Criminal Justice
Raising the Bars
13 Texas Counties Seek Authority from Trump to Enforce Immigration Law
The law enforcement agencies, mostly in rural South Texas and along the coast, have applied to enroll in the 287(g) agreement.
The law enforcement agencies, mostly in rural South Texas and along the coast, have applied to enroll in the 287(g) agreement....Read More
Bill to Improve Interactions Between Texans and Police Advances to Senate
The measure, carried by Democratic senators, advanced to the Senate with unanimous support, but Houston Black Lives Matter activists still oppose it.
The measure, carried by Democratic senators, advanced to the Senate with unanimous support, but Houston Black Lives Matter activists still oppose it....Read More
Federal Judge: ICE Conducted Austin Raids in Retaliation Against Sheriff’s New Policy
Judge Andrew Austin said he was told that ICE would be conducting operations in the Austin area as a “result of the sheriff’s new policy."...Read More
Puff, Puff, Pass? GOP Lawmakers Silent on Marijuana Decriminalization
As HB 81 nears a committee vote, the marijuana decriminalization measure has hardly encountered any resistance.
As HB 81 nears a committee vote, the marijuana decriminalization measure has hardly encountered any resistance....Read More
How Texas State Troopers Turn Routine Traffic Stops into Deportations
The Conejo brothers were construction workers in Austin with clean criminal records when a broken tail light and a patrolman’s decision landed them back in Mexico.
The Conejo brothers were construction workers in Austin with clean criminal records when a broken tail light and a patrolman’s decision landed them back in Me...Read More
After Baylor Scandal, Survivor-Centered Bills Give Texas a Chance to Lead Campus Sexual Assault Fight
Advocates say less than 10 percent of sexual assaults are reported in Texas and legislation focusing on support for survivors is most effective.
Advocates say less than 10 percent of sexual assaults are reported in Texas and legislation focusing on support for survivors is most effective....Read More
Locked In Limbo
Ankle monitors are preferable to putting immigrant families behind bars. But the devices interfere with daily life and work — and they aren’t always used as an alternative to detention.
Ankle monitors are preferable to putting immigrant families behind bars. But the devices interfere with daily life and work — and they aren’t always used as...Read More
In Response to Observer Report, Lawmaker Proposes Ban on ‘Donations’ in Lieu of Prosecution
A bill introduced Thursday by state Representative Mike Lang would ban prosecutors from accepting gifts and donations from defendants.
A bill introduced Thursday by state Representative Mike Lang would ban prosecutors from accepting gifts and donations from defendants....Read More
Texas Supreme Court Justice, House Corrections Chair Want to End ‘Unconstitutional’ Practice of Debtors’ Prison
Every year, thousands of Texans go to jail simply because they can’t pay fines for minor offenses.
Every year, thousands of Texans go to jail simply because they can’t pay fines for minor offenses....Read More