Border & Immigration
October 27, 2023
The Immigration Debate at the Texas Legislature Has Devolved
In the latest showdown over immigration restrictions, Texas representatives got into a heated confrontation on the floor.
Border Security
Border & Immigration
June 10, 2019
What the Hell Is Happening at the Border? (An Occasional Series, June 10 Edition)
Recent headlines find detained migrants stripped of English classes, recreation, and vital medicine.
Border & Immigration
October 25, 2018
A New Focus on Border Security Comes Days Before Midterm Elections
In addition to deployment of Army troops, border nonprofits are seeing the beginnings of mass family releases.
Uncategorized
January 27, 2017
R.G.’s Roundup: Big Holes, Budget Tricks, and Trump
Our favorite political reads of the week.
Politics & Policy
October 6, 2015
The Costs of Border Security
Texas will spend $800 million on border security over the next two years. Is the splurge worth it?
Burka Blog
August 18, 2015
How to Secure the Border
Step one: Let’s examine our own insecurities.
Burka Blog
August 14, 2015
The Threat to the Border
It’s not what you might think it is.
Politics & Policy
May 13, 2015
Hostages
Open carry of licensed handguns and border security are the hostages in the tax-cut debates.
Politics & Policy
April 20, 2015
Cartel Violence in Reynosa and the Border Security Bill
Drug cartel violence in Reynosa on Friday is not necessarily an argument for passing the Texas border security bill.
Politics & Policy
April 9, 2015
Is DPS Inflating Its Border Success?
The pressure is mounting on Texas DPS Director Steve McCraw to quantify exactly what his officers are achieving on border security.
Politics & Policy
April 1, 2015
DPS Makes a Border Bust
The Texas Department of Public Safety has faced questions about whether the border surge made the rest of the state less secure and whether it is taking credit for other law enforcement agencies actions, but now the DPS has announced a major border bust all of its own.
Politics & Policy
March 31, 2015
Texas DPS Needs Greater Disclosure on Border Security
Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw needs to come clean on just what his agency is doing on the border.
Politics & Policy
March 29, 2015
Border Surge Makes the Rest of Texas “Less Safe”
Border security was the battle cry of Texas politicians in 2014. Will the theme become “misplaced priorities” in 2016?
Politics & Policy
March 20, 2015
The Great Debates
A couple of exchanges during debate in the Legislature this week are unlikely to find their way into etched stone.
Politics & Policy
March 12, 2015
The Terror Whisperer
Public Safety Director Steve McCraw has a history of seeing terrorists at the gate.
Politics & Policy
March 11, 2015
Border Security and Border Rhetoric
The debate over border security often is as much about political posturing as it is about policy.
Politics & Policy
February 27, 2015
Perry Compares Middle East Troubles to Texas Border
Former Governor Rick Perry this morning told a gathering of conservatives that Middle Eastern dictators do not take President Obama seriously because he has not been willing to secure the Texas border.
Politics & Policy
February 17, 2015
Abbott Nibbles at the Policy Margins
In the bright new day of Governor Greg Abbott, Texas and her people are strong and getting stronger, but his State of the State address only polished the edges on some of the major challenges facing the state.
Politics & Policy
November 26, 2014
Obama’s Immigration Action
Some questions about Barack Obama's explanation for his executive action on immigration, announced last week.
Burka Blog
October 9, 2014
Next Up: The Global War on Jackalopes
Concerns over ISIS fighters crossing the border are more than misplaced
News & Politics
May 10, 2013
Texas Hold ’Em
Ted Cruz is going all in against immigration reform. But would his win be our loss?
Border & Immigration
January 21, 2013
The Free Texican Air Force
Already running gunboats on the Rio Grande, the Texas Department of Public Safety has now purchased a manned spy plane to police the border.
Politics & Policy
January 20, 2013
Near/Far
Despite rampant fears to the contrary, the bloody drug violence in Mexico hasn’t spilled over into Texas—but that doesn’t mean it’s not transforming life all along the border.
Border & Immigration
December 12, 2011
Boquillas Crossing to Reopen
For many in this remote part of Texas, the crossing is convenient, but detractors fear the port entry could compromise security.
Politics & Policy
January 26, 2010
More on the governor’s race today
PERRY The Perry campaign issued a release attacking the veracity of Hutchison's ad on securing the border. The Perry release follows: Latest False Hutchison Ad Perfect “Match” For Dishonest Senator Media Already Labeling Ad A “Distortion” That “Clouds Some Of Her Record” And “Deviates From Facts” Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison