Category: kvia-local-news

Joseph Montero

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — A water main break has closed some of the westbound lanes of Montana Ave. at Desert Meadows Road.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office issued a traffic alert and reported crews are working to fix it.

According to TxDOT, the break was reported just after 11 p-m last night..

TxDOT’s map says the right two lanes are closed right now with no clearing time.

ABC-7 reached out to the Sheriff’s Office and El Paso water, but have not heard back.

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Heriberto Perez Lara

JUÁREZ, Chihuahua (KVIA) — The City of Juárez will host its 86th edition of the ‘Santa Bombero‘ or Firefighter Santa campaign this December 24th at the DIF park, next to the ‘Estadio Olímpico Benito Juárez’ (FC Juárez soccer stadium), near BOTA.

The campaign aims to collect toys to give to families in need.

ABC-7 spoke with Juárez Fire Captain and coordinator of the ‘Santa Bombero’ campaign, Josué Martínez Guerrero, who said this event is already part of their job as firefighters and a city tradition.

Captain Martínez said their mission is to gather residents, business owners, politicians, leaders, and officials of the borderland to help this good cause.

Last year, the Juárez Fire Department (Heroico Cuerpo de Bomberos de Ciudad Juárez) distributed around 3,000 toys and about 1,000 bicycles to local kids. This year, they’re unsure how many to expect, as each year differs.

“That’s why our mission is always to have a gift prepared for every child who comes to us that day, so they can take a gift and be happy at Christmas,” said Captain Martínez.

So far, they have collected less than half of what they raised last year, with around 800 toys for boys, about 500 for girls and approximately 200 bicycles. They ask for community donations as firefighters usually repair bicycles that need fixing.

“While it’s true that our reward is seeing the child’s joy when we give them their gift, they also carry the memory of receiving it from a firefighter,” Captain Martínez added. “It’s always our goal to reach vulnerable children, and that’s why we invite everyone to join us. Many children only get a gift from ‘Santa Bombero’; they’ve told us so.”

“That’s where understanding comes in for us, and it gives us the strength and encouragement to do this noble work year after year.”

Captain Martínez mentioned that all firefighters sacrifice something for this campaign; some give up vacations, postpone family plans, and even birthdays.

“Personally, one of my daughters has a birthday on December 15th, and I haven’t been with her these past years because I’ve been fully involved in the campaign. But when we deliver the toys and see the children’s joy and gratitude, it makes all the sacrifice worth it,” said Captain Martínez.

“For us, it’s a duty to reach the vulnerable children in our city,” he added. “And when we see that smile when a child receives a gift, it’s a satisfaction that beats everything we’ve sacrificed.”

During the event’s opening, Juárez Mayor Cruz Pérez Cuéllar highlighted that Santa Bombero is a story of solidarity built across generations.

“The smiles of the children are priceless, so we invite the community on both sides of the border to help keep this tradition alive—one that brings joy to those with the least,” Mayor Pérez Cuéllar said.

He also expressed gratitude to officials, council members, business owners, merchants, motorcycle clubs, and the community for their continued support.

Rubí Enríquez, President of the Municipal DIF (Family Services), emphasized that this activity is meaningful because firefighters not only respond to emergencies but also inspire hope in Juarez’s children.

She called on families to donate a toy and teach children values like empathy and solidarity.

Sergio Rodríguez, Director of Civil Protection, also thanked the community for its ongoing support, which makes this campaign possible. “The children’s joy and excitement are clear when they receive bicycles and toys,” he said.

“This beautiful tradition originated in 1939, when Chief Leonardo Solís Barraza responded to the requests of children seeking gifts,” said Fire Chief Jorge Ignacio Puentes. “He didn’t have toys then but promised to return later and was able to give presents, starting the campaign that is now a vital part of the city’s social spirit.”

Gifts and donations can be dropped off at:

Juárez fire stations

S-Mart supermarkets

Superette convenience stores

Arco gas stations

Other participating businesses

The Municipal DIF (Family Services) offices.

