This week on Fronteras:
- Texas counties report an increase in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement transfers in the first months of the Trump administration (0:16).
- A group in El Paso assists immigrants in detention with bond payments (1:53).
- San Diego looks into how new immigrants can integrate into society (7:44).
- Local mariachis prepare for a marathon evening of Mother’s Day serenades (9:48).
After Donald Trump Took Office, ICE Transfers Jumped In Large Texas Counties
A new study says during the first months of the Trump administration, ICE took 16 people into custody from Bexar County jails in 2017 compared to 95 in the previous year, a 22 percent increase.
That number went up in many of the most populous counties in the state, except Travis, where there was an 