Immigration Crisis: The Fight for the Southern Border

Texas candidates split on enforcing the border 27.10.2026 18m

With Election Day approaching, candidates in several Texas races are offering sharply different approaches to border security and immigration enforcement. Some emphasize barriers and deportations; others support stronger border operations while opposing broad enforcement actions against families and longtime residents. Trade, jobs, and the region’s economy are also part of the debate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coast Guard gunfire on the Mexican border, cartel drones and congressional debate 16.10.2026 40m

In this episode of the Edward R. Murrow Award-winning podcast, Immigration Crisis: The Fight for the Southern Border, investigative reporter Yami Virgin examines the U.S. Coast Guard’s report of gunfire from Mexico as Mexico’s president demands evidence. Yami and photojournalist Paul Sanchez travel through South Texas to investigate a technology battle between cartels and law enforcement, taking listeners inside a border security operations center. Full interviews with Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar and Chief Deputy Timothy Tubbs explore how authorities are responding to cartel surveillance. Plus, hear Republican Brandon Herrera and Democrat Katy Padilla-Stout face questions in the Texas 23rd Congressional District debate about ICE deportation officer training and border wall plans in the Big Bend region. Hosted and produced by Yami Virgin. Investigative producer Natalie Medina. Edited by Paul Sanchez. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Army awards contract for laser system to counter drones 03.10.2026 13m

The U.S. Army has awarded AeroVironment a production contract for its Enduring-High Energy Laser, or E-HEL system — the Army’s first production contract for a high-energy laser weapon system. The Army says the electrically powered laser is designed to defeat unmanned aircraft systems at a lower cost per shot than traditional weapons such as missiles. Its power supply can replenish its “magazine,” and the system is designed for use at fixed bases, tactical sites and mobile combat vehicles. Read the Army announcement here. Counter-drone systems have drawn attention along the southern border as federal officials respond to drones used for surveillance and smuggling. “The E-HEL program is an example of how the Army has successfully utilized MOSA, a key element of acquisition reform, as part of our efforts to field technology quickly with an interface to upgrade in the future,” said the Honorable Brent Ingraham, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology and Army Acquisition Executive. “Directed energy weapons have been considered S&T projects, and I’m proud that the Army is moving at speed and scale to deliver this first time capability." Earlier this year, the FAA briefly shut down airspace within a 10-mile radius of El Paso after a dispute over the use of a counter-drone laser near Fort Bliss. ABC News reported the FAA had concerns about possible safety effects on civilian aircraft, including the risk posed if a laser beam missed its target. The FAA rescinded the airspace restriction within hours. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Supreme Court allows Trump’s ‘third country’ deportation policy 30.09.2026 39m

The Supreme Court allows third country deportations to continue as it prepares to hear arguments in December. We examine the new federal charge against Wilber Garcés Pérez after he was shot by an ICE agent in Austin... the latest Big Bend border wall court fight... and why some Mexican visitor visa holders with U.S. citizen children are now afraid to return to the United States. “Immigration Crisis: The Fight for the Southern Border” is an Edward R. Murrow Award winning podcast produced by Emmy Award winning Investigative Journalist Yami Virgin... with photojournalist and editor Paul Sanchez, and Investigative Producer Natalie Medina. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

$30,000 per migrant: Accused smuggler pleads guilty in storm-drain tunnel plot in El Paso 14.09.2026 8m

A Mexican national has pleaded guilty in connection with a sophisticated underground tunnel used to smuggle migrants from Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, into El Paso. Federal prosecutors say Luis Carlos Davalos-Lopez, 29, conspired with others to move migrants through the tunnel, which investigators found in January 2025 connected to El Paso’s storm-drain system. The passage was allegedly used to move people underground before they were taken away in a modified box truck. As KFOX's Erika Esquivel reports, Davalos-Lopez and his co-defendants were indicted in April 2025. According to court documents, intercepted calls captured Davalos-Lopez discussing the tunnel, including the number of migrants crossing through it and fees of up to $30,000 for people seeking to enter the United States without inspection. Authorities said the tunnel was allegedly built by the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación, or CJNG. A sentencing date has not been set, and a judge will determine his sentence after considering federal guidelines and other factors. Two co-defendants have previously pleaded guilty in the broader investigation. Maria Del Rosario Navarro-Sanchez admitted last month to conspiring to provide material support to CJNG through firearms trafficking, while Gustavo Castro-Medina pleaded guilty to helping facilitate a $3,000 wire transfer intended for firearms purchases. Texas Border Watch previously examined the growing concern over cartels using tunnels, storm drains and other underground infrastructure to move people, drugs and weapons across the border. Former El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent Victor Manjarrez said those routes can create serious public-safety concerns for cities because they can be hidden within existing drainage and utility systems. “The exploitation of our city infrastructure, I do believe that's happening probably daily in major cities,” Manjarrez said. "If you see the numbers drop and you see enforcement increase above ground, it isn't because the human smuggling organizations have stopped, or narcotics smugglers; they just saw a different alternative to bring to illicit cargo." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deported U.S. citizen Brian Morales returns to Texas 08.09.2026 22m

