Author: KVIA

Heriberto Perez Lara

CIUDAD JUÁREZ, Chihuahua (KVIA) — Three years ago, on January 1, 2023, an attack and prison riot at CERESO No. 3 in Juárez left 17 people dead (10 detention officers/guards and seven inmates) and 27 inmates who escaped from the prison in Ciudad Juárez.

This week, the Chihuahua State Police Department (Secretaría de Seguridad Pública del Estado de Chihuahua) paid tribute to the 10 officers killed during the attack.

SSPE also presented this week what they called “Historical Advances in the Penitentiary System and Strengthening of Social Reintegration,” highlighting significant changes made at state prisons since they took control and assumed operations after the 2023 attack.

As part of the actions implemented within the Social Reintegration Centers (CERESO), the main advances included strengthening operational staff, with the incorporation of 193 new correctional officers trained in academies since 2023, which directly reinforced security and control in the penitentiary centers.

Likewise, this year, the salary standardization of penitentiary personnel was completed, which they also called “a historic action that dignified the work of more than 1,200 officers,” including not only the base salary but also compensatory bonuses and monthly risk bonuses, thus strengthening their working conditions. Similarly, complete uniforms were provided for two consecutive years, an action that had not been recorded previously and that contributes to the order, identity, and professionalization of the custodial staff.

In terms of infrastructure and to prevent overcrowding, the Penitentiary System created more than 800 new spaces for inmates, mainly in CERESO No. 3 in Ciudad Juárez, in addition to eliminating undue privileges and the so-called “VIP cells.”

These actions reduced prison overcrowding, decreasing from 42% to 11.26% during the period in which the current administration has been in charge of the system. On the other hand, inspection operations have been carried out continuously in all state penitentiary centers, increasing from 119,000 inspections in 2023 to nearly 400,000 in 2025. This resulted in the seizure of more than 42,000 prohibited items, reflecting a firm strategy for control and risk prevention.

383 inmates were also transferred to other federal prisons across Mexico, as well as 1,088 transfers to state prisons, as part of the strategic management of the inmate population, saying this is aimed at guaranteeing security and stability in the penitentiary system in Chihuahua.

Finally, more than 4,900 inmates participated in work programs during 2025, 3,904 inmates registered in cultural programs, and 4,618 people registered in sports programs.

“These actions are part of the comprehensive social reintegration strategy promoted by the Chihuahua State Public Security Secretary, Gilberto Loya Chávez, aimed at strengthening security, governance, and respect for human rights in penitentiary centers, under the premise that with Security we deliver results,” SSPE Chihuahua added.

Full story tonight on ABC-7 at 6.

Click here to follow the original article.

Andrew J. Polk

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — A new way of talking about events, organizations and businesses – with a local touch.

ABC-7 launched our new initiative “7 in the City” just eight months ago. 

You may have seen some of the reports from a familiar face on-air and on social media.

So what goes into making it happen?

Sunday night on ABC-7 Xtra, join host Andrew J. Polk as he talks with 7 in the city reporter Isabella Martinez and we see some of the best reports from the last year. Tune in Sunday at 10:35 p.m., right after ABC-7 at 10 Weekend.

Click here to follow the original article.

Heriberto Perez Lara

JUÁREZ, Chihuahua (KVIA) — As 2025 draws to a close, it’s no surprise that people from our region frequently cross the border to celebrate important dates like today. Thousands of border residents are expected to celebrate in Juárez, whether at a bar or nightclub, at a restaurant, or with their families.

Businesses and nightlife venues in Juárez are rushing to organize one of the year’s most important nights to welcome 2026 in style. Local business owners and managers expect to host hundreds of people tonight at various Juárez restaurants and bars.

ABC-7 spoke with Carlos Cisneros, general manager of “The Normal Ciudad Juárez,” one of the most popular nightclubs south of the border, who said they expect a large crowd tonight and that it will be a great night. Cisneros has been working in nightclubs in Mexico for almost 11 years.

“The truth is that every day is different; there are days that are very good, there are days that are bad, average, but yes, every year is very different, it brings you something different every night, every experience,” Cisneros said.

Preparing for a busy night like New Year’s Eve requires a lot of time, stress, and help from Carlos and his team, but he says it’s totally worth it in the end.

