Category: kvia-local-news

Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)-The City of El Paso is launching its 2026 Veterans Needs Assessment to understand better the evolving needs of veterans, active-duty service members, military-connected families, caregivers, and the organizations that support them throughout the Borderland.

As home to Fort Bliss—recently named the Army’s Best Garrison for Fiscal Year 2026 and recipient of the 2026 Commander in Chief’s Annual Award for Installation Excellence—El Paso has long shared a strong connection with the military community.

The online assessment opened Monday, Aug. 10, and will remain available for approximately six weeks. The survey will gather input on the current needs, challenges, and priorities of veterans, service members, and military-connected families to help guide future programs, partnerships, resource allocation, and strategic planning.

Veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, military spouses and family members, caregivers, survivors, and organizations that serve the military and veteran community are encouraged to participate.

Survey responses will be kept confidential and analyzed in aggregate to identify trends, service gaps, and opportunities to strengthen support for veterans and military-connected families throughout the Borderland.

The survey is available online at: https://tinyurl.com/2s3d8f5n

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Gabrielle Lopez

UPDATE (10:03 a.m.): El Paso Electric restored power and ABC-7 is back on the air.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — ABC-7 and other broadcasters are experiencing a power outage at the transmitter site atop the Franklin Mountains overnight. Crews are working with El Paso Electric to restore service to our viewers. 

To watch ABC-7 newscasts, you can use the free KVIA News app or go to Livestream Newscasts.

We will provide service updates as we get them.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Crime Stoppers of El Paso and the city’s fire marshal’s office asked the public for help to identify suspected arsonists.

According to Crime Stoppers, two met set two vehicles on fire in an East El Paso neighborhood. It happened at 4:09 a.m. at the 12100 block of Saint Armand Court. That’s in a neighborhood off the intersection of N Zaragoza Road and Vista Del Sol Drive.

Crime Stoppers said a video showed the men setting fire to a 2021 Cadillac Escalade and a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado Z71.

The men reportedly left the scene and returned 10 minutes later to reignite the fire, officials said.

Arson investigators learned the men filled water bottles with gasoline at a Circle K Store at 1600 N. Zaragoza.

Crime stoppers said the first suspect is in his late 20s to early 30s with an average build. He wore a black hooded jacket and blue jeans.

A photo of one of the suspects in an arson investigation.(Courtesy: Crime Stoppers of El Paso)

The second suspect had a red hooded sweatshirt and dark pants, officials said.

A photo of one of the suspects in an arson investigation.(Courtesy: Crime Stoppers of El Paso)

The men reportedly drove a four-door car, which was possibly a Toyota or Lexus with dents on the doors, officials said.

A photo of the vehicle suspected to be involved in an arson.(Courtesy: Crime Stoppers of El Paso)

A photo of the vehicle suspected to be involved in an arson.(Courtesy: Crime Stoppers of El Paso)

Anyone with information about the suspects’ identities should call Crime Stoppers at 566-8477(TIPS) or online at www.cselpaso.org.

Reporters will stay anonymous, officials said. If a tip leads to an arrest, the reporter may qualify for a cash reward.

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Heriberto Perez Lara

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The Trump Administration intensified its immigration enforcement measures since its second term started more than a year ago. For asylum seekers hoping to cross into the U.S., the American Dream is a stone’s throw away.

Joel Vargas legally crossed into the U.S. from Venezuela; he shared his difficulties using the CBP One App with ABC-7. The app used to allow migrants to begin the asylum request process.

After six months, Vargas said he felt immense joy upon getting an appointment and crossing into the U.S. In Colorado, he now works in construction.

Later, Vargas’ phone received a notification offering him to self-deport.

The Trump Administration changed the CBP One app into CBP Home. It no longer takes asylum appointment requests and instead helps migrants self-deport to their countries.

According to Vargas, the app said migrants would have to pay almost $1,000 a day if they don’t voluntarily self-deport.

Even though he crossed into the U.S. legally, Vargas said he lives in fear of being deported back to Venezuela and not fulfill the dream he has: buying a house for his family.

ABC-7’s Heriberto Perez first met Vargas in Juárez when a high number of migrants arrived in the city. He was one of many camping on the streets while waiting to secure an appointment through the CBP One app.

Vargas shares his full story in “Legal Limbo.” Watch the special report Thursday on ABC-7 at 6.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Monday, the 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss and family honored El Paso community leader and retired Command Sergeant Major Curtis Lee Brown. He died at the age of 101.

Brown made history in 1960 as one of the first African Americans promoted to Command Sergeant Major in the Army, according to Fort Bliss.

Community members and family gathered at the 1st Armored Division Chapel to honor Curtis Lee Brown Monday, Aug. 10, 2026.

He had a 32-year military career that started in 1943 in Little Rock, Arkansas, according to his obituary.

