In San Antonio, Cops Punch Down
Supervisors say a San Antonio cop was justified in punching an unarmed 14-year-old girl in the face.
Michael Barajas
Michael Barajas is a staff writer covering civil rights for the Texas Observer. Before joining the Observer, he was editor of the San Antonio Current and managing editor of the Houston Press. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University’s E.W. Scripps School of Journalism.
Articles by Michael Barajas
Deputies Go Unpunished for Invasive Cavity Search on Houston Roadside
This month prosecutors unexpectedly dropped charges against Harris County deputies accused of violating a woman during a 2015 traffic stop.
Houston City Employees are Fighting to Uphold Marriage Equality in Texas
Couples turn to the federal courts after Texas’ highest court ruled against benefits for same-sex spouses of government employees.
Meet the Expert Who Helps Texas Cops Justify Extreme Behavior
Gilbert Flores’ hands were raised when two Bexar County deputies shot and killed him. A former cop who’s trained thousands of state police officers explains why he thinks that’s OK.
‘Bathroom Bill’ Opposition Mounts after Trans Activist is Brutally Attacked
Opponents, including activist Stephanie Martinez and Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo, say the ‘bathroom bill’ would further fuel anti-trans violence.
Why Dallas is One of the Few Places Killer Cops Could be Held Accountable
This summer, Dallas County officials took the rare step of indicting killer cops — twice.
Trans Texans, Advocates Swarm Texas Capitol to Oppose ‘Bathroom Bills’ (Again)
On Friday, more than 250 people signed up to testify, and the overwhelming majority spoke in opposition.
Trump DOJ: Trust Texas to Fix Racist Voter ID Law Without Court Oversight
The new legal brief is a sign of the Justice Department’s dramatically different take on voting rights under the Trump Administration.
‘Bathroom Bills’ Get Second Life in Special Session
Three different proposals to discriminate against transgender Texans await lawmakers in what critics have dubbed the “Session of Oppression.”