“Well, in the days leading up to it, it’s normal; they don’t get that stressed. It’s only on the day itself that they get a little stressed, and then at the end of the night, you can feel them breathe, they take a break, and obviously, they clean up all the mess people make, right?” Cisneros said. “But then at the end, I try to give them a drink so they can relax and toast with the team, because at the end of the day they’re the ones who get the job done.”

The Juárez Municipal Government has been raising awareness among all residents on both sides of the border about the importance of not drinking and driving, a key measure to prevent accidents and protect lives during this holiday season.

Juárez Mayor Cruz Pérez Cuéllar explained that one of the main reasons for the recent amendment to the Traffic and Transportation Regulations for the Municipality of Juárez was to discourage this type of behavior through stricter penalties that deter driving under the influence of alcohol and promote “greater responsibility behind the wheel.”

“Checkpoints alone are not effective, since offenders do not voluntarily go to a checkpoint, while random checks do contribute to a greater preventive effect,” said Mayor Pérez Cuéllar.

“So far, there has been no report of a significant increase in violations, which reinforces the fact that the objective of the reform is not to impose more penalties, but to prevent accidents and encourage safer and more defensive driving based on awareness of the new regulations,” Mayor Pérez Cuéllar added.

The City reiterated its call not to drive after consuming alcohol and emphasized that during the holidays, people can celebrate responsibly by choosing alternatives such as using taxis, ride-sharing services, or a designated driver to avoid endangering their own lives and the lives of others, and to ensure safe celebrations without tragedy.

Residents crossing to Juárez to celebrate are expected to see an increased law enforcement presence on the city’s streets, with both the Juárez Municipal Police Department (SSPM) and the Juárez Road Safety Department (CGSV) patrolling across the city.

Click here to follow the original article.

Heriberto Perez Lara

CIUDAD JUÁREZ, Chihuahua (KVIA) — The Juárez Civil Protection Department (DGPC), along with its branches, the Fire and Rescue Departments, reactivated its warming center/temporary shelter for those in need to stay overnight due to the cold temperatures.

In a news release, the Civil Protection Department said that, due to early warnings of low temperatures, the temporary shelter has remained open continuously since last Sunday, “to safeguard the well-being of people experiencing homelessness.”

As part of preventive measures, during the night and early morning hours yesterday, agency personnel, in coordination with the Juárez Department of Public Safety or the Juárez Municipal Police (SSPM), conducted search and rescue operations for people experiencing homelessness who were exposed to harsh weather, safely transporting them to the temporary shelter.

“The shelter maintains a warm temperature and provides basic care, including hot drinks and food, to protect the health and well-being of those who need it most during this winter season,” the Civil Protection Department said.

The City also urges the public to report any person experiencing homelessness who requires assistance by calling 911 so they can be assisted or taken to the shelter.

This warming center/shelter is located in Downtown Juárez at the intersection of Constitución and 20 de Noviembre streets, next to the ‘Monumento a Benito Juárez’ statue.

Given the drop in temperature recorded in the city, the Civil Protection Department issued a preventive alert and urged residents to take extra precautions when using heaters and other heating systems in their homes to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, and fatal accidents.

Sergio Rodríguez, the agency’s head, recommended not sleeping with the heater on and always keeping two windows facing opposite directions to allow for proper ventilation inside the home.

He also asked citizens to immediately turn off any appliance that shows signs of malfunction or failure and take it to a qualified technician or any fire station, where personnel can inspect it and provide safety recommendations.

The Municipal Government is keeping the ‘El Barreal’ shelter open to assist homeless people when extremely low temperatures are recorded in the city, to prevent health risks during the winter season, announced Juárez Mayor Cruz Pérez Cuéllar.

The shelter offers services from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., but in extreme weather conditions, people can remain sheltered throughout the day.

“This space offers safe shelter, mattresses, and hot meals as part of the preventive measures implemented to protect the most vulnerable population during cold fronts,” Mayor Pérez Cuéllar added.

Full story tonight on ABC-7 at 6.

Click here to follow the original article.

Heriberto Perez Lara

JUÁREZ, Chihuahua (KVIA) — The City of Juárez, along with the State of Chihuahua, have recorded similar numbers of homicides in recent years, but according to the Chihuahua Secretary of Public Safety (SSPE) or the Chihuahua State Police, this year they are set to close 2025 with a decrease compared to last year.