His service spanned from the Berlin Airlift, leading more than 10,000 personnel at the 94th Air and Missile Command to developing a curriculum for the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy at Fort Bliss.

After retiring in 1975, Brown continued his role as a civic leader in El Paso for more than 50 years, Fort Bliss said. He started a second career at Casa Ford, where he later became the general sales manager.

Originally from Dierks, Arkansas, Brown made his mark in the Sun City in many different ways. At 99 years old, he worked on Mayor Renard Johnson’s mayoral campaign.

Brown also put time into several organizations in El Paso, including the city’s National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

“He was always about leadership,” retired Army Command Sergeant Major Reggie Daniel said. “He loved his country. He loved his people, and he definitely loved his family.”

Brown’s obituary noted his love for baseball. In 1949, he tried out for the Chicago Cubs and made the team.

“I told the manager of the Cubs that I just wanted to see if I could make the team — I really wanted to be a soldier,” Brown said.

Daniel said Brown loved the Los Angeles Dodgers. In his last moments, he received merchandise from the team’s manager.

“He was always about leadership. And he loved his country. He loved his people, and he definitely loved his family.”

Daniel met Brown at one of his birthdays. His high energy and “fired-up” personality stuck with Daniel the most.

“He just talked to me just like we had known each other for years,” he said.

Daniel said one of Brown’s last words to him were that he wished they served in the military together.

“I told him, ‘We did,'” Daniel said. “Because you were my mentor, and you led the way.”

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Gabrielle Lopez

UPDATE (Nov. 2, 2026): Monday, a man from Mexico received a life prison sentence for his role in a deadly conspiracy to smuggle and harbor migrants, according to U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas.

Monday, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said 33-year-old Juan Carlos Lara-Quezada, also known as “Ironman,” led a human smuggling organization in the Western District of Texas and District of New Mexico.

The organization smuggled hundreds of migrants into the U.S. through the desert of Santa Teresa, New Mexico, officials said. After crossing, the migrants were driven to a stash house in El Paso, where they would stay until they were transported further into the U.S., USAO said.

In 2024, the organization smuggled a woman and her son-in-law into the U.S. The woman got sick while traveling, officials said. The smugglers were told to drop the woman off at a hospital in El Paso. On the way, a guide and driver allegedly abandoned the woman and her son-in-law in a neighborhood, according to USAO. She later died at a hospital due to heat exposure.

A Homeland Security Investigations investigation led to Lara-Quezada’s arrest in December 2024. He was charged in an indictment with conspiracy to transport migrants resulting in death, conspiracy to harbor migrants, transporting migrants resulting in death, conspiracy to bring in migrants and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.

A jury convicted him of all five charges in August.

Others involved in the smuggling operation have been sentenced earlier this year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. Officials said all defendants in the case are from Mexico and were charged with the woman’s death.

Juan David Vaquera-Guerrero: 46 months in prison Carlos Omar Lara-Muniz: 57 months in prison Ruben Esquivel-Gomez: 72 months in prison Ricardo Delgado-Sepulveda: 120 months Rogelio Delgado-Sepulveda: 36 months

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — An El Paso federal jury convicted a man from Mexico of five counts for his role in a deadly conspiracy to smuggle undocumented migrants, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas said Monday.

Juan Carlos Lara-Quezada — also known as “Ironman” — led a human smuggling organization that would smuggle people into the U.S. through Santa Teresa, New Mexico, the U.S. Attorney’s office said.

After entering the U.S., the migrants would be picked up and driven to a stash house in El Paso to stay in while waiting for further transportation, officials said.

In 2024, the organization smuggled a woman and her son-in-law into the U.S. The woman reportedly got sick while traveling, officials said. The smugglers were told to drop the woman off at a hospital in El Paso. On the way, a guide and driver allegedly abandoned the woman and her son-in-law at a neighborhood, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

A passing driver saw the two and called emergency services. The woman later died at a hospital, officials said. Environmental heat exposure caused her death.

An Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations led to Lara-Quezada’s death in December 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

In April 2, 2025, Lara-Quezada received a charge for conspiracy to transport migrants result in death, conspiracy to harbor migrants, transporting migrants resulting in death, conspiracy to bring in migrants and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, officials said.

He’s convicted on all five charges, and his sentencing is set for Nov. 2, according to officials.

Others involved in the smuggling operation have been sentenced earlier this year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. Officials said all defendants in the case are from Mexico and were charged with the woman’s death.

Juan David Vaquera-Guerrero: 46 months in prison Carlos Omar Lara-Muniz: 57 months in prison Ruben Esquivel-Gomez: 72 months in prison

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Carpio Griego

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — In two years, the $70 million investment into Downtown El Paso that is La Nube has served over 360,000 guests, according to the discovery center’s officials. Saturday, visitors gathered to celebrate two years of discovery.