“It is a border tradition that, through the decades, has kept its main goal of bringing joy to vulnerable children,” said the City of Juárez.

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Heriberto Perez Lara

CIUDAD JUÁREZ, Chihuahua (KVIA) — The Chihuahua State Police Department (SSPE) continues to rescue migrants held at stash houses by alleged human smugglers in Ciudad Juárez.

According to a spokesperson from SSPE Chihuahua, this year they have found 261 migrants so far, compared to 265 last year. Across the entire state, they have found 268 migrants this year so far, and 310 last year.

“Some years ago, it was a topic with a lot of social mobility, where thousands of people arrived in caravans, by train, walking, and there were even cases of people getting lost in the desert,” said SSPE Assistant Police Chief Luis Ángel Aguirre. “There were situations where even people walking on the road got involved in traffic accidents because a car hit them or something.”

According to Assistant Police Chief Aguirre, binational security meetings are held to prevent migrants from being kidnapped or crossing illegally into the U.S.

In Mexico, SSPE Chihuahua collaborates with the Mexico Attorney’s Office (FGR), the Chihuahua Attorney General’s Office (FGE), the Mexican Army, the National Guard, and the Mexican Immigration National Institute (INAMI), among others.

Aguirre also said that collaborations with U.S. agencies are a key factor in their success in locating stash houses, with HSI assisting them the last time to find one.

In that stash house, SSPE officers and detectives found 17 migrants, three alleged smugglers, firearms, and over $16,000 in cash.

Along with Border Patrol and other binational agencies, SSPE Chihuahua continues their “mirror operation,” patrolling both sides of the border wall simultaneously to prevent illegal crossings.

Over the past 51 months, SSPE has conducted more than 206 operations with Border Patrol, rescuing approximately 1,576 migrants.

Migrants are often told by smugglers that they will be taken across the border to the U.S. before being held at stash houses, where criminal organizations ask for money for their release.

“So what they (smugglers) did was practically receive these migrants, coordinate them, carry out all these irregular activities of prostitution, drug sales, collection, use of space, all these situations to which this irregular ecosystem of these migrants lends itself and that this has led us to identify networks, to identify which local gangs they are linking with, that is also a reality,” said SSPE Assistant Chief Aguirre.

“The unique aspect of the Aragua train is that they form alliances with all the local gangs to have stronger logistics and communication, because what they want is to take advantage of the flow of people to traffic drugs, to traffic people, to traffic any type of contraband,” added SSPE Assistant Chief Aguirre.

Since the current Chihuahua state administration began, SSPE has arrested 144 suspected human traffickers, seized 65 firearms, over 5,500 rounds of ammunition, more than 17 kilos of various drugs, as well as over 128,000 Mexican pesos and $52,000.

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Olivia Vara

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)– November 29th marks Small Business Saturday, a tradition started in 2010 by American Express and officially sponsored by the Small Business Administration in 2011.

The day sits between Black Friday and Cyber Monday to encourage shoppers to support local businesses during the holiday season.

Erik Eaton, a market vendor at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing Farmers’ Market, began crafting candles after retiring from the military and working as a nurse. Eaton now hopes to run the business full time in a year and a half.

“You’re not paying the high profits of big stores. And a lot of us are very creative. We can make personalized items for anybody that wants it as well. If someone comes with a particular scent they want and I don’t have it, I can make it for them and deliver it in town,” Eaton said during an interview.

Community support is crucial for small vendors like Eaton and his business, Desert Illuminations Handcrafted Candles, emphasizing personalized products and local delivery. Many vendors at the Farmers’ Market sell items they already enjoy creating, turning passion into commerce.

The market scene today highlights the broader message of Small Business Saturday: buying local strengthens local businesses and preserves unique crafts. 

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Rosemary Garcia

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)— Dozens of local stores are preparing for a rush of customers this Christmas season, including DOC’s Unique Collectibles.

Business advocates encourage holiday shoppers to shop local and support locally owned businesses.

