SUMMARY: Texas law enforcement continues to apprehend members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang, amidst a surge of over one million illegal Venezuelan entries under the Biden administration. Recent arrests involved four suspected TdA members, identified through social media checks during an Operation Lone Star operation on Dec. 31. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has condemned the gang, designated as a foreign terrorist organization, and launched initiatives to combat it. Beyond gangs, violent crimes by Venezuelan nationals persist, including a recent attempted murder case in Fort Bend County. Texas has arrested over 3,000 illegal Venezuelan border crossers since 2021.

Read the full article

The post As TdA expands in 22 states, Texas law enforcement continue crackdown | Texas appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com

SUMMARY: In Texas, call centers for the 988 suicide hotline are experiencing a $7 million funding shortfall, leading to thousands of abandoned calls each month despite rising demand and a growing suicide rate. The hotline, crucial for providing emergency mental health services, has seen significant call volumes since its launch in 2022 but struggles with staffing and federal funding declines. Less than 85% of calls are answered in-state, and a proposed Senate Bill aims to establish a trust fund to improve funding through cellphone surcharges. Advocates stress the need for equitable support for crisis services to match emergency services like 911.

Read the full article

The post Amid a $7 million deficit to Texas’ suicide hotline, thousands of calls are abandoned monthly appeared first on www.kxan.com

SUMMARY: This morning, deputies are investigating a shooting involving two brothers in Alden. A 19-year-old died at the scene, while his 16 or 17-year-old brother was hospitalized with leg injuries. Investigators are working to determine whether the shooting was accidental or intentional and are interviewing the boys’ parents and friends who were present. The incident occurred shortly after midnight on William Street, where six to eight individuals were gathered. Detectives recovered a firearm and are conducting gunshot residue tests on attendees. The investigation remains active, with the possibility of the case being presented to a grand jury.

It’s unclear what led up to the shooting i.e. if it was accidental or intentional, but Sgt. Ritchie says there were at least 6 – 8 people inside the house when it happened, and everyone is cooperating with the investigation.

Source