According to Chihuahua Assistant Police Chief Luis Ángel Aguirre Rodríguez, the state has reported 1,814 homicides so far this year, compared to over 2,000 recorded last year.

Assistant Police Chief Aguirre Rodríguez said that since 2017, the state of Chihuahua has seen a trend of over 2,000 homicides per year.

“It’s always 2,400, 2,600, or even 2,700 at the peak, and this also reflects and results in the strategy’s progress; these are strategies that are built little by little,” said Assistant Police Chief Aguirre. “Prevention and citizen participation have been fundamental, as has the support of citizen organizations, community groups, and the Chihuahua business community.”

Juárez has also seen a significant decrease in homicides this year, reporting 920 so far, compared to 1,105 reported in 2024 and 1,163 in 2023 according to the Chihuahua Attorney General’s Office (FGE).

“This support has been crucial in strengthening the construction of safe communities and, above all, in implementing technology to protect the community. This improves inter-institutional coordination and makes the work more efficient, not only for the state police but also for municipal police, emergency medical services, firefighters, and Civil Protection—all these institutions that share a single, firm purpose: to restore the peace, tranquility, and security that all Chihuahuenses deserve,” Assistant Police Chief Aguirre added.

Click here to follow the original article.

Joseph Montero

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Special Traffic Investigations is looking into a crash involving a pedestrian Monday morning.

The crash happened at 5720 Wren Ave. in Northeast El Paso.

No other details are available at this time. ABC-7 will bring you updates as we learn more.

Click here to follow the original article.

Olivia Vara

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)– “Project Always Beside You”, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was founded in 2020 by Marine Veteran Salvador Diaz Jr. and his wife, Sandra Diaz.

This in memory of fallen teams like their son SSGT Christopher Diaz and his K9 partner, SSD P068 Dino.

Christopher Diaz was a K9 handler who died in action in 2011 while serving in Afghanistan. He and his K9 Dino remain a central symbol of courage and devotion for the nonprofit.

The Diaz family adopted Dino after a lengthy retirement process, keeping them connected to Christopher’s memory.

The Diaz family started this nonprofit after Dino died in 2020. Its committed to helping military working dogs, service animals and law enforcement K9s and their handlers.

“Dino didn’t replace our son by no means, but he gave us a piece that that we knew that our son, you know, cared for, you know, and Dino cared for him,” said Salvador Diaz Jr. “Project Always Beside You” President, during an interview.

Sandra Diaz recalls the comfort of touching and playing with Dino, knowing Christopher had done the same while in Afghanistan.

“You bring home a baby, so you’re prepared. But when you get an adoption like this, you’re not as much as prepared, especially for a loss,” said Sandra Diaz, “Project Always Beside You” Treasurer.

“Project Always Beside You” funds medical care, equipment, relocation and memorial programs to help retired K9s and their handlers.

Today the nonprofit continues to assists active-duty personnel, veterans and families across the United States, including providing urgent medical aid and support for K9 retirement and adoption processes.

For ways to contribute, you can visit the nonprofit’s website at https://www.project-alwaysbesideyou.org/ to learn more about how to support retired K9s and their families.

Click here to follow the original article.

Andrew J. Polk

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — As the year draws to a close, ABC-7 is taking a look back at the year that was.

These past twelve months have certainly been eventful, to say the least. From the return of the Trump administration to the White House, to conflicts and major geopolitical developments around the world and much more, 2025 has been one for the history books.

We’ll likely be talking about some of this year’s stories of them and their impacts for years yet to come.

But what about the most important local news?

We’ve been gathering the most impactful and important stories from the last year, with our news managers meeting to narrow it down.

Sunday night on ABC-7 Xtra, join host Andrew J. Polk as he’s joined by main anchors Paul Cicala and Marcel Clarke as they break down the top seven new stories and topics of 2025. Tune in Sunday at 10:35 p.m., right after ABC-7 at 10 Weekend.

Click here to follow the original article.

Heriberto Perez Lara

JUÁREZ, Chihuahua (KVIA) — The Mexican Association of Importers and Exporters (ANIERM) submitted a petition to the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC). The organization works in parallel with the Mexico-United States-Canada Free Trade Agreement (USMCA) and ANIERM, along with other business and industry associations, want to oppose the removal of commercial cargo crossings from the Bridge of the Americas (BOTA); they now say the request was accepted and are awaiting a response.

