ABC-7 at 4: El Paso County Sheriff’s Office ramping up patrols through Thanksgiving weekend
Nichole Gomez
Thanksgiving & family conflict: plan ahead
Hillary Floren
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The Thanksgiving holiday offers so many things we love: turkey, family, and pie. But for some, it’s a time of stress and dread of meeting up with certain relatives, and navigating the time together can be miserable. Unsolicited comments about your love life, weight, habits or politics can be triggering.
Bridgette Leyva, CIT director at Emergence Health Network, says instead of silently seething or lashing out, prepare by setting boundaries and expectations beforehand, and have a plan to navigate your feelings.
Practice emotional detachment. Recognize family patterns, and avoid taking negative comments personally. Stay grounded by focusing on the present moment.
Use planned responses. Have pre-planned phrases to protect your energy and maintain a positive attitude while at the gathering.
Give yourself permission to feel all of the emotions of the day. This includes gratitude and tiredness, and use this as a guide for your interactions.
Focus on meaningful moments, by paying attention to small moments during the gathering to anchor yourself and reduce stress.
El Paso sees decrease in migrant encounters
Heriberto Perez Lara
EL PASO, Texas / CIUDAD JUÁREZ, Chihuahua (KVIA) — Border Patrol El Paso Sector kicked off Fiscal Year 2026 with 1,381 reported migrant encounters in October of this year; in September, they recorded 1,447.
ABC-7 reported last month that Border Patrol closed Fiscal Year 2025 with an 81.6% drop in the El Paso Sector alone and an 84.5% decrease across the entire border strip.
“The dedicated men and women of CBP have delivered another month of historic results – the lowest border crossings of any October in history,” said CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott. “Six straight months of zero releases at the border. That’s real enforcement, real consequences. And with record tariff collections safeguarding America’s economic sovereignty, we’re operating the most secure border this nation has ever seen.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection says border enforcement “keeps reaching historic levels.”
In a news release, they said encounters remained “historically low,” comparing them with the Biden Administration.
30,573 total encounters nationwide — 92% below the peak of the Biden administration’s 370,883
7,989 Border Patrol apprehensions on the southwest border — 95% lower than the monthly average of the Biden administration, and less than what was apprehended in five days in October 2024
258 USBP apprehensions per day on the southwest border — 95% lower than the daily average under the Biden administration, and less than the number apprehended every two hours under the Biden administration
Zero parole releases — compared to 10,009 released by the Border Patrol under the Biden administration along the southwest border in October 2024
ABC-7 spoke with the Special Operations Supervisor for Border Patrol in the El Paso Sector today, Hamid Nikseresht, who says they have apprehended 244 people in the last seven days. The weekly average for the same period over the past four years was 3,300 people. The current average of encounters per day here in El Paso is 34 migrants since Fiscal Year 2026 started last month.
Last year, 2,100 people were apprehended. The year before that, over 5,000, and the year before that, over 12,000, in just the same seven days of this year.
Right now, the El Paso Sector has almost 1,000 military personnel supporting the border mission: 660 from the Department of War (DoW) and 280 from the Texas Military Department (TMD).
“They’re bringing infrastructure with them, they’re putting out triple-strand concertina wire on the fence, making it more difficult to climb, they’re clearing out brush from the river, making it easier for agents to see if someone’s in that river who needs help,” said agent Nikseresht. “They’re also bringing technology with them, technology to combat aerial drones, technology to detect people trying to make illegal entry, all sorts of stuff that really help and complement what we’re doing down here on the border.”
This Fiscal Year 2026 so far, Border Patrol El Paso Sector has recorded 103 rescues and three deaths, which is a 99% decrease from what the sector saw from 2021-2024.
“These are life-changing injuries; we certainly don’t want to see them happen, we’ve seen them happen in the past and like I was saying, especially in the last four years, but what we have noticed is when you increase enforcement, you create a more humane border,” agent Nikseresht added. “Deaths decrease, rescues ultimately decrease because fewer and fewer people are coming to the border to try to get in.”
