Category: kvia-local-news

Lauren Bly

SOCORRO, Texas (KVIA) — A national historic landmark in Socorro, Texas, had been marked with a swastika and other messages, according to Mayor Rudy Cruz Jr.

On Thursday, the mayor posted that he “will not tolerate hate, racism, or the vandalism of our historic sites or anywhere.”

Mayor Cruz Jr. posted a picture of the writing on the historic building, which is located at the Rio Vista National Historic Landmark on Rio Vista Road.

The picture showed spray-painted images of a flag with a swastika, a racial slur and a profane message to ICE.

In 2023, the Secretary of Interior deemed the site as a historic landmark. The Rio Vista NHL was once a farm used to shelter children during the Great Depression and served as the headquarters for the Bracero Program.

The Bracero Program was a federally sponsored labor program that brought migrants to the U.S. from Mexico to work seasonally on short-term contracts.

A redacted image of the vandalism Socorro Mayor Rudy Cruz Jr. shared on social media.(Courtesy: Rudy Cruz Jr.) A view of the Rio Vista NHL.

“What we are seeing here is not just disrespectful. It is disgusting, disgraceful, and completely unacceptable. It shows zero class and a complete disregard for the history, heritage, and people of our community,” Cruz Jr. said online.

The mayor continued to say he expects the matter “to be taken seriously” and asked anyone with information about those responsible to report it to authorities.

ABC-7 spoke with Socorro Police Department Chief Robert Rojas about the incident.

“It’s hurtful speech, and that’s not welcome in the city of Socorro,” Chief Rojas said. “The more attention that we give that type of speech, unfortunately, the more satisfaction or gratification they get.”

He said SPD is investigating to learn who left the messages.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — West El Paso will get a new emergency room, the Hospitals of Providence announced on Thursday.

THOP said its new facility will offer 24/7 emergency care services for adults and children. It will also have onsite imaging and lab for faster diagnosis. It will have eight beds.

A banner from THOP’s announcement about a new emergency room in West El Paso.

“Ongoing I-10 construction and increasing traffic can make it challenging to travel to a hospital in an emergency. We hope that this new ER will help relieve some of that burden on patients and families,” said Nicholas Tejeda, Western Group President for Tenet Healthcare.

Tejeda added that reducing travel time to a hospital by a few minutes makes all the difference when there’s an emergency.

The new location is the 11th emergency room location in El Paso.

It’s set to open in 2027 at the Crossroads shopping center (8041 N. Mesa St.). THOP will break ground that year as well.

The location used to be a CVS pharmacy. Tejeda said THOP will keep the building structure but remodel the inside.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The duck pond at Ascarate Park is here to stay. El Paso County officials decided to keep the pond after seeing strong public support.

Throughout the summer, residents discussed proposed improvements at the park with the county. Part of the plans included a proposed removal of the duck pond. The county said a voter-approved $4.3 million bond from 2024 will fund the proposed improvements.

Throughout the summer, the county hosted six meetings to gather community feedback on possible enhancements focusing on making the lake a better habitat for fish.

Beyond the duck pond, proposed plans included environmental assessments. The county said that would entail looking into the park’s water quality, algae growth, water loss and other maintenance challenges.

The county said removing the pond would have addressed an increase in nitrogen levels and algae. Officials floated the idea of replacing the pond with sports fields, parking lots or picnic spaces.

Wednesday, a final input session resulted in the county deciding to preserve the pond.

“I feel like we should keep it clean, keep it how it is, just make sure it’s well maintained,” said Ivan Baca. “It’s what brings people in.”

The county’s decision to keep the pond comes nearly five months after officials paused any decisions regarding the pond.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — A 38-year-old Alamogordo man received a 15-year prison sentence for stealing and transporting firearms, said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas.

In January, Shawn Cole Camu stole two firearms from a Federal Firearms Licensee in El Paso, the attorney’s office said. He then transported them to his home in Alamogordo, where he intended to sell them for drug money.

Camu is a convicted felon with seven previous felony convictions in Colorado and New Mexico. Officials said the convictions include residential burglary, armed burglary, robbery and assault.

Authorities arrested Camu on Jan. 10. He was indicted in February for one count of theft of a firearm from a federal firearm licensee, one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and one count of transportation of a stolen firearm.

He pleaded guilty to all three counts on Aug. 11.

On Wednesday, a judge sentenced Camu to the statutory maximum for each charge.

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Heriberto Perez Lara

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — El Paso International Airport’s Foreign Trade Zone 68 is hosting its 2026 Industry Summit today at the Region 19 Starlight Event Center at 6650 Continental Dr.

The annual event focuses on the economic impact of the 2025 tariffs on international trade in the region. The summit runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Attendees at the summit include industry experts from various fields gathering to network and discuss key trade challenges facing the region. The event also covers current international trade developments and industry trends.

Full story in our afternoon and evening newscasts.

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Lauren Bly

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Hudspeth County Judge Joanna Mackenzie announced her resignation during a county commissioners court meeting Thursday.

Mackenzie said in a letter posted online that she made the “difficult decision to resign” effective Nov. 20.