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has initiated a modernization project for ‘BOTA,’ set to start next year. The project involves closing the commercial cargo crossing, which, according to ANIERM, could have several potential economic and environmental impacts in Juárez and on the border.

“One of the things we did to prevent the closure of the cargo crossing at ‘BOTA’ was to file a petition with the CEC, and we asked this organization to review whether the United States conducted the necessary studies to ensure that there would be no environmental impact on the border region,” said ANIERM Chihuahua delegate Marcelo Vázquez Tovar.

“We requested this because the 190,000 cargo shipments that cross through ‘BOTA’ annually will obviously be diverted to Ysleta-Zaragoza, shifting the pollution to that area, which is more densely populated on the Juárez side,” delegate Vázquez added. “Well, this environmental organization told us that it has already begun its investigation to determine whether the decision to close cargo traffic at ‘BOTA’ would affect tens of thousands of Juárez residents.”

Chihuahua Delegate Vázquez believes there is a lack of understanding about what closing this crossing entails, in environmental, economic, and logistical terms, and that is why they wanted to communicate it with the CEC.

According to ANIERM, if the commercial cargo crossing at ‘BOTA’ is closed, neither the city of El Paso nor Juárez has the infrastructure to handle the 190,000 annual truck shipments through Zaragoza, because they would hardly go to the Marcelino Serna Port of Entry in Tornillo-Guadalupe or the Santa Teresa bridge.

“The Bridge of the Americas is the only one equipped with certifications for the crossing of certain goods that cannot be crossed through the other bridges,” delegate Vázquez said. The GSA project would significantly increase pollution because it involves eliminating the commercial cargo crossing but increasing the number of inspection booths for private vehicles from the current 14 to 40.”

Data ANIERM shows that 34,000 private vehicles cross daily with the current 14 booths at ‘BOTA,’ and increasing to 40 booths would mean approximately 97,000 vehicles crossing there daily.

So far, there has been no binational dialogue between federal authorities to announce the closure of the commercial crossing on which hundreds of maquiladoras depend.

“We have seen some protests from people in El Paso demanding the closure of the cargo crossing because it pollutes their neighborhoods. Of course, they have the right to do so, but we find it somewhat irresponsible that they are doing it without adequate information,” Delegate Vázquez said.

“It’s like a neighbor sweeping their house, gathering all the trash, and dumping it on the next-door neighbor; that’s how we see it,” Vázquez added. “They want to send all that pollution to the east side.”

ABC-7 spoke with Familias Unidas del Chamizal earlier this month; they said they never asked to send all commercial traffic to the Ysleta-Zaragoza Port of Entry, they would like to have them cross through Tornillo or Santa Teresa.

“For us to be able to cross and for the people of Juárez-El Paso to be able to eat, clothe themselves, and have jobs, it is necessary to transport cargo across the border. Today, it is impossible to live without this impact, which we call a carbon footprint,” he added. “Of course, we can look for alternatives to reduce pollution, but it’s not about shifting the problem to our neighbors or closing a bridge without the corresponding studies.”

ANIERM is currently waiting for the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) to take action.

“We believe they will stop this project because it is not environmentally viable, it generates much more pollution, and at the same time, it hinders the economy of our two cities,” Vázquez also said.

Click here to follow the original article.

Heriberto Perez Lara

JUÁREZ, Chihuahua (KVIA) — Thousands of borderland kids left the “Santa Bombero” event with a smile today after local firefighters held the 86th edition of this traditional campaign.

Juárez Mayor Cruz Pérez Cuéllar, along with other local officials and departments, kicked off the event at 8 a.m. today. Hours before, tens of thousands of families were already lining up to be among the first to receive a Christmas gift for their kids.

“This is a beautiful tradition from Ciudad Juárez that has been carried out without interruption for 86 years, so we must protect and preserve it; it is something that unites the people of Juárez,” Mayor Pérez Cuéllar said.

According to the Juárez Fire Department, approximately 50,000 toys and bicycles were collected to distribute to children, and around 3,500 people attended the event.

Donations were made by the community, local businesses, private donors and the city of Juárez, along with some of its departments.

ABC-7 was at the “Santa Bombero” event today and spoke with some of the children after they received their Christmas gifts; full story tonight on ABC-7 at 6.

Click here to follow the original article.