This ongoing border enforcement and decrease in migrant encounters, rescues, and deaths has also impacted the pockets of transnational criminal organizations in Ciudad Juárez.
“We took a look at just one cross-section from February last year to July, and we estimated that there was a $1.3 billion loss to the cartels and foreign terrorist organizations operating right here in Ciudad Juárez,” said agent Nikseresht. “Every piece of concertina wire we put out, every time we put out a piece of infrastructure, that’s dollars out of the pockets of those organizations to be able to do the things that they want to do globally, worldwide.”
Border Patrol, along with other U.S. federal agencies, also continues to work with their Mexican counterparts and other law enforcement agencies to deter illegal crossings into the country.
“That greatly enhances our capability for any detection for things before they reach our border,” agent Nikseresht added. “If we can stop it before it comes to our border, that’s the best place to stop it before we even have to do anything about it here.”
Border Patrol wants to remind anyone considering crossing the border illegally not to do so, as they will face consequences. The establishment of the National Defense Areas has helped reduce the number of illegal crossings due to increased military patrols.
“Throughout that area, we have military personnel who have been deputized as well, who do have detain authority. Those people are then turned over to Border Patrol,” said agent Nikseresht. “People caught illegally entering the United States will face prosecution under Title 8, which can be punishable. If they re-enter the first time, they’re subject to Title 8 U.S.C. § 1325, and that’s punishable by up to a year; if they re-enter again, it’s punishable by up to ten years, and in certain cases, up to 20 years in prison for aggravated felons.”
Winter Coat Drive Happening to Benefit El Paso Children
Olivia Vara
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — A Winter Coat Drive for CPS-involved children and families wrapped up at 11am this Monday morning, November 24th at the Texas DFPS office.
It’s the final day of a month-long effort led by a student volunteer group from ASEZ STAR Church of God. The students collected more than 200 coats and blankets as part of their Good Neighbor Campaign.
Students from ASEZ STAR were at DFPS this Monday sorting coats by sizes and organizing blankets for delivery by CPS caseworkers.
Evarose Antunez was one of many student volunteers at the event today dedicating their time during the holiday season to help those in need.
“I’m just glad that we can really help our community in a small way like this, helping all the families that are in need of basic necessities,” Antunez said during an interview.
Donation boxes for this donation campaign were first dropped off at schools and later spread to other locations like hospitals.
This coat drive was in partnership with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, with the aim to ensure no child in our area goes without a coat this winter.
We all hear it, right? It takes a village and it really, really is true. It takes a village to make sure that kids stay safe, that they stay warm, that they stay fed,” said DFPS Faith Based and COmmunity Engagement Specialist Victoria Colon at today’s event.
Donations exceeded expectations and collected 229 coats.
ABC-7 at 4: TXDot El Paso talks holiday travel safety
Nichole Gomez
El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)-Thanksgiving is just days away, and many of you might have a trip planned. AAA protects 81.8 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home over the Thanksgiving holiday. Lauren Macias Cervantes joins us with safety reminders and driver resources.
-10 Widening West
Monday, November 24 through Wednesday, November 26
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (as needed)
North- and South Desert between Vinton and Thorn alternate lane closures
Crews will be working on electrical and miscellaneous construction work.
Monday, November 24 through Wednesday, November 26
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
I-10 east- and westbound between Los Mochis and Artcraft left lane closed
Crews will be power washing and painting median barrier on I-10.
I-10 Widening West 2
Monday, November 24 through Tuesday, November 25
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
I-10 east- and westbound between Anthony and Nashua alternate lane closures
North and South Desert between Anthony and Nashua alternate lane closures
Crews will be placing concrete and haul trucks delivering material.
Monday, November 24 through Tuesday, November 25
9 p.m. to 6 a.m. (Nightly)
I-10 east- and westbound between Anthony and Nashua left lane closed
Crews will be conducting concrete placement for new pavement surface.
Borderland Expressway Phase 2
Monday, November 24 through Tuesday, November 25
7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
US-54 east- and westbound between Mesquite Hills and McCombs left lane closed
Mesquite Hills reduced to one lane between US-54 and Red Man. Flaggers will be on-site directing traffic as needed for haul trucks crossing Mesquite Hills.
