Immigration Crisis: The Fight for the Southern Border

In this week's Texas Border Watch, we bring you inside the ongoing battle exchange houses are facing, show you new Department of Defense accounts of military border security operations, and a bizarre Border Patrol bust in El Paso.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Under the cover of darkness, migrants follow the light of a single flashlight - The Migrants' Moon. Edward R. Murrow Award winners Paul Sanchez and Yami Virgin take you to the front lines of the border crisis. From Shelby Park, alongside journalist Jordan Elder, we witness what appears to be a quiet downsizing of state presence in a location once at the heart of the migrant surge. Meanwhile, as cartel cash flows continue, Uncle Sam steps in with new efforts to slow the tide. But will it really make a difference? We continue to be the eyes and ears of what's happening on the southern border.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A West Texas sheriff reports a rise in migrant activity, a park in Eagle Pass reopens after months of closure for border security operations, and the DPS director gives an update on what troopers are seeing in South Texas.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this week's Texas Border Watch, state agencies spar over cartel activity on islands claimed as Texas land along the border, a new DPS unit is being proposed, and Army vehicles roll in to West Texas.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

An exclusive investigation reveals troubling allegations of student visa fraud and ineligible Australian athletes - so-called “punters” - taking U.S. college football scholarships from qualified American and other international students. Experts point to Prokick Australia as a potential player in the controversy, raising serious questions about NCAA integrity and the future of fair competition. Who's responsible - and what's next?Plus, new rules are changing how people convert their cash into pesos or U.S. dollars along the border. What do these changes mean for everyday residents and travelers in border towns? And is this really how the U.S. government believes cartels are moving their money?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this week's Texas Border Watch, we're breaking down an illegal border crossing attempt police say was first-of-its-kind. Plus, a new look at the military vehicles sent to the border and an explanation of what happens once migrants get their removal orders.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With border crossings at record lows, Border Patrol shifts its focus as processing centers close. Meanwhile, the federal government moves military resources to the border and Gulf Coast. We also explore new immigration warrants targeting migrants with criminal records and what happens when law enforcement stops an undocumented individual. Our Yami Virgin and Photojournalist Paul Sanchez have another edition of Immigration Crisis the fight for the Southern Border.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Several Texas border bills are under consideration in the state legislature. One proposal aims to create a database of undocumented children crossing the border and establish interviews to ensure they are not trafficking victims.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this week's Texas Border Watch, the buoys are shifting to federal hands, new warnings are going out to South Texas ranchers about explosive devices, and egg smuggling is on the rise at border checkpoints.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We report from the International Bridge in Eagle Pass, Texas as migrants who entered the US illegally are handed over to Mexican Immigration. Plus, an exclusive look at the declining deportation numbers and what's causing the decline. And Oklahoma's governor fires State Board of Education members over political immigration tensions, while new immigration laws take shape beyond Texas. Yami Virgin and Photojournalist Paul Sanchez are joined this week by Jordan Elder, who covers the border in Texas and Brenna Rose with our Sinclair station in Tulsa, Oklahoma for a new episode of "Immigration Crisis: The Fight for the Southern Border."See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

More federal and state forces are heading to the Southern border. The federal government previously announced that 1,500 active-duty service members, along with air and intelligence assets, would be assisting troops already conducting enforcement operations. Last week, Department of Defense officials agreed to send another 1,500 troops, bringing the total to about 3,600 active duty troops at the border.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This exclusive report takes you inside the U.S. border enforcement process, revealing what happens when migrants are deported or expelled at the U.S.-Mexico border by the US Border Patrol. We also investigate how human traffickers or “Coyotes” repeatedly evade justice and explore Governor Abbott's long-term border strategy under the new Trump administration. Edward R. Murrow and Emmy-winning journalist Yami Virgin reports and produces this podcast with Photojournalist Paul Sanchez.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We uncover the dangers of cartel activity in Tamaulipas, Mexico, including the use of explosives impacting American businesses.With the raw interviews of Patricia Driscoll, a security contractor, and former FBI agent Jorge Luis Cisneros, who now owns a company that secures businesses on both sides of the border, we get insight into how cartel actions influence daily life and explore the potential implications of classifying cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations or FTOs.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In an exclusive interview, Chief Jason Owens shares insights after announcing his retirement from the Border Patrol.Today, the Border Sheriffs Coalition sent a letter to Governor Abbott, urging him to name Chief Owens as the new Border Czar. This comes as the current Border Czar, Michael Banks, has been tapped by the Trump administration to lead the Border Patrol.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Beth Watkins, a legal trailblazer and former Justice of the Fourth Court of Appeals, joins us to discuss one of Texas' most urgent legal challenges. Elected in 2018, she authored over 600 opinions with a remarkable reversal rate of under 1%. Before her judicial career, she led more than 200 appeals in state and federal courts, earning Board Certification in Civil Appellate Law in 2008.In the second part of our interview, Justice Watkins offers insight into the legal complexities of Operation Lone Star and the migrant detention crisis, focusing on Kinney County, where criminal trespass arrests caused a surge in appeals, overwhelming the court's capacity.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A video showing a Border Patrol agent allegedly kneeing a K9 at the Falfurrias Checkpoint has gone viral, sparking widespread outrage online.The footage, which surfaced last week, depicts the agent appearing to place her knee on the dog multiple times.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A legal powerhouse who has profoundly impacted Texas law joins us this week—former Justice Beth Watkins of the Fourth Court of Appeals. Elected in 2018, she has authored over 600 opinions and maintained an impressive reversal rate of less than 1%. Before joining the court, she led more than 200 appeals in both state and federal courts, earning Board Certification in Civil Appellate Law in 2008.As Texas deals with complex legal challenges surrounding Operation Lone Star and the ongoing controversy over migrants being detained for extended periods without due process, Justice Watkins brings unique insights into how the state's appellate courts are navigating these high-stakes issues. We're honored that she joined us for another edition of Immigration Crisis the fight for the Southern Border. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A federal judge in Texas made a big ruling about funding for the border wall and what the Biden Administration can and cannot use it for.This latest ruling says the Biden administration can't sell any materials intended for the border wall and can't assign funds that Congress dedicated to border wall construction for any other purposes.This lawsuit was originally filed by Texas and Missouri in 2021, and a judge sided with them in May.In December, both Attorneys General filed a complaint after pictures of border wall pieces up for auction went viral.Screenshots of the government surplus website GovPlanet showed wall materials up for auction with bidding starting at five dollars.Those listings have since been taken down.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We delve into the complexities of the U.S.-Mexico border, where perspectives from the American side are often limited. To truly understand the realities, one must sometimes cross over.We highlight the courageous work of journalists on the Mexican side, who risk their lives to report the truth. Among them is John Ritchie of ImpactoVision, who broadcasts live from the Rio Grande near Eagle Pass, Texas. Ritchie balances empathy for migrants with criticism of illegal crossings and the dangers some face, including bringing children on perilous journeys.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this week's Texas Border Watch, Jordan Elder looks into how many miles of border wall have been completed in the last few years and the hurdles Texas faces in completing the project. We'll also show you the new billboards Gov. Greg Abbott is rolling out in other countries to deter illegal immigration. Meanwhile, Canada is investing $1.3 billion to bolster border security amid tariff threats.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Terrell County is a remote area 120 miles west of Del Rio where Sheriff Thaddeus Cleveland and his small team work tirelessly to secure over 2,400 square miles of rugged terrain. As the “Smuggler's Moon” brings increased border activity, we witness firsthand the challenges law enforcement faces, from tracking migrants left by coyotes to combating limited resources. Locals, like café owner Jake Harper, share how border security impacts their lives. Sheriff Cleveland reflects on decades of struggle and his hopes for change as President-elect Trump prepares to take office.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A government surplus company called GovPlanet recently listed pieces of the border wall for auction. These auction posts, which have since been removed, fueled debates about why border wall materials weren't set aside for future use or new construction.President-elect Donald Trump, who has pledged to continue building the wall, publicly condemned the sales of unused pieces during a Monday press conference."I'm asking today, Joe Biden, to please stop selling the wall," Trump said. "The administration is trying to sell it for five cents on the dollar, knowing that we're getting ready to put it up."But the federal government is actually required to sell these excess pieces, and the process started months ago. The Department of Defense told media outlets that it must use, transfer, or donate all excess wall construction materials because of the National Defense Authorization Act.The official said that the materials were divided up, with 60% going to authorized recipients like Texas, California, or U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The other 40% was sold to GovPlanet back in June, so the pieces that were up for auction no longer belong to the government.The DoD says Texas did request some of those materials and later received them.MORE: https://news4sanantonio.com/news/immigration-crisis-podcast/texas-hits-roadblock-in-plan-to-purchase-border-wall-parts-at-auctionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are all migrants and asylum seekers who enter the US through the southern border really going north? We speak with Pamela Allen, the CEO of Eagle's Flight Advocacy, who is experiencing a surge in families seeking essentials like diapers, food, and clothing, reflecting a possible shift in migration trends. Allen also tells us that there is concern about the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and their illegal activities here including human trafficking which she has seen firsthand. Adding to concerns is that the gang's tentacles are now in at least 17 states.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Yami Virgin investigates the state of immigration along the southern border as large migrant groups are expected ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's term. Over the past five months, border crossings have averaged 200-300 daily in the Del Rio area, with overall numbers declining since President Biden's June executive order restricting asylum for unlawful crossings. These measures, paired with provisions for unaccompanied children and trafficking victims, have provided a reprieve for shelters like Mission Border Hope. On-the-ground insights and what lies ahead for migrants and those working at the border, as well as a generous gift from the Texas Land Commissioner for the incoming administration.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We hear what the new Border Czar, Tom Homan, told soldiers and DPS troopers in Eagle Pass just before Thanksgiving. We also examine the new border buoys placed in the Rio Grande, which mysteriously disappeared shortly after their installation. Additionally, we question whether National Guard members are violating policy by using Pepper Ball Launchers on migrants, including families with babies and toddlers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new command post has been built because of the shifting access points along the border between Texas and Mexico. We talk about renewed security concerns with individuals on the terror watch list caught crossing into Texas.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The new Biden executive order is sending back thousands a day to Mexico. For many of those, the option is now to pay coyotes to sneak them into the US in dangerous situations. We spoke to the Sheriff of Bexar County, which includes the city of San Antonio, about a recent trafficking incident that could have gone wrong. We also spoke to Craig Larrabee, the Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations out of San Antonio, about the role HSI takes when they respond to Human Trafficking cases.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The immigration crisis at the Texas border will again be front and center in the news. One of the remote areas along the border that is extremely treacherous and has seen a number of migrants cross through it is Tarrell County. We spoke with the Sheriff of Tarrell County to get a better picture of what he has seen the last couple of months.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sheriff Thadeus Cleveland has the 10th largest county on the US-Mexico border. Up until a few months ago he only had 3 deputies. His jail can only house 7 inmates and all have to be of one gender since they cannot co-mingle. Cleveland tells us about the new Texas law that is now the hot potato making the rounds in the legal system to the Supreme Court and how it will affect his county. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