“To have been elected, not once, but twice, to serve the community that helped shape who I am is something I will never take for granted,” the letter read.

“Having grown up in Hudspeth County, this place and its people will always be home, no matter where life takes me,” the letter said. “My commitment to Hudspeth County has never been tied to a title, but to where I can use my experience and God-given gifts to make a meaningful difference.”

Her resignation comes about a month after the judge confirmed a $15 billion data center project in the county. The county judge said the data center is located on private property in the Desert Haven area.

ABC-7 will speak with one of the county commissioners on Thursday to discuss the judge’s resignation.

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Nichole Gomez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA-TV) — Car enthusiasts and community members will have a chance to admire classic vehicles while supporting a local cause at the upcoming Festival of Fords Car Show  on Nov. 7.

Organizers say the annual event brings together owners of Ford vehicles from across the Borderland to showcase their cars, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and raise money for Reynolds Home.

The fundraiser helps support the mission of Reynolds Home, with proceeds benefiting the individuals and families served by the organization. Event organizers hope the community will come out to enjoy the display of vehicles while contributing to a meaningful cause.

In addition to dozens of vehicles on display, attendees can expect an opportunity to meet local car owners, learn more about the vehicles, and support a longstanding community tradition. The event has become a favorite among classic car fans while serving as an important fundraiser each year.

Organizers encourage both car enthusiasts and families to attend, noting that no knowledge of classic cars is required to enjoy the event. Community support through attendance and donations will help continue the work of Reynolds Home.

For more information about the Festival of Fords Car Show , organizers encourage interested participants to contact event organizers or visit the event’s official this website: https://svtmustangelite.com/FestivalofFords.html

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Gabrielle Lopez

Editor’s note: The El Paso Police Department said it’s investigating a stabbing. This story was originally reported it was investigating a crash and has since been updated.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — A 17-year-old boy was stabbed in East El Paso, according to the El Paso Police Department.

EPPD said it happened Wednesday night at 10:05 p.m. at the 3200 block of Kilkenny Street near Edgemere Boulevard.

Police investigate a stabbing on Kilkenny Street in East El Paso.

The El Paso Fire Department said one person was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries by helicopter. EPFD didn’t confirm who.

El Paso police said a 17-year-old boy was stabbed in East El Paso.

Police haven’t shared any other information.

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Hillary Floren

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — He’s got the looks, and the brains. El Paso Community College nursing student Daniel “Danny” Dominguez is in Panama, competing for Mr. Universe.

“I thought I’d stick to sports. Football, I’ve been playing since I was a kid. Modeling, I heard of it, but never expected it. It’s opened a lot of doors in my life,” says Dominguez.

Looking through his portfolio, his life looks like a dream. But he says it’s been hard work to get where he is.

“Sometimes we trip and fall and I just keep going in life. Having this opportunity in a male pageant is a door opening for me, ” he said.

Dominguez lost more than 60 pounds, which inspired him to use his platform to promote healthier lifestyles and support medically vulnerable people. He’s also a personal trainer. He wants young children to know they can reach for their dreams, just as he did.

As one of 46 candidates representing countries across five continents, he says he’ll shine a light on El Paso.

“Being able to represent El Paso, Texas, and be Mr. Universe, it runs chills down my spine. Having support from family, good friends, sponsors pushing me to make it this far. I’m very grateful I started here in El Paso to carry on in my life and show the younger folks anything is possible,” Dominguez said.

After all, his success started her in the Borderland, with titles like El Paso Top Model and Audi of El Paso Male Model of the Year.

When he’s not in front of the camera, he works as a home healthcare provider. He said he won’t forget where he came from.

“I’m representing the United States, but trying to carry El Paso on my shoulders. This is who I am and where I stand for my country,” Dominguez said.

He does have some experience in this arena, as he represented the U.S. as Mr. Teen Universe International two years ago and won!

The Mr. Universe contest is Nov. 9. We at ABC 7 wish Danny the best of luck!

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — El Paso Water said it received more than 100 calls to extract water during this year’s monsoon season. Hurricane Polo brought heavy rain and a longer monsoon season than usual, keeping EPWater busy before and after downpours.

Water flooded streets, blocked access and approached homes across El Paso. EPWater’s Stormwater Management crews worked to remove standing water, maintain drainage systems and provide sandbags.

The utility said it distributed more than 150,000 sandbags this monsoon season to protect properties.

At peak response, EPWater deployed 14 trucks to extract water. The utility said some locations needed multiple trucks for extended periods.

EPWater Operations Assistant Jorge Gomez said the area near Betwel Drive and Warwick Road in the Lower Valley demanded a lot of attention. Police blocked streets while crews used trucks, pumps and hoses.

Vactor trucks work on extracting high water in the Betel Drive and Warwick Road area after a major rain event.(Courtesy: EPWater)

“We had to go behind the barricades, slosh through knee-high water and mud to get the pumps set up,” Gomez said. “You want to do it as quickly as possible, but it’s a slow and steady process.”

After the rain eased, crews replenished sandbag supplies, inspected inlets and identified maintenance and rehabilitation needs.

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