Category: kvia-local-news

Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — A Texas state agency is pushing back on what it calls illegal entry and unauthorized clearing of more than a mile of state land near the Rio Grande. Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham sent a cease and desist letter Friday to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and a contractor working on border wall construction.

In a release, the Texas General Land Office (GLO) said Buckingham sent the letter after finding that federal contractor Barnard Construction illegally entered and cleared more than a mile of state land.

The letter claimed the contractor CBP hired trespassed across and altered GLO-managed state lands in Presidio County without permission. The land at issue also partly falls under Hudspeth County.

The Texas GLO said its leases don’t allow land modifications, excavations or construction without the office’s written consent.

“Significant grazing acreage was disrupted by this unauthorized activity that has devalued our lease and diminished our ability to generate future revenue for the schoolchildren of Texas,” said Commissioner Buckingham in a news release.

The letter included a map with areas that match an online property sale listing for the Moody Bennett Ranch, which extends across Hudspeth, Jeff Davis and Presidio counties.

Online Presidio County property records show that Trans Pecos Ice LLC owns parcels in that same area, which match the GLO’s map included in Buckingham’s letter.

The map included in Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham’s cease and desist letter.(Courtesy: Texas General Land Office)

The Texas GLO said Trans Pecos Ice LLC has been told they’re in breach of their lease agreement for allowing unauthorized access. The office told it to take immediate action.

Additionally, the GLO demanded any and all state land damaged by the reported activity be restored to its original condition.

Barnard was asked to work with the CBP and lessee to develop a reclamation proposal plan for the GLO to approve.

“The people of Texas entrusted the General Land Office with more than 13 million acres of state land, and we take that responsibility seriously,” Commissioner Buckingham said. “We will work with our federal partners to keep the southern border secured, but we will not compromise the integrity of Texas state property to do it. State land is damaged and it must be restored.” 

Texas State Senator Cesar Blanco shared his support for Buckingham’s letter Friday.

“I applaud Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham’s decision to order an immediate halt to land-clearing activities related to border wall construction and require a more transparent process. This is an essential step toward protecting Texas’ sovereignty and ensuring proper oversight,” the senator said in a statement.

Read the full cease and desist letter below.

lettersDownload

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Thursday, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a 53-year-old woman on two outstanding assault warrants for an alleged physical altercation that happened at a Starbucks on Airway Boulevard.

EPCSO said Naomi Hernandez was wanted by the El Paso Police Department for the warrants stemming from the altercation that happened July 20.

At 12:15 a.m. Thursday, deputies went near the intersection of Eastlake Boulevard and State Street near the Eastlake Marketplace Center after learning about her location.

Deputies contacted her, confirmed her warrants and took her into custody.

Hernandez transported to the El Paso County Detention Facility, where she was booked on two warrants for assault causing bodily injury. Her bond totaled $10,000.

The reported incident at the Starbucks was posted on FitFam El Paso’s Instagram page. Deputies released a video posted by FitFam and bodycam footage of Hernandez’ arrest.

You can watch the videos below.

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Gabrielle Lopez

(KVIA) — New Mexico State Parks extended the maximum stays from seven to 14 days as droughts across the state continue to impact recreation areas. Friday, the NMSP said it will also waive some fees.

At Elephant Butte Lake, NMSP said from Aug. 1-Sept. 30, designated primitive and beach camping areas will be available at no cost.

The benefit will also apply to Caballo Lake State Park.

Primitive campsites are basic, undeveloped areas without designated sites or built-in amenities like connections to water or electricity.

NMSP said the changes come after the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s seasonal release of water from Elephant Butte, which is expected to stabilize water levels for the rest of the summer.

“Drought is changing the way New Mexicans and other visitors experience their state parks, but it doesn’t change our commitment to keeping these places accessible and welcoming,” said Toby Velásquez, director of the New Mexico State Parks division.

While reservoir levels are impacting boating and water access at Elephant Butte and Caballo Lake, visitors can still go boating, camping, fishing, birdwatching and other activities where conditions allow.

After the no-fee period ends, day use access to all New Mexico State Parks is free for New Mexico Residents.

NMSP said that benefit starts Oct. 1, but won’t apply to the Rio Grande Nature Center and Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Parks though April 30. The camping stay limit remains 14 days through April 30.

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Heriberto Perez Lara

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The Hope Border Institute and the Diocese of El Paso announced an expansion of humanitarian support for migrants and asylum seekers in Ciudad Juárez amid intensified enforcement on both sides of the border.

The effort, managed through the Border Refugee Assistance Fund, aims to strengthen care on both sides of the border as enforcement measures intensify.

The initiative provides emergency shelter, health care, mental health services and transportation to people displaced by violence and increased deportations. This expansion comes as asylum access narrows and international funding cuts strain the capacity of local organizations to respond to mounting humanitarian needs.

The expansion involves a partnership with “Derechos Humanos Integrales en Acción,” an organization known as DHIA.

Through this collaboration, the initiative will offer immediate assistance to migrants who have survived exploitation, trafficking or violence.

Services include emergency shelter and medical care for these vulnerable populations.

