinian protest at UT
By Marcela Rodrigues and Aarón Torres, The Dallas Morning News AUSTIN, Texas - The University of Texas handed down an interim suspension Thursday of the student organization that led a pro-Palestinian demonstration on campus a day earlier. The Palestine Solidarity Committee was suspended for allegedly violating university rules, said UT spokesperson Brian Davis. He refused to say what rules the group is accused of violating.
Rollercoaster rulings on Texas' immigration law causes confusion for law enforcement
Back and forth court rulings over Texas' new immigration law left local and state law enforcement agencies struggling to understand their mandate as the legal ground repeatedly shifted.
Joe Biden, Donald Trump in Texas for separate campaign stops at border with Mexico
By Aarón Torres and Philip Jankowski, The Dallas Morning News Biden will use his afternoon trip to Brownsville to push Congress to pass a bipartisan border proposal that recently stalled in the Senate. The Democrat also will receive a briefing on border security operations from officials at Customs and Border Protection and other immigration-related agencies, according to a White House official.
Joe Biden, Donald Trump in Texas for separate campaign stops at border with Mexico
President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are visiting Texas’ southern border for dueling campaign stops Thursday as immigration has emerged as a key issue in the 2024 presidential race. Biden will use his afternoon trip to Brownsville to push Congress to pass a bipartisan border proposal that recently stalled in the Senate.
Joe Biden, Donald Trump in Texas for separate campaign stops at border with Mexico
President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are visiting Texas’ southern border for dueling campaign stops Thursday as immigration has emerged as a key issue in the 2024 presidential race. Biden will use his afternoon trip to Brownsville to push Congress to pass a bipartisan border proposal that recently stalled in the Senate.
FBI arrests Tennessee man, saying he threatened to shoot migrants at US-Mexico border
AUSTIN, Texas — The FBI arrested a Tennessee man last week who threatened to shoot migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border, telling an undercover agent that “patriots are going to rise up” against a migrant invasion, according to a federal criminal complaint. Paul Faye was charged with possession of an unregistered firearm or silencer, a felony.
FBI arrests Tennessee man, saying he threatened to shoot migrants at US-Mexico border
AUSTIN, Texas — The FBI arrested a Tennessee man last week who threatened to shoot migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border, telling an undercover agent that “patriots are going to rise up” against a migrant invasion, according to a federal criminal complaint. Paul Faye was charged with possession of an unregistered firearm or silencer, a felony.
FBI arrests Tennessee man, saying he threatened to shoot migrants at US-Mexico border
AUSTIN, Texas — The FBI arrested a Tennessee man last week who threatened to shoot migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border, telling an undercover agent that “patriots are going to rise up” against a migrant invasion, according to a federal criminal complaint. Paul Faye was charged with possession of an unregistered firearm or silencer, a felony.
FBI arrests Tennessee man, saying he threatened to shoot migrants at US-Mexico border
AUSTIN, Texas - The FBI arrested a Tennessee man last week who threatened to shoot migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border, telling an undercover agent that "patriots are going to rise up" against a migrant invasion, according to a federal criminal complaint. Paul Faye was charged with possession of an unregistered firearm or silencer, a felony.
Texas will begin arresting migrants under new law signed by Gov. Greg Abbott
AUSTIN, Texas — Texas will begin authorizing state and local police to arrest migrants believed to be in the state illegally and granting state judges the power to order them to return to Mexico, under a new law signed by Gov. Greg Abbott in Brownsville on Monday. The sweeping and controversial proposal is scheduled to take effect in early 2024 but some civil rights groups have already said they would file a lawsuit over the bill — which is likely destined to reach the U.S. Supreme Court.
Texas will begin arresting migrants under new law signed by Gov. Greg Abbott
AUSTIN, Texas — Texas will begin authorizing state and local police to arrest migrants believed to be in the state illegally and granting state judges the power to order them to return to Mexico, under a new law signed by Gov. Greg Abbott in Brownsville on Monday. The sweeping and controversial proposal is scheduled to take effect in early 2024 but some civil rights groups have already said they would file a lawsuit over the bill — which is likely destined to reach the U.S. Supreme Court.
Texas Senate meets without voting on border security bill, likely killing bill - for now
AUSTIN — The Texas Senate met for less than a minute Sunday and gaveled out for the day without debating a controversial border security bill prioritized by Gov. Greg Abbott. Sunday’s unexpected development likely assures Abbott will call a fourth special session as only two bills from this 30-day session will reach his desk. kAm~?=J E9C66 $6?2E@CD 2AA62C65 @? E96 7=@@C 2?5 E96J C646DD65 F?E:= c A]>][ %F6D52J — E96 =2DE 52J @7 E96 DA64:2= D6DD:@?]k^Am kAmw625:?8 :?E@ $F?52J[ E96 492>36C 925 366?
Texas Senate meets without voting on border security bill, likely killing bill - for now
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Texas Senate meets without voting on border security bill, likely killing bill - for now
AUSTIN — The Texas Senate met for less than a minute Sunday and gaveled out for the day without debating a controversial border security bill prioritized by Gov. Greg Abbott. Sunday’s unexpected development likely assures Abbott will call a fourth special session as only two bills from this 30-day session will reach his desk. Only three Senators appeared on the floor and they recessed until 4 p.m., Tuesday — the last day of the special session.