DOC’s Unique Collectibles is described as a collector’s dream shop, with thousands of items available. It specializes in high-end products, statues, posters and figures—making it a perfect destination for local shoppers.

Nayeli Cordero, a five-year employee, told ABC-7 they saw a decrease in sales last Christmas season.

“We definitely saw a decrease last year. It wasn’t as busy as we thought it was going to be.”

Because of the recent government shutdown, Cordero said they had also seen a drastic decline in customers. Many of their regulars are military personnel or government employees.

“Well, we definitely saw less customers coming in. I mean, we had good foot traffic. But as far as people actually spending or wanting to buy something, they would hold back a little bit,” she said.

Cordero said while they are a little worried, they remain optimistic.

“Well, because, like, with the economy and everything, we understand, you know? Priorities. Families come first. You know? We always tell our customers, ‘You know, make sure you take care of the important things and then come shop here at DOC’s.’ So we completely understand that,” Cordero added.

She said they don’t know what to expect this year, but the store offers flexible options like rewards programs, Afterpay and even layaway.

“We do see a lot of our regular customers taking advantage of any sales that, that we do have. So it’s always nice to see them.

She said supporting local businesses also means helping out your community.

“One of the things that makes us different from the big chain companies is that we carry those higher-end products so that you can see it in person, because, yeah, you can see it online, but when you come here to the shop and you see what the product looks like, you’re even more amazed.”

Remember to shop local this holiday season. DOC’s Unique Collectibles is located at 2077 N Zaragoza Rd Suite A-103.

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Rosemary Garcia

CHAPARRAL, New Mexico (KVIA)— Three Chaparral High School cheerleaders are feeling extra grateful this Thanksgiving week. Following a competitive process this summer, the trio was selected to perform in the Orlando Thanksgiving Tour at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

They have been preparing and perfecting their cheer routine for months.

ABC-7 spoke with Chaparral High Cheer coach Ella Davis, who remembers the moment the team members found out they would be participating in this event.

“When they made the team at camp, I mean, they, they cheered. You know, they, they’re they’re excited. They’re always excited for that. So they’re very, very excited.”

Students Jorge Romo, Faith Figueroa and Marisela Gutierrez took off for Orlando earlier this week. They said they were looking forward to the big week.

“Somewhat nervous just because of, like, the fact that it’s at Disney World, like it’s not just in the city. So I feel like that’s more nerve-racking because there’s a lot of people from all over the country at Disney World,” said Figueroa.

Guitierrez added, “Honestly, I felt very like I was very happy, you know, like it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s not every day where you go try out, and you get to be in a parade in Disney World.”

“It made me feel, like, very proud and very like, like I accomplished what I, what I can do. And I know my abilities are good,” said Romo.

They said they are thrilled to be representing Chaparral on a large stage.

“Especially because we’re kind of in the middle of nowhere, nowhere. No one really comes over here. Like, you’ll be asking someone, or like, ‘Oh, yeah, I live in Chaparral,’ and they’re like, ‘What’s Chaparral?’ So it’s kind of like, oh, like, you know. So I mean, I think this kind of puts our name out there,” Gutierrez said.

“We’re very located, like very narrow in the map. So like, nobody really knows us. So I’m excited to go out, and, like, see what we could do and see who we get to know and like, who we get to introduce ourselves to.

This is the second year members of the cheer squad have been able to participate in this tour. All three members are looking forward to making memories and getting keepsakes.

“Yeah, I have never been on a plane, so I’m pretty nervous,” Figueroa added.

“I hope to get, obviously, my Disney ears because I’m so happy about that. Like I’ve never been to Disney. Also, like the experience of going to Disney World, like, I feel very like I’m very excited, honestly,” Gutierrez added.

We hope they make the best memories at Disney. If you have a Good Vibes Only story idea, please e-mail rosemary.garcia@kvia.com.

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Nichole Gomez

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Nichole Gomez

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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.

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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.”

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