The pause on some border construction in the Big Bend region has been extended through September 30, but business owners, landowners and law enforcement leaders say critical questions remain. Edward R. Murrow Award-winning podcast host and Emmy-winning investigative journalist Yami Virgin also examines how U.S. citizen Brian Morales was deported to Mexico after a Texas traffic stop, and the legal fight that brought him home to Austin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Texas will secure $7.5 billion in border security reimbursement 01.09.2026 18m

A pause on construction at Big Bend National Park has been extended while both sides negotiate next steps for border security in the area. On Friday, the judge said there will be no ground movement or new activity in Big Bend National Park until at least Sept. 15, after plaintiffs and the federal government agreed to the extended pause in court. Now, that pause has been extended 15 more days until September 30. Texas Border Watch has been following this story closely, as business owners, tribal members of the Lipan Apache, and local leaders argue the proposed project could harm their community. Attorneys for the federal government stated that no border wall is planned inside the park, but vehicle barriers and other technology—covering 17 non-contiguous miles—are still under consideration. The government’s attorneys explained that work completed so far was "pre-construction vegetation clearing and surveying," which drew pushback from residents who believe the work already impacts sacred spaces and ancestral lands. "The fight's not over, but one good thing that came out of this is we have an absolute commitment that there will be no wall in Big Bend National Park," said Attorney Dick DeGuerin, representing plaintiffs. "The judge actually asked the lawyers for the government what is planned, and they were not able to say. And we want to make sure that the no wall in the Big Bend Park extends to other areas of the Big Bend." Christina Hernandez, a plaintiff, said, "I think that there's a lot of questions that have to be answered by CBP, not just to their attorneys but also to the public. And I think this is a step to encourage them to start having conversations with those of us who are in the region." The court’s decision allows for more time to discuss specific plans and impacts before any further steps are taken in the park. Border reimbursement funds Texas is set to receive $7.5 billion in federal reimbursement for border security costs spent during the Biden administration, as confirmed by the White House. The state originally requested $11 billion to cover expenses for programs such as Operation Lone Star and National Guard deployments, with the federal package containing a total of $10 billion for all states. Texas Sen. John Cornyn spoke out about delays in the reimbursement process in the Texas Tribune, pointing out that the funding was approved nearly a year ago, but applications took a while to open. A second grant, managed by the Department of Justice and worth $3.5 billion, will also be distributed to state and local governments, with applications accepted in June and July. With the Texas Legislature set to reconvene at the start of 2027, lawmakers will need to know when this money will arrive as they plan for the next budget. Federal truck-driver training crackdown Federal agencies have launched a nationwide effort to address fraud in commercial truck driving schools, which includes an emergency shutdown of nearly 300 schools across 23 states. According to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, "they have unlicensed instructors. So you have instructors who aren't certified who are allegedly training the new truck drivers to operate on American roadways." The Department of Justice, Department of Transportation and Department of Homeland Security are also conducting audits of third-party commercial driver’s license testers and state oversight programs. Officials say these actions are aimed at improving public safety and reducing fraud across the trucking industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Border enforcement work continues as drug seizures shift 22.08.2026 13m