Border security bills likely dead as Lt. Gov. Patrick, House Speaker Phelan clash
AUSTIN — With days left in the special session, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dade Phelan are trading blows again. This time, they are blaming each other for not passing a controversial immigration enforcement bill requested by Gov. Greg Abbott.
Texas Senate panel advances controversial immigration bill but removes key provision
AUSTIN - A controversial proposal that would allow state police to arrest undocumented migrants passed a Texas Senate panel on a party line vote Wednesday, sending the bill to the chamber for a debate. But the bill removed a provision the House Bill contained that would have allowed state police to order migrants back to the country from which they came from instead of arresting them. The new version now clarifies that migrants must be convicted of the crime before being removed from the state.
Texas Senate panel advances controversial immigration bill but removes key provision
AUSTIN — A controversial proposal that would allow state police to arrest undocumented migrants passed a Texas Senate panel on a party line vote Wednesday, sending the bill to the chamber for a debate. But the bill removed a provision the House Bill contained that would have allowed state police to order migrants back to the country from which they came from instead of arresting them. The new version now clarifies that migrants must be convicted of the crime before being removed from the state.
Texas Senate panel advances controversial immigration bill but removes key provision
AUSTIN — A controversial proposal that would allow state police to arrest undocumented migrants passed a Texas Senate panel on a party line vote Wednesday, sending the bill to the chamber for a debate. But the bill removed a provision the House Bill contained that would have allowed state police to order migrants back to the country from which they came from instead of arresting them. The new version now clarifies that migrants must be convicted of the crime before being removed from the state.
Impeachment attorney for AG Ken Paxton files to run for Texas House seat
By Aaron Torres, The Dallas Morning News AUSTIN - One of the attorneys who defended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in his historic impeachment trial is challenging a first-term Denton County Republican lawmaker who voted to impeach the attorney general. Mitch Little, who with Tony Buzbee and Dan Cogdell defended Paxton in his trial in the Senate last month, officially announced Friday he would face off against freshman GOP Rep. Kronda Thimesch.
Impeachment attorney for AG Ken Paxton files to run for Texas House seat
AUSTIN — One of the attorneys who defended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in his historic impeachment trial is challenging a first-term Denton County Republican lawmaker who voted to impeach the attorney general. Mitch Little, who with Tony Buzbee and Dan Cogdell defended Paxton in his trial in the Senate last month, officially announced Friday he would face off against freshman GOP Rep. Kronda Thimesch.
Impeachment attorney for AG Ken Paxton files to run for Texas House seat
AUSTIN — One of the attorneys who defended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in his historic impeachment trial is challenging a first-term Denton County Republican lawmaker who voted to impeach the attorney general. Mitch Little, who with Tony Buzbee and Dan Cogdell defended Paxton in his trial in the Senate last month, officially announced Friday he would face off against freshman GOP Rep. Kronda Thimesch. kAm!2IE@? 925 E62D65 62C=:6C E9:D >@?E9 E92E {:EE=6[ 2 w2CG2C5\EC2:?65 2EE@C?6J[ >:89E CF?
Texas House advances bill hardening penalty for human smuggling
By Aarón Torres, The Dallas Morning News AUSTIN, Texas - People who engage in human smuggling of migrants would face a minimum of 10 years in prison under a new bill that received tentative approval in the Texas House on Wednesday. The Republican-led chamber also advanced a bill that would provide an additional $1.5 billion for the construction and maintenance of a state border wall.
Texas House advances bill hardening penalty for human smuggling
AUSTIN, Texas — People who engage in human smuggling of migrants would face a minimum of 10 years in prison under a new bill that received tentative approval in the Texas House on Wednesday. The Republican-led chamber also advanced a bill that would provide an additional $1.5 billion for the construction and maintenance of a state border wall. kAm%96 2?E:\D>F88=:?8 3:==[ 2FE9@C65 3J v~! $6?] !6E6 u=@C6D @7 {2<6H2J[ 25G2?465 @? 2 h_\df G@E6] %96 =68:D=2E:@? @?
Texas House advances bill hardening penalty for human smuggling
AUSTIN, Texas — People who engage in human smuggling of migrants would face a minimum of 10 years in prison under a new bill that received tentative approval in the Texas House on Wednesday. The Republican-led chamber also advanced a bill that would provide an additional $1.5 billion for the construction and maintenance of a state border wall. The anti-smuggling bill, authored by GOP Sen. Pete Flores of Lakeway, advanced on a 90-57 vote. The legislation on border wall funding, carried by Rep.
Texas lawmakers advance bill for more border wall funding requested by Gov. Greg Abbott
By Aarón Torres, The Dallas Morning News AUSTIN, Texas - Lawmakers advanced a bill that would provide an additional $1.5 billion in funding for dozens of miles of state border wall - on top of the more than $5 billion the Legislature approved earlier this year for border security operations. Gov. Greg Abbott tasked the legislature with sending him such a bill, along with other border security proposals, earlier this month.
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