They are called “Tren de Aragua” a gang that is known throughout Latin America. The Venezuelan prison gang was mostly in Ecuador and Chile but with the migration pattern to the US now they are being seen here in the US. Who are they and just how violent can they be?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

They are working a ridiculous amount of hours, but now they will be able to collect overtime pay. We speak with Congressman Henry Cuellar. And more money for border bridges to keep the flow of commerce coming into the US. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How has Eagle Pass, population 35,000, handled hundreds of thousands of migrants being released in their city? We speak with Valeria Wheeler, the Executive Director of the migrant processing center Mission Border Hope. The non-profit continues to move migrants out of the border town with the help of the state of Texas busses. Wheeler also manages to feed migrants three meals a day during their stay with the organization. We ask how she manages the flow of migrants with no warning of what is coming.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A report shows there are more than 170,000 migrants whom the US has no idea where they are. We speak with retired Homeland Security Investigations Agent in-charge Ari Jimenez as to how this has been allowed to happen.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the cartels diversify their money flow from drugs to human smuggling, they are also said to be using bombs and other weapons left behind in Afghanistan. We speak to the former head of Homeland Security Investigations Ari Jimenez about the new explosive situation.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

An exclusive ride-a-long with the Texas DPS Brush Unit. Lt. Noe Fernandez is our guide as they search for migrants that have entered under the radar, instead of presenting themselves to authorities seeking asylum. During the night we not only see the hard work, but we also see the emotional side of helping save migrants from the hands of gun-wielding Coyotes or smugglers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We sit down and have a very honest conversation with the retired Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in South Texas, Ari “Harry” Jimenez. Jimenez shares with us the reality that while there are recent reports of Lebanese, Syrians, and Iranians showing up at the border, this has been going on for years. Jimenez is also frank when we asked how concerned he is that there will be another 9/11.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The special session called by Governor Greg Abbott now includes border security issues. Among those who will be at the special session will be State Representative Eddie Morales, who represents the district that runs from Eagle Pass to El Paso. Morales speaks about the difficulties trying to find a solution to protect our border.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The surge is on and State Representative Eddie Morales, whose district goes from Eagle Pass, the epicenter for the immigration crisis, to El Paso, says Texas needs to think out of the box to deal with the problem. What's his solution? Charge them $2,000. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

He has a $78 million contract with the Detroit Tigers, yet he can't get a visa for his Venezuelan parents to come see him play. His attorney explains why her client's case is now being used as an example of why the Biden Administration's humanitarian parole is needed for Venezuelans, Haitians, Cubans and Nicaraguans. This while 21 states say this program is putting the responsibility of paying for them on their citizens.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Around 1,500 National Guard troops from Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa and Oklahoma are helping support Operation Lone Star in Texas. So the governors of those states were invited by Texas Governor Greg Abbott to see firsthand what their guard members have been doing. We caught up with Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and Oklahoma's Governor Kevin Stitt during their tour in Eagle Pass, Texas.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We speak with the first Democrat delegation to travel to Eagle Pass, Texas to see firsthand the governor's actions to protect the border. Many Republican delegations have traveled to this area of the border in the past, so the trip by Democrats, led by San Antonio Representative Joaquin Castro, was long overdue according to some.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Battle of President Biden against Texas Governor Greg Abbott says the farm has the sovereign right of the state to protect itself from this immigration wave at the border. But for Magaly Urbina, who owns the property with her husband, this is her land that has been illegally taken over by the governor because both Democrats and Republicans can't work with each other for a solution. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Amidst reports of a DPS trooper's email alleging that superiors ordered them not to give water to migrants and to push them back in the Rio Grande, we go to Eagle Pass and speak to migrants at Mission Border Hope. But the allegations are ones that DPS is vehemently denying this week. They tell us what the orders are for all troopers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dangerous heat, scamming coyotes, and sexual assault. And now a warning from border patrol.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The expectations for the end of the policy “Title 42” left a lot of fear for some in the US. Others were left with the duty to take care of the migrants who are legally allowed to remain in the US while their asylum cases make their way through the court system. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“It will be a wave not seen before,” according to retired Special Agent in-charge of Homeland Security Ari Jimenez. Title 42 is due to end in May, so what is being done along the border to prepare? And how are Republicans and Democrats using immigration to fire up their bases? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

More than 30 sheriffs descended on the Texas Rio Grande Valley to plan and hear from them what may come when Title 42 is lifted on May 11th. See why Idaho Sheriff Kieran Donahue considers himself a border sheriff.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Valeria Wheeler is used to having to help thousands of immigrants a week in a tiny 8,000 square foot space. Now Wheeler is preparing for the numbers Border Patrol is expecting to be as high as 5,000 to 6,000 a day when Title 42 ends in May. She tells us how she plans to take care of so many in the new shelter Mission Border Hope will open soon. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Small Non-Profit on the border town of Eagle Pass, Texas is getting ready for what the end of the policy known as Title 42 will mean for them. Mission Border Hope in 2022 helped 144,000 asylum seekers after they were processed by Custom and Border Protection. The Executive Director Valeria Wheeler talks about the changes and what she type of help she needs. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

They went to Mexico for a friend's cosmetic procedure and ended up losing their lives. What former Homeland Security agents say will happen after four Americans were kidnapped and two ended up losing their lives. Will the call from legislators to declare cartels Foreign Terrorist Organizations pass in Washington DC?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's a 1200-acre ranch about an hour south of San Antonio. The ranch has been run by this family since 1949. But with the increase of human smugglers coming through the Texas border, this family ranch is seeing an increase in trucks crashing through their fences, letting livestock out, and leaving them with a sense of not being secure in their own property. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.