Texas Department of Public Safety leaders delivered a border update, saying lower migrant crossing numbers have not eliminated the work being done through Operation Lone Star. DPS reported 1,045 criminal arrests connected to border operations in May, including 63 arrests involving human smuggling. Those cases resulted in 134 human smuggling charges, according to department leadership. One of the biggest shifts leaders highlighted involved drugs. Troopers seized 273 pounds of marijuana in May, but more than 4,000 pounds of methamphetamine. DPS also reported seizing 547 pounds of cocaine, 31 pounds of heroin and about one pound of fentanyl, which department leaders said represented roughly 203,000 potentially lethal doses. Officials described the numbers as a shift away from marijuana and toward harder drugs being encountered during border enforcement. DPS leaders also addressed questions about the department's relationship with federal immigration authorities, saying there can be confusion about what happens after a state trooper makes a traffic stop. Officials said troopers do not automatically investigate a driver's immigration status during routine stops. They pointed to a recent Rio Grande Valley case involving a nurse who was initially stopped for a traffic violation. DPS said the woman had a suspended license and was arrested on a state misdemeanor charge. According to department leaders, the trooper did not ask about her immigration status. DPS said immigration authorities became involved later in the jail intake process, eventually resulting in an ICE detainer. Officials said other encounters can become more complicated when a driver cannot be identified through state databases. In those cases, DPS said troopers may make an arrest rather than issue a citation under a name and date of birth they cannot verify. DPS said fingerprints taken during the jail booking process can then allow authorities to establish a person's identity and determine whether federal immigration issues or outstanding criminal matters exist. Department leaders said the distinction is important as questions continue over how state law enforcement and federal immigration enforcement intersect along the border. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heavy machinery leaves Big Bend as $1.72 Billion fight heads to federal court 21.08.2026 29m

Heavy machinery is moving out of Big Bend National Park just days after bulldozers and excavators sparked outrage and CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott traveled to the region to see the controversial border project for himself. But the fight is far from over. In this episode of the Edward R. Murrow Award-winning podcast “Immigration Crisis: The Fight for the Southern Border,” Emmy-winning Investigative Reporter Yami Virgin, who has covered the southern border for more than 20 years, Photojournalist Paul Sanchez and Investigative Producer Natalie Medina, examine what changed, why some Texans support the project, why others are fighting to protect Big Bend, and what could happen next as the battle heads to U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia’s federal courtroom in San Antonio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Big Bend construction halted after bulldozing raises alarm 18.08.2026 26m

“We are just heartbroken.” That was the reaction from the National Parks Conservation Association after bulldozers moved through Big Bend National Park, and now the work has suddenly stopped. U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott says he has paused all construction activity inside the park while he heads to Big Bend for a personal, on-the-ground evaluation. In this episode of the Edward R. Murrow winning podcast “Immigration Crisis: The Fight for the Southern Border,” Emmy winning investigative reporter Yami Virgin, Photojournalist Paul Sanchez and Investigative Producer Natalie Medina examine the sudden pause and speak with Cary Dupuy about potentially irreversible impacts to the park, water, wildlife and dark skies as questions remain about what the federal government ultimately plans to build across the Big Bend region. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Republican border sheriff pushes back as bulldozers arrive in Big Bend National Park 10.08.2026 19m

On this episode of the Edward R. Murrow Award-winning podcast, investigative reporter Yami Virgin takes you to Big Bend, where bulldozers and heavy equipment have arrived as a $1.7 billion border security project moves forward. Republican Terrell County Sheriff Thaddeus Cleveland joins us from the border as questions grow over what will be built. Others along the border question how a road can be carved through the rugged terrain without using explosives in this iconic Texas gem. Hosted and produced by Yami Virgin. Edited by Paul Sanchez. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bulldozers arrive in Big Bend as border projects spark new disputes across Texas 10.08.2026 15m

Federal border security projects are moving forward across Texas, bringing bulldozers into Big Bend National Park, a cease-and-desist order from the Texas General Land Office in Presidio County and a first border visit for newly confirmed Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. The developments come as the Trump administration pushes ahead with a broader expansion of border infrastructure, while local leaders, environmental groups and some state officials raise concerns about where and how that work is being done. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Floods, border wall battle & Senate candidate vows to protect Big Bend 04.08.2026 26m

On this episode of the Edward R. Murrow Award-winning podcast, investigative reporter Yami Virgin examines the flooding that swept away Texas’ floating border barrier, joins Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico on a bipartisan Big Bend border tour, and investigates Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham’s order halting unauthorized federal work on state-managed land tied to the border wall project. Hosted and produced by Yami Virgin. Edited by Paul Sanchez. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Buoy retrieval halts bridge traffic for over eight hours 03.08.2026 14m

