ABC-7 at 4: Sun City Soul Music festival
Nichole Gomez
ABC-7 at 4: El Paso Pro-Musica presents Holiday Concert “An Appalachian Christmas”
Nichole Gomez
El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)- El Paso Pro-Musica is presenting a special Holiday Concert, “Mark O’Connor’s ‘An Appalachian Christmas,’ with Maggie O’Connor. The performance will take place Monday, December 15, at 7:30 p.m. at UTEP’s Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall. Tickets are available at eppm.org. Tickets will also be available at the door. All Student Tickets are $5.00.
Cargo and business leaders in Juárez say another farmers’ strike could further disrupt border trade
Heriberto Perez Lara
CIUDAD JUÁREZ, Chihuahua (KVIA) — Mexican farmers and agricultural workers south of the border protested across the country and in Chihuahua against the proposed new National Water Law, which will ultimately take water away from the courtside and reassign it for discretionary use. They argued that it threatens their livelihoods and the work they do every day.
The vice president of the Mexican Chamber of Cargo Transportation (CANACAR) in Northern Mexico, Manuel Sotelo Suárez, told ABC-7 that during the last two blockades, which happened within two weeks, border trade had $2 billion dollars worth of shipments impacted. He added that it is almost impossible to know exactly how much was affected.
According to Sotelo, about 3,500 Mexican exports cross into the U.S. each day, and roughly 3,500 imports cross into Juárez daily, each averaging $65,000. During those two protests, nearly 40,000 exports didn’t make it into the U.S. in the El Paso-Juárez region.
The Santa Teresa Port of Entry extended its hours, closing at 10 p.m. instead of 8 p.m., and also operated on Saturdays to clear the cargo that got stuck during the protests.
“The difference between the first blockade and the second is that in this second blockade, they didn’t block the highways, so it allowed us to go to other locations,” Sotelo said. “In my case, at the company I represent, we had to handle import and export shipments through Nogales, Sonora, and Nogales, Arizona; we’re talking about 750 kilometers (around 466 miles) from here to Nogales, and another 750 kilometers from Nogales, Arizona, to El Paso, Texas.”
“So, something that should have cost, I don’t know, $150 or $200 to do through Juárez, I think cost more than 100,000 Mexican pesos,” Sotelo added. “I don’t know how much the American side charged, but it was more than 100,000 pesos to do something we normally do here in two or three hours at a much lower cost.”
This disruption not only affected industries and maquiladoras but also impacted the salaries of dozens or even hundreds of truck drivers who couldn’t deliver their cargo on time or cross into the U.S. Other industries also faced fines from their clients in the U.S. for late deliveries.
ABC-7 reported last week that Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies passed the proposed Water Law, which is set to ban all private transfers of water concessions nationwide. The Mexican Senate approved it yesterday.
“And today, well, today we realize that the Senate didn’t pass what the farmers and agricultural workers wanted, and that’s it,” Sotelo said. “We’ve learned through the press that they’re (farmers) already threatening to block the customs offices and highways again next Tuesday, December 16th.”
“Well, it’s catastrophic. I mean, having two blockades in 15 days and a third one a week later—this is catastrophic; we all lose,” Sotelo added. “For example, during the first blockade, Ciudad Juárez couldn’t receive or leave shipments from the north, and I’m not just talking about industry, but all the food supplies and consumables we need.”
Sotelo also told ABC-7 that they heard some gas stations didn’t have gasoline, partly because the Juárez region couldn’t receive anything from the south or send anything south.
“So, we were very close to shortages—not just of gasoline but of other essentials that we Juárez residents depend on,” Sotelo said.
For local businesses, industry, trade, and cargo transport leaders, the Mexican federal government needs to resolve this issue by reaching an agreement with farmers and agricultural workers to avoid further economic impacts along the border. Sotelo noted that during these two blockades, the Juárez-El Paso border was the only affected region.
“On one hand, the Mexican government allows these blockades and disruptions, but on the other hand, it doesn’t solve anything or reach agreements with the protesters,” Sotelo said. “We don’t stop to consider whether they are right or wrong; we just know that something is affecting the economy—not just in Ciudad Juárez but throughout the region. If this happens again, it will impact us severely.”
If these trade disruptions and protests continue, Sotelo believes the industry may consider crossing cargo through other border regions or even outside Mexico and the U.S.
“If the farmers protest again, the industries will ask for a plan B,” Sotelo said. “We don’t know if plan B involves finding other borders because we don’t know if they’ll close roads too. If they shut down customs, it’s impossible. The only option then is air freight, which is very expensive.”