The Jesuit Refugee Service Mexico will also participate in the effort to address mental health needs for those in transit.

Faith communities will provide counseling and psychosocial support.

These services are intended to fill a gap as mental health resources have become increasingly scarce in the region.

Dylan Corbett serves as the executive director of the Hope Border Institute.

He described the collaboration between faith communities on both sides of the border as an essential response to the current conditions for asylum seekers.

“At a time when the border is closed to asylum seekers and deportations are intensifying, our work with Bishop Seitz and our partners in Ciudad Juárez has never been more urgent,” Corbett said.

“The Border Refugee Assistance Fund represents something essential: the willingness of faith communities on both sides of a wall to act as one body. We are grateful to our supporters across the country and the world who make this binational solidarity possible,” he said.

Bishop Mark Seitz, who leads the Diocese of El Paso, emphasized the necessity of these partnerships during a press conference in Ciudad Juárez.

He says the human cost of border enforcement is felt by communities in both the United States and Mexico.

“Partnership is not a luxury in times like these; it is a necessity,” Seitz said. “Through the Border Refugee Assistance Fund, we have learned to respond with both flexibility and conviction to the needs of migrants at our border. As the enforcement campaign intensifies, its human cost is felt on both sides. Our faith communities are called to answer that cry. I am proud that this Fund is helping to lead that response.”

The Border Refugee Assistance Fund was established in 2019 as a joint initiative between Seitz and the Hope Border Institute. Since its inception, the fund has provided humanitarian aid to thousands of migrants and families along the U.S.-Mexico border.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office said investigators seized nearly 120 kilograms of cocaine during a targeted operation involving a commercial tractor-trailer Wednesday.

Investigators seized 119.8 kilograms of cocaine, $7,000 and the tractor-trailer believed to have been used in connection with the suspected trafficking operation, the sheriff’s office said. The sheriff’s office’s Gang and Narcotics Unit took charge of the investigation.

The estimated street value of the seized cocaine is $4 million, EPCSO said.

(Courtesy: EPCSO)

The sheriff’s office said the investigation is still active, and no information will be released at this time to “protect the integrity of the investigation.”

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Lauren Bly

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) — Friday, Thomas Rivas received three consecutive life sentences for the deadly shooting that happened at Young Park in Las Cruces. He has 90 years before he’s eligible for parole.

Three teenagers — 16-year-old Andrew Madrid, 17-year-old Jason Gomez and 18-year-old Dominick Estrada — died in the March 2025 shooting. More than a dozen other people were injured.

Rivas was found guilty under the theory of depraved mind murder on Feb. 16.

His younger brother, Nathan Rivas, has a sentencing scheduled for Oct. 9.

The next scheduled sentencing for those convicted in the Young Park shooting is Sept. 11 for Gustavo Dominguez. He was most recently found guilty on July 1.

Dominguez filed a motion requesting for a new trial, which is set for Sept. 2. If the motion is denied, his sentencing will take place as scheduled.

After the sentencing, both the prosecution and defense said they hope the outcome sends a clear message to young people in Las Cruces that gun violence is never the answer.

“It’s something that people way smarter than I might need to figure out the whys of why this has happened over the years but it’s a terrible thing,” defense attorney Thomas Clark said.

Prosecutor Fernando Macias said the sentence shows there will be serious consequences for using firearms to harm others.

“We’re communicating to the community that there are going to be extreme consequences for the use of firearms to harm other individuals,” Macias said.

The defense had asked the court to allow Rivas to serve his sentences concurrently, which would have made him eligible for parole after 30 years.

“He would’ve been 52 years old when he became eligible for parole,” Clark said.

Macias argued that such a sentence would not have been enough.

“A 30-year sentence, to me, would have been a slap in the face to the other two victims and to the families,” he said.

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Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)- Retirement can bring a lot of exciting changes, but it can also bring new questions about income, Social Security, taxes, and what to do with the savings you have spent yearsbuilding. Financial advisor Patrick Romero of Mirau Capital Management has some helpful tips.

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Rosemary Garcia

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)—Saturday, August 1st marks the 33rd Annual Happiness Happens Here Telethon on ABC-7. It’s the chance to spotlight homeless animals in El Paso and the life-saving work that happens every day at the Humane Society of El Paso. The goal is to raise the necessary funds to continue providing medical care, food, shelter and enrichment activities.

The shelter also relies on dedicated volunteers to keep operations running year-round. For many, making a donation is not an option, so they choose to volunteer!

El Pasoan Kim Heidemann started volunteering with the Humane Society of El Paso earlier this year. She’s become a familiar face with many of the dogs who enjoy her treats and extra snuggles.

“Robin just loves to be at the front, and he knows because I’m going to scratch him. And usually I come by with treats, and Rex is all excited. He does zoomies sometimes, and he’ll come to the front of the cage, and I think he knows I give treats,” she stated when asked about the dogs at the shelter.

Heidemann said her love for animals fueled her decision to join the volunteer pack. She also enjoys connecting with other animal lovers.

“So it’s a really great way to, you know, be part of the community and also help with exercising the animals that are stuck in their kennels,” she added.