Recent flooding along the Rio Grande swept hundreds of federal border buoys from staging and installation areas near Eagle Pass, sending some of the barriers more than 100 miles downriver toward Laredo. The flooding temporarily disrupted international bridge traffic, raised questions about who was responsible for securing the barriers and left federal contractors working to recover buoys from both sides of the river. The flooding came as federal officials continued expanding buoy barriers along portions of the Texas-Mexico border. Video recorded during the flooding showed cylindrical buoys floating down the Rio Grande as people gathered along the Mexican side of the river to watch. The buoys were floating individually rather than in connected sections, indicating that many had not yet been installed or anchored in the river. U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the buoys were under the control of a contractor and had been staged at nearby Shelby Park when rapidly rising water swept them into the river. As a result of the heavy rains in Eagle Pass, Texas, this week, buoys under the responsibility of control of the contractor that were staged at nearby Shelby Park, were swept into the river due to the fast-rising water. These were not buoys that were already deployed and anchored in the river. CBP is working with its contractor to retrieve these buoys. Waterborne barriers are intended to create a safer border environment for patrolling agents, as well as deter migrants from attempting to illegally cross the border through dangerous waterways. In addition, they provide effective impedance and denial capabilities that enhance natural barriers and complement land based, steel bollard border wall systems nearby. Eagle Pass temporarily closed its international bridges because of concerns that the barriers could strike the bridge pillars and cause damage. The bridges reopened after inspections determined they were safe. U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar said local governments had prepared for the flooding and warned federal officials about the potential danger posed by the rising river. "The CBP, DHS, and the contractors ignored the local communities and look, now they have an embarrassing situation because they didn't listen to the local folks," Cuellar said. "Do you think that the contractors should face repercussions for that?" Jordan Elder asked. "Well, you know, absolutely. They should answer why they did not move the buoys to a safer place. They have to answer: what are they going to reimburse the city because bridges were closed down? I think these contractors are paid billions of dollars. I think they definitely have to answer, and I will be asking DHS when they get back to me about, hey, who's going to reimburse the local communities for this situation?" Images taken after sunrise in Eagle Pass showed individual buoys continuing to move downriver. Other buoys had accumulated in an offshoot of the river, including a large number on the Mexican side. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Texas may finally get reimbursed for enforcing the border during Biden administration 06.06.2026 5m

A federal fund Texas has been waiting on is now open, meaning the state could potentially receive billions of dollars in reimbursement for border security costs. The fund was allocated in a congressional spending package, referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill, nearly a year ago, but the grant was only recently posted. According to the federal listing, state governments are now being directed to apply for the money through FEMA. Texas previously asked the federal government to reimburse more than $11 billion in border security costs. State officials said that money was spent during the Biden administration and came out of the state budget. The grant page lists just under $10 billion in total available funding. Gov. Greg Abbott has said Texas’ border security costs included Operation Lone Star, border wall construction and maintenance, and personnel costs for the Texas National Guard and Department of Public Safety. A spokesperson for the governor’s office said the state is looking forward to being fully reimbursed for its border security efforts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Under the Radar: Immigration beyond the border wall 03.06.2026 13m

Border crossings are down and sectors like Del Rio are seeing encounters in the lower double digits. But does that mean no one is getting through? In this edition of ‘Immigration Crisis: The Fight for the Southern Border,’ Yami Virgin travels to the South Texas border to look beyond the numbers. From Del Rio to San Antonio and ultimately Laredo, a train tied to the deaths of seven migrants raises new questions about what is still happening under the radar along the southern border. Hosted by Yami Virgin. Edited and photographed by Edward R. Murrow Award winning podcast editor and photographer Paul Sanchez and Investigative Producer Natalie Medina. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New screwworm treatments offer hope as ranchers prepare for possible spread 09.05.2026 16m

There is some positive news for ranchers concerned about the spread of New World screwworm. New FDA-approved treatments — including both a powder and an ointment — are now on the way for prevention and treatment across multiple animal species. The concern remains high, however, as cases have already been detected in northern Mexico. Many in the agriculture industry say it’s not a question of if the parasite reaches the U.S., but when. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10 months detained, then freed + B4 ruling reshaping Texas immigration enforcement 28.04.2026 26m

In this week’s Edward R. Murrow Award-winning podcast Immigration Crisis: The Fight for the Southern Border… Emmy-winning journalist Yami Virgin, producer Natalie Medina, and photojournalist Paul Sanchez track a major shift in immigration enforcement. A family held nearly 10 months at the Dilley Detention Center is released after a judge’s order, despite having no alleged ties to a deadly attack linked to a relative. Hayam El Gamal and her five children were freed after 10 months at an ICE detention center in Texas. At the same time, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton secures a legal win as the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit allows SB 4 to move forward, expanding the state’s role in immigration enforcement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