During the previous two protests, several freight and cargo businesses opted to cross their goods and merchandise through the Juárez International Airport to other destinations in the U.S., but the costs and capabilities were very disproportionate.
“They (the industries) don’t have as many planes as we do with the ground transportation we have here, so it becomes quite difficult; when there’s a situation like this, nobody wins, everyone loses.”
“We have to wait and ask the government to act to resolve this situation in the best way possible and in a way that doesn’t affect just one state and one border crossing,” Sotelo added.
EP Police warn porch piracy, car thefts increase during holidays
Nicole Ardila
The El Paso Police Department wants to remind the community to keep their gifts and packages safe during the holiday season as thieves linger around homes and parking lots.
If you don’t have cameras outside your home, you run the risk of losing a valuable package as porch pirates steal them or even open them and take what’s inside – no matter the package size.
Detective Judy Oviedo recommends that you require a signature when the package is dropped off to make sure you receive it.
“It’s probably just the opportunity for them to see a package there, on a porch,” says Oviedo. “So you want to make sure that you have good lighting, make sure you’re tracking when you’re going to get those deliveries. You can receive text messages and stuff like that. Also, take advantage of retail stores that have lockers where you can pick up those items. Those are, really handy.”
If you’re not home, ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye out for it.
When shopping at the mall or at a plaza, make sure your items are not visible inside your car — hide them with a jacket, blanket or put them in the trunk.
Lock your door and have an alarm set up.
Oviedo also says to be extra careful in shopping plazas, outlets and malls, not just for your car, but for your children.
“If you’re going to be out shopping with your children, make sure that you keep them close to you. We know that sometimes they run away,” says the detective. “When you’re there with your children, you can point out people that are employees at a store in case they need help.”
Make sure to call 911 if it’s an emergency or witnessing a crime in progress, or call their non-emergency line at (915) 832-4400.
ABC-7 at 4: Mija, Yes You Can’ & Mijo Things Foundation Launch Operation Wrap & Play
Nichole Gomez
El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)- ‘Mija, Yes You Can’ and the Mijo Things Foundation are teaming up this holiday season to launch Operation Wrap & Play, a community-wide initiative benefitting The Miracle League of El Paso and the organization’s annual Christmas Drive. Iris Lopez, Derek Elmendorff, and Josh Ortega join us to explain how you can help give back this holiday season.
The Miracle League will host gift-wrapping services at Cielo Vista Mall, located in front of Dillard’s Women on the lower level by the fountain from Friday, December 19th to Wednesday, December 24th.
A minimum donation of $5 per gift is encouraged, all proceeds benefit The Miracle League’s programs and athletes.
To make giving even easier, Amazon gift lists have been created:
important links:
ABC-7 at 4: Fall harvest festival holiday edition
Nichole Gomez
El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)-The Conservation Society of El Paso invites the community to celebrate the season at the Fall Harvest Festival, a family-friendly fundraising event full of seasonal fun, animal encounters, and outdoor entertainment. https://conservationelpaso.org/nature-nurtures/
Migrant rights groups demand transparency and the closure of Camp East Montana
Heriberto Perez Lara
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — ACLU of Texas, along with Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center, Estrella del Paso and Texas Civil Rights Project, among other organizations, sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of War (DoW) over allegations of inhumane living conditions, assault and abuse at Camp East Montana.
Detained migrants, along with other clients of these organizations, have detailed to them physical abuse, violent assaults and even sexual abuse by officers and guards at the largest immigration detention facility in the country.
2025-12-8-ICE Letter re Fort BlissDownload
ABC-7 reached out to DHS for comment over these allegations. In a statement, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin said:
“This is fearmongering clickbait. As our brave ICE law enforcement is facing a more than 1150% increase in assaults against them, the ACLU is choosing to smear them with anonymous allegations. Here are the facts: any claim that there are “inhumane” conditions at ICE detention centers are categorically false. No detainees are being beaten or abused. All detainees are provided with proper meals, medical treatment, access to showers, and have opportunities to communicate with lawyers and their family members. It is a longstanding practice to provide comprehensive medical care from the moment an alien enters ICE custody. This is the best healthcare that many aliens have received in their entire lives. Meals are certified by dieticians. No lawbreakers in the history of human civilization have been treated better than illegal aliens in the United States. Get a grip.
These third country agreements, which ensure due process under the U.S. Constitution, are essential to the safety of our homeland and the American people. If you break our laws and come to our country illegally, you could end up in any number of third countries. President Trump and Secretary Noem are using every tool available to get criminal illegal aliens out of American communities and out of our country. Our message is clear: Criminals are not welcome in the United States. These third country agreements, which ensure due process under the U.S. Constitution, are essential to the safety of our homeland and the American people.”
Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin
More updates in later newscasts.
ABC-7 at 4: The importance of shopping local through the holiday season
Nichole Gomez
El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV) – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) El Paso District Office is encouraging the area to shop small and shop local.
The District Director, Dante Acosta, explains that on average, small business owners expect nearly 20% of their annual revenue to come from sales on Small Business Saturday alone. The event is celebrated each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It encourages consumers to support independently owned businesses during the holiday season, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Priscilla Marquez, a local jewelry designer at Dainty Gem, specializes in permanent jewelry. Marquez says that every piece of jewelry tells a story, and shopping local keeps the money in our city. She went on to say that El Paso has a beautiful culture that supports one another.
The permanent Jewelry Design studio is located at 7470 Cimarron Plz, Bldg 16, and 11395 James Watt, Suite A10, in east and west El Paso.
https://www.facebook.com/p/Dainty-Gem-Permanent-Jewelry-Design-Studio-61567218960877
Bilingual learning center requesting Spanish translation be added to civics test
Heriberto Perez Lara
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The Women’s Intercultural Center in Anthony, New Mexico, is urging U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to upload a Spanish guide for the 2025 civics test. The center has helped legal residents apply for U.S. citizenship for over 32 years.
The center claims it creates barriers for students preparing for U.S. citizenship.
“We are ready to teach, we are ready to serve, yet we cannot prepare our Spanish-speaking students without access to the official translation,” said Mary Carter, Executive Director and Citizenship Instructor at the Women’s Intercultural Center. “Citizenship is a right and a responsibility, and language access is essential for both.”
According to national data, Spanish is the second most common language in the U.S., with about 13% of the population speaking Spanish.
The center offers a space for borderland women to learn and collaborate on developing their social, spiritual, economic, and political potential; they also offer bilingual citizenship classes.
USCIS has a policy where applicants can be exempt from the English language requirement, but still must take the civics test if you are:
Age 50 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident (Green Card holder) in the United States for 20 years (the “50/20” exception).
OR
Age 55 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident in the United States for 15 years (the “55/15” exception).
“So it’s very important to have the appropriate tools and resources, and having the actual guide to the civic questions is crucial to support Spanish-speaking applicants,” said Executive Director Carter. “We do our own curriculum because we focus on alternative education, and because of that, we create our own curriculum, which has been successful since 2008, with a 100% success rate in passing because we prepare them specifically for it.”
“We teach our students that they have to learn the responses to the civic questions exactly as they are written. The phrases, especially with these 128 civic questions, are often idiomatic, and because they are phrases, there are different ways to translate them. So, we need to have the exact vocabulary to give them the correct answers to study.”
When visiting the USCIS website, the Spanish version is visible; however, clicking on it leads to the English version.
“We definitely want to correct the error, and we want to make sure we have it for ourselves. We are trying to push to get access to this before January, when our classes start in the spring, and we want to ensure everyone is prepared,” Executive Director Carter added. “We also want everyone to be aware so we can advocate for it to be uploaded correctly, because it doesn’t take much to upload that file.”
“We all need to have the correct answers for those individuals, and even for those who research and have the capacity to do it, they should have the tools and resources to become naturalized citizens,” Executive Director Carter said.
ABC-7 reached out to the USCIS national office for comment and to learn why a Spanish version has not been uploaded; they are working to provide us with an answer.
ABC-7 Listens: Report on El Pasoan’s pilgrimage to Basilica de Guadalupe
Paul Cicala
MEXICO CITY – (KVIA) – We had a number of people e-mail and post on social media in reaction to ABC-7 Anchor Paul Cicala‘s report from Mexico City at the Basilica de Guadalupe.
Simon wrote: “Gracias! Your coverage of the celebration of the Virgin of Guadalupe is very inspirational!”
Felipe commented on social media: “Been there at the Basilica 5 times, always felt a presence and tranquility. Viva La Morenita.”
Michael chimed in:”I loved your story. It was very informative. I can’t wait to go back to Mexico City and go to the Basilica. I live in Missouri and I watch you on the app.”
Lisa added: “Can’t wait, someday I’ll make it there.”
December 12th is celebrated worldwide as the “Day of our Lady of Guadalupe” (Guadalupe is an indigenous version of the Virgen Mary). Tens of millions of people honor “La Virgen de Guadalupe on that date, and the days leading up to it, all throughout the world.