The volunteer program at the HSEP operates in a tiered program, giving volunteers the flexibility to serve in an area they enjoy. Kim is now a tail wagger. She assists with cleaning kennels, cleaning up after the animals, washing dishes and sanitizing toys.

“I’m hoping that’s going to help them be a little bit more comfortable in their situation.”

Humane Society officials said volunteers donate nearly 50,000 hours a year.

Heidemann said she had many dogs growing up, so she enjoys their companionship. She’s currently unable to adopt a pet, so she chooses to volunteer instead.

“I’ve got a soft spot for animals since I can’t have one personally. And this is my way to give back,” she added.

She encourages others to get involved with the Humane Society of El Paso!

If you would like to learn more about the Humane Society, click here.

Watch the Happiness Happens Here Telethon on Saturday, Aug. 1 from 4-11 p.m. only on ABC-7.

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Joseph Montero

UPDATE (4:11 p.m.): The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office said 75-year-old Silvia Resendez died in Wednesday night’s crash. It also said a 29-year-old man was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated in connection to the crash.

According to the sheriff’s office, the crash happened at 10:57 p.m. Thursday.

Investigators said a white GMC truck drove eastbound on the I-10 with a flatbed trailer carrying a truck. According to EPCSO, a Honda Civic driving behind the GMC hit the end of the trailer.

The driver of the Civic went to a local hospital and is in stable condition, EPCSO said.

The passenger, Resendez, died at the scene, according to the sheriff’s office.

EPCSO said Victor Alonso Saucedo-Torres drove the GMC and was allegedly intoxicated at the time. The sheriff’s office said his DWI charge included having a passenger under the age of 15.

Victor Alonso Saucedo-Torres’ booking photo.(Courtesy: EPCSO)

He booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility with a $7,500 bond.

Special Traffic Investigators went into the investigation due to the severity of the crash.

UPDATE (2:18 p.m.): According to the Texas Department of Transportation, lanes on I-10 East at Vinton reopened.

UPDATE: The El Paso County Fire Department, West Valley Fire Department and Medical Examiner’s Office all arrived at the scene early Friday morning to assist.

ABC-7 has yet to hear back about any confirmed fatalities from this crash.

VINTON, Texas (KVIA) — The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office says it’s deputies are responding to a three vehicle crash on I-10 East and Vinton.

The Sheriff’s Office is reporting serious injuries but had no other details at this time.

The El Paso Police Department and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) say all lanes are closed with no clearing time in place.

This is a developing story and ABC-7 will continue to bring you updates as we learn more.

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Heriberto Perez Lara

UPDATE (Aug. 7, 2026): A California judge ordered the Trump Administration to release $65 million in funds it withheld in payments to organizations that help unaccompanied migrant children. Estrella del Paso will receive some of that money.

Estrella del Paso will get about $765,000 from the administration for legal services that ran out last Friday. The judge ordered the money be paid Friday by 1 p.m.

Estrella del Paso had to lay off 13 employees because of the lack of funding.

Executive Director Melissa Lopez sent a statement that said in part, quote:

“The Court saw clearly the government’s attempt to evade the injunction. Unfortunately, this decision does not restore the critical legal services to children that lapsed on July 31. We await the government’s update as to the steps being taken to ensure unaccompanied children receive the services they are legally entitled to receive.”

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Estrella del Paso, the largest provider of free immigration legal services in West Texas and Southern New Mexico and the only provider of unaccompanied children’s services in El Paso, is set to close its program this Friday.

At a news conference with other migrant advocates and legal organizations, its Executive Director, Melissa M. Lopez, announced the program’s closure.

Legal representation for thousands of unaccompanied immigrant children faces a total collapse as a federal funding contract is set to expire tomorrow, July 31, 2026.

Frontline legal service providers warned today that without immediate action, tens of thousands of children will be forced to represent themselves against trained government attorneys. The funding crisis follows a standoff that began in November 2025, when the Trump Administration started withholding payments from legal service providers.

The administration has reportedly withheld funds to pressure organizations to release sensitive and privileged information about the children they represent.

The Defending Our Neighbors Fund, which hosted the briefing this week, has issued emergency grants to several frontline legal service providers.

This assistance aims to maintain representation for children while federal payments remain stalled, though providers warn that these funds are not a permanent solution to the loss of federal support.

Executive director Lopez says the network of providers has spent two decades building specialized institutional knowledge specifically for children who have experienced trauma.

“Over the course of 20 years, this network of legal service providers has developed a unique level of expertise working with children who have experienced trauma,” Lopez said. “We have spent 20 years building this institutional knowledge that we are going to lose on Friday. There is no replacing the organizations providing these services.”

If the contract is not renewed, tens of thousands of unaccompanied children will be forced to navigate the court system alone, according to the organizations. These children would face trained government attorneys without professional counsel, a situation providers say leads directly to removal orders.

“We know what happens to children that go to court without an attorney. In one word, it is deportation,” Lopez said. “The government is trying to eliminate our work and this program because they know that without attorneys, children will be deported.”

The federal contract funding the program is scheduled to expire tomorrow, July 31, 2026. Legal service providers stated that immediate federal action is required to renew the contract and prevent the loss of representation for children.

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