'We’ve placed the last panel': Texas border wall construction nears completion 17.04.2026 12m

Texas Department of Public Safety officials say migrant encounters at the southern border remain significantly lower than in recent years, with troopers reporting roughly 80 to 100 arrests per week — or about 300 to 400 per month — for people crossing between ports of entry. Despite the drop, DPS leaders told the Public Safety Commission that enforcement activity has not slowed overall. Instead, the agency says its focus has increasingly shifted beyond the border itself and onto Texas highways, where troopers are encountering what officials describe as some of the largest drug seizures in recent memory. Authorities say illegal narcotics continue to make their way into the state, prompting heightened efforts to identify and stop suspected trafficking vehicles. DPS says troopers are actively conducting traffic stops tied to cartel smuggling operations, leading to arrests and major drug busts across Texas roadways. FAA, PENTAGON REACH AGREEMENT ON LASER SYSTEM AFTER BORDER INCIDENTS A counter-drone laser system that previously triggered a major airspace shutdown over El Paso is now the subject of a new agreement between the Federal Aviation Administration and the Pentagon. The system, identified by Reuters as the LOCUST Laser Weapon System, is designed to disable drones using high-energy beams. Federal officials say recent safety assessments determined the technology includes safeguards that “do not pose undue risk to passenger aircraft.” The agreement comes after multiple high-profile incidents raised concerns. In one case near El Paso, a Pentagon-loaned laser operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection was used to shoot down what was later identified as a Mylar balloon. Weeks later, another incident near Fort Hancock involved soldiers mistakenly targeting a CBP-operated drone. Officials say improved coordination between agencies is critical as the technology becomes more widely used near border regions and military installations. We spoke with Victor Manjarrez, a former Chief Patrol Agent for CBP, about the implications of this system and how it could impact both border operations and communities nationwide. “The beauty of a laser it’s very focused, very efficient and very accurate,” Manjarrez said. “It’s also the least riskiest to the environment and the public.” Manjarrez says the agreement between federal agencies reflects a broader effort to catch up with rapidly evolving drone technology, something he believes has outpaced existing rules. Looking ahead, Manjarrez expects the use of laser systems to expand beyond the border, especially as drones become more common. “The current technology will not be the same a year from now,” he said. “I’m hoping the policy and coordination between agencies advances as quickly.” TEXAS BORDER WALL CONSTRUCTION NEARLY COMPLETE Construction on Texas’ state-funded border wall is now in its final stages, with officials saying the project is just weeks away from being finished. The Texas Facilities Commission reports more than 82 miles of wall have been built since 2021, totaling roughly $3 billion in state funding. State officials say construction is now wrapping up. During a recent commission meeting, Executive Director Will McKerall described the project as entering its final phase. “We are right at the end of this journey, and it continues to shut down in an extremely organized fashion,” McKerall said. He added that crews have already installed the final section of wall. “We’ve placed the last panel we are now at 82.2 miles of wall placed,” he said. According to McKerall, only minor work remains before the project is fully complete. “We’re only working at really two sites right now finishing up some bridge work,” he said. “By the time this commission meets next, I fully expect that we will be saying mission accomplished.” The project has faced criticism over its cost and effectiveness. A Texas Tribune investigation previously found that wall segments were often fragmented, raising questions about how much they contributed to broader border security efforts. State leaders say the decision to scale back is tied in part to increased federal investment in border infrastructure. With billions of federal dollars now being directed toward barriers and related security measures, Texas is shifting its approach. Officials say border security efforts will continue under the federal government's broader “smart wall” strategy, which includes not only physical barriers but also surveillance technology, buoys, and roadway infrastructure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mexican fishermen arrested as border security debate intensifies 10.04.2026 24m

In this edition of the Edward R. Murrow Award winning podcast, Mexican fishermen are being arrested in the Rio Grande Valley after crossing into U.S. waters in search of red snapper, and they claim SpaceX activity has disrupted their livelihood on the Mexican side of the border, while questions grow about enforcement by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Meanwhile, in Austin, a border wall protest highlights rising tensions over border security, and what the Governor’s office has to say about it. Join Emmy winning journalist Yami Virgin and photojournalist Paul Sanchez. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Immigration Crisis: The Fight for the Southern Border

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