In another version of “People, Places & Paul”, ABC-7 Anchor Paul Cicala traveled from Juarez to Mexico City to bring us a special report on the many people, including El Pasoans, that make the pilgrimage to the Basilica de Guadalupe every year around this time.
Crossing there international port of entry on foot from El Paso to Ciudad Juarez, the annual journey has begun for Bronson Smith. The native of Tucson, Arizona made the drive to El Paso, then crossed through the border and flew to Mexico City out of the Ciudad Juarez airport. His mission: to pay tribute to Our Lady of Guadalupe & complete a “manda” or pilgrimage to this historic site on December 12th (The birthday of the Virgen de Guadalupe).
“I completed my commitment, not only to the Virgen Mary, but to my mother,” said Bronson Smith, as he arrived to the Basilica de Guadalupe in Mexico City after trekking several kilometers on foot alongside the scores of other people also making the pilgrimage.
Smith is one of literally millions of people that embark on a pilgrimage to the Basilica de Guadalupe every year.
His arrival every year is on December 12th, which is the day the “Virgen de Guadalupe”, in which an indigenous, brown Virgin Mary, miraculously appeared in 1531 to an Aztec peasent, Juan Diego.
Smith, who’s a Native American, said, “It’s reminiscent of what my own tribe, the Tohono O’odham Nation embraces, as far as tradition and Catholicism. It’s the way I was raised in my household with my grandmother and my mother, embracing our indigenous traditions while embracing the Lord.”
As “peregrinos”, or those making their pilgrimage, arrive to the Basilica de Guadalupe, they’ll see Aztec and other indigenous dancers combining their indigenous culture with that of Catholicism, as they pay tribute to the “brown” Virgin Mary (our Lady of Guadalupe).
For many peregrinos, like Bronson Smith, before arriving to the Basilica themselve, they’ll walk several kilometers down the “Calzada de Guadalupe”, carrying religious momentos, and in the case of Smith, a tribal staff.
“I pray not only for myself, but family, and my people, and my community,” said Smith, while the same can be said for El Pasoan Mario Gallo, a Fabens High School Grad.
ABC-7 anchor Paul Cicala, who, for full disclosure also completed his 8th manda to the Basilica de Guadalupe, caught up with the El Pasoan Mario Gallo in Mexico City, who said, “It’s been a great experience.
Gallo went on to say, “(I have) very mixed emotions, as it’s my first time being here, and to come be part of history and tradition a lot of people follow.”
During the walk to the Basilica de Guadalupe, it’s common to see good samaritans handing out food and drinks to people who’ve literally been walking for weeks for their pilgrimage.
In fact, many crawl on their knees, as they approach the famous church that was built in the 1500’s.
With the sound of indigenous drums playing outside, scores of faithful peregrinos enter the Basilica, and are awarded with seeing the original image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which miraculously appeared on a cloth held by Juan Diego, now a saint, as a religious sign to his fellow Aztecs, as people from all backgrounds have also flocked to this site.
“I’m originally from West Africa,” said Mary Rose, as she chatted with ABC-7’s Paul Cicala a few blocks from the Basilica.
Mary Rose and her friends and family, who now live in New York, are a good example of the diversity you see along the way.
“I brought with me my sisters in Christ to praise her (Virgen of Guadalupe) to love her and pray for everybody,” said Mary Rose.
As for Bronson Smith, he says his prayers, faith & celebrationg all go “full circle”.
“I traveled from the Tohono O’odham Nation in Tucson, to El Paso, to Juarez, and flew to Mexico City,” said Smith.
He’ll also do it all over again this year, and from years to come.
“I feel blessed,” said Smith, as he made the sign of the cross, and completed his manda.
The Special Report Will Air on Thursday, December 11th on ABC-7 at 6 p.m.
ABC-7’s Paul Cicala periodically does a segment on KVIA called “People, Places & Paul” that showcases interesting characters of El Paso, including diverse places in the borderland, along with the movers-and-shakers of our region, including Ciudad Juarez, & other parts of the USA & Mexico. To see more of his stories, you can click this link.
If you’d like to attend a midnight mass dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe on midnight of December 12th, celebrations begin at sundown on Thursday, December 11th at St. Mark’s Catholic Church on the East side of El Paso.
There’ll also be matachines paying tribute to Our Lady of Guadalupe on Thursday, December 11th at the church until the mass begins at midnight heading into Friday, December 12th.
Also, Our Lady of Guadlupe Church, in Central El Paso, will have a midnight mass you can attend,
The Special Report Will Air on Thursday, December 11th on ABC-7 at 6 p.m.