Crews will be transporting earth embankment into the project.
Mesa Safety Lighting
Monday, November 24 through Tuesday, November 25
7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Mesa west- and eastbound between Thunderbird and Sunland left lane closed
Mesa west- eastbound between Mesa and Resler left lane closed
Crews will be working on lighting improvements.
Maintenance
Monday, December 1 through Friday, December 5
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Loop 375 Transmountain east- and westbound between Border Patrol Museum and Tom Mays Park right lane closed
Crews will be working on shoulder.
Sunday, December 7
4 a.m. to 5 p.m.
I-10 West at Mesa closed
Detour traffic onto Mesa.
Santa Fe entrance ramp to I-10 West closed
Franklin north- and southbound under I-10 closed
Crews will be working on bridge joint replacement.
Loop 375 Widening Project
Continuous 48-hour closure, beginning Saturday, November 22nd at 5 a.m. and ending Monday, November 24 at 5 a.m.
Loop 375 main lanes southbound between North Loop Drive and Zaragoza Road (Port of Entry)
Crews will be removing concrete barrier and restriping lanes.
Monday, November 24
9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Loop 375 main lanes southbound between North Loop Drive and Zaragoza Road (Port of Entry)
Crews will be working on profiling roadway.
Monday, November 24 to Wednesday, November 26
Daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Americas Avenue (frontage road) south- and northbound alternating lane closures between North Loop Drive and Zaragoza Road
Loop 375 south- and northbound alternating lane closure between North Loop Drive and Zaragoza Entrance Ramp
Crews will be working on installing median concrete riprap, high mast aprons, landscape rock and a flume extension.
Americas Avenue (frontage road) southbound left lane closure at bottom of Zaragoza Exit Ramp
Monday, December 1 to Thursday, December 4
Nightly, 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Loop 375 main lanes southbound between North Loop Drive and Zaragoza Road (Port of Entry)
Crews will be working on profiling roadway.
Monday, December 1 to Saturday, December 6
Daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Americas Avenue (frontage road) south-and northbound alternating lane closures between North Loop Drive and Zaragoza Road (Port of Entry)
Crews will be working on installing median concrete riprap, landscape rock, and high mast aprons.
I-10 Landscape & Aesthetic Project
Monday, November 24 to Tuesday, November 25
Daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Gateway West Boulevard at Lee Trevino Drive left turnaround lane closure
Crews will be landscaping.
Monday, December 1 to Friday, December 5
Daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Gateway West Boulevard at Lee Trevino Drive left turnaround lane closure
Crews will be landscaping.
Closure Links:
Operation Hope Thanksgiving turkey distribution
Olivia Vara
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — This Saturday Cesar Ornelas Law partnered with Operation H.O.P.E. for it’s 30th annual Thanksgiving food giveaway.
It all happened beginning at 10 AM at the El Paso County Coliseum-Pavilion.
TNA Wrestling, the El Paso County Coliseum and additional community partners banded together ahead of this Thanksgiving with the aim of positively impacting the El Paso Community.
The goal of the Thanksgiving food giveaway was to serve over 1000 families, bringing kindness through action.
Former TNA International Chamption Frankie Kazarian and reigning TNA X Division Champion Leon Slater also joined Operation H.O.P.E. volunteers for this annual Thanksgiving food giveaway.
This year’s event was organized by co-founder Rubi Gonzales, who took over for her father Angel Gonzales. He passed away last year.
“My mom and my dad started this when I was a little girl. They grew up in Segundo Barrio area. They were from low income. They didn’t always have the funds to celebrate the holidays,” Rubi Gonzales said during an interview at Saturday’s event.
“I miss my dad being out here, being the support, the one to give us, but it makes me happy that people recognize him and recognize us, still, and when we continue to help families that need help, that they know that we’re here to serve under Angel Gomez,” Rubi said.
Rubi Gonzales and her son continue to honor her father’s legacy and the spirit of giving back to the community.