The event also celebrated winning the 2025 Hands On! International Children’s Museum Award — one of three U.S. children’s museums to do so, according to La Nube Chief Strategy Officer Mick Martinez.

Martinez said this doesn’t just celebrate La Nube but also the children of El Paso and the power of imagination.

“Community is at the heart of both our organizations, and this birthday is an opportunity to celebrate El Paso’s children, families, and the power of imagination,” Martinez said. “Over the past two years, we have seen how curiosity brings families together, builds confidence in children, and sparks a love of learning that reaches far beyond our walls.”

Bunny mascot Miffy also made an appearance to meet with Borderland families. Miffy has been making appearances at different museums, with the next scheduled for September.

ABC-7 spoke to one parent, Samantha Johnson, noted the educational impact La Nube brought to her son.

“I think it’s really important because he really needs it, especially when he’s getting ready to go on to school. He might learn something new he can tell his friends about,” Johnson said.

Johnson said La Nube appealed to her inner child as well.

“I’m just really excited to be here myself. I’m a big old kid too, and I want to play,” Johnson said.

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Armando Ramirez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Saturday, El Paso Live held Sun City Tiki, an event where organizers said that people could take a tropical escape in Downtown El Paso. the El Paso Convention Center.

The event was held at the El Paso Convention Center where the 21+ summer experience transformed the Convention Center into an island-inspired escape filled with tropical décor, tiki cocktails, live music, fire dancers, luau-style entertainment, and interactive experiences throughout the evening.

Guests enjoyed performances from Hiti Mahana, learned a few moves during hula lessons, explored immersive photo opportunities, and were able to purchase exclusive custom tiki mugs created for the event.

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Carpio Griego

CLINT, Texas (KVIA) – San Lorenzo Catholic Church continued its annual kermes Saturday. Celebrations raised funds for church activities through community support and local vendors.

One volunteer, Alexis Reyes, told ABC-7 the kermes puts a spotlight on the Clint community.

“It really brings more people to San Lorenzo. People come and they see how beautiful the church is and how kind the people are and then be like ‘I think I want to come to this church more often,” Reyes said.

That community spotlight Reyes pointed out extends to the people not working as staff for the day.

Greg Velez said it’s a time to reconnect with friends he hasn’t seen for a while, which is why he likes coming back for the event after growing up in Clint himself.

“I really like it, it brings the community together,” Velez said. “Sometimes you get friends that move out of town, and we all come back here and eventually we meet up once again.”

The kermes also opens space for small family businesses to grow. Deleyna Nerí, who helps run her family’s business, Dulcería Neri, said bringing sweets to the kermes visitors has been a huge opportunity.

“We barely started coming to this kermez last year, and honestly has been I feel like one of the best things we could have done because it has opened so many doors,” Neri said.

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Heriberto Perez Lara

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector issued a warning last month to rideshare drivers about manipulation by transnational criminal organizations involved in human smuggling.

Popular rideshare platforms include Uber and Lyft.

Federal officials warned drivers who accept suspicious fares risk severe physical danger and federal felony charges, as they said smugglers frequently exploit legitimate mobile applications to insulate themselves from law enforcement detection.

Criminal networks often use third-party accounts to coordinate passenger pickups in secluded desert areas, along highway shoulders near the border wall or in commercial staging lots.

Border Patrol officials highlighted several key indicators of smuggling activity for drivers to monitor.

Red flags include:

Passengers wearing heavily soiled clothing

Groups attempting to exceed vehicle occupant limits

Rides booked through third-party account holders who are not present

Passengers who appear visibly stressed or unaware of their location

Drivers who accept suspicious fares face potential detention and investigation at highway checkpoints.

Under federal law, individuals found participating in these networks face felony charges for alien smuggling and harboring, along with the potential forfeiture of their vehicles and assets.

El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent Jesse D. Munoz previously emphasized the risks imposed on rideshare workers by criminal organizations.

“Cartel criminal smugglers recklessly endanger the lives of rideshare drivers and passengers alike, treating legitimate drivers as disposable tools for their smuggling operations,” Munoz said. “When these trips are intercepted, drivers face immediate detention and asset forfeiture while federal agents investigate their level of involvement in the smuggling network.”

To minimize physical and legal risks, Border Patrol advises drivers who encounter suspicious requests to cancel the trip immediately and move to a secure area. Drivers are encouraged to log their routes using in-app security tools and report concerns directly through their rideshare platform.

Suspicious activity or suspected human smuggling can be reported anonymously to the U.S. Border Patrol by calling one-800-635-2509. In emergencies, drivers should call 911 immediately.

ABC-7 reached out to Uber and Lyft, among other rideshare driver platforms, to learn how they work with their drivers to avoid any risks of being used for human smuggling attempts.

Watch the full story tonight in our evening newscasts.

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