El Paso MPO approves Borderplex Safe Mobility Plan item for the future
Heriberto Perez Lara
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization (EPMPO), along with other city, county and local state leaders, approved the initiative called “Borderplex Safe Mobility Plan,” which aims at reducing and eventually eliminating traffic-related deaths and crashes in the border region.
This initiative includes drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders and anyone using mobility devices.
“The BSMP reflects the input and expertise of a broad spectrum of community stakeholders, including local governments, law enforcement, schools, advocacy groups, residents, and regional agencies. By combining this collaborative insight with detailed crash data, traffic patterns, and road-condition analysis, the plan identifies high-risk corridors and prioritizes targeted programs and improvements. It strengthens the region’s transportation network and fills gaps in bicycle, pedestrian, and transit infrastructure, creating safer, more accessible travel options throughout the Borderplex,” said MPO in a news release.
“This plan gives our region the direction and tools to protect families and save lives. It’s time to turn safety goals into action,” El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego said.
“Our residents cross city, county and state lines for work, family and school. Improving safety for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists strengthens every community in this region. This plan brings people together and sets up the investments we need,” Sunland Park Mayor Javier Perea also said.
According to a news release, with the Policy Board’s adoption, the EPMPO is launching the implementation phase of the BSMP.
A Vision Zero Committee will guide long-term progress, evaluate performance measures, and ensure accountability for advancing the plan’s strategies. The committee will work closely with regional stakeholders to carry out corridor studies, safety projects, education campaigns, and infrastructure improvements.
The plan will also support municipalities in identifying and securing funding for priority projects to close gaps in the bicycle, pedestrian, and transit networks.
More updates in later newscasts.
La Nube transforms into Winter Wonderland ahead of the Christmas season
Rosemary Garcia
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Ahead of the holidays, La Nube STEAM Discovery Center has transformed into a winter wonderland thanks to a $10,000 gift from GECU.
The children’s museum will become a snowy Winter Wonderland for guests to explore from November 22 through January 4th.
El Paso families will get experience science with hands-on holiday fun.
Guests will be able to explore a winter forest filled with trees covered in snow. Families will also have the chance to meet Santa and his elves, and take photos. STEAM activities will also have a festive twist.
“Winter Wonderland is where the magic of the holidays meets the power of discovery,” said Gina Martinez, the CEO of La Nube.
General admission for the Winter Wonderland event is $17 for children and $20 for adults.
For more information, click here.
Preparing your Christmas budget to avoid a financial nightmare
Rosemary Garcia
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)— Ahead of the Christmas shopping season, Borderland financial experts are providing advice to stay within your budget and avoid a financial nightmare.
According to the National Retail Federation, this year, consumers will spend on average $890.49 on food, decorations, holiday gifts, and other seasonal items.
The association found that $627.93 will be allocated to gifts for loved ones, and the remaining $262.56 will be used on seasonal items, such as food, decorations, and greeting cards.
Brian Mirau, the president and founder of Mirau Capital Management, told ABC-7 it’s important to go into the season with a game plan.
“It’s so, so critical that you sit down and do some planning. And you know how much you’re going to spend going into the holiday season and you stick within that budget,” he said.
Mirau said it’s important that families sit down and create a realistic budget.
“So the better that you can plan for what those expenses are going to be, just like everything else we plan for in life, you know, whether it be a vacation, whether it be for, another holiday, identify how much money you’re going to be spending, and then really try to stick within that budget and not overspend.”
Mirau said he advises his own clients to create a budget, especially on big shopping days like Christmas.
He provided some helpful budgeting tips:
Make a list of who you’ll be buying Christmas gifts for.
Set a realistic spending goal.
Identify if you’ll be traveling for the holidays and what that could possibly cost you.
Figure out if you’ll be spending on decorations or food.
Mirau also said, “Always asking yourself that question before you spend that dollar, ‘Do I really need to spend that dollar? Or is it an impulse buy?’ And if you’re not sure about it, it’s better to go home and sleep on it overnight. And then ask yourself again tomorrow. ‘Is that a really, a good, wise spending decision that we’re going to make?'”
Mirau encourages you to stay within your budget so you can begin the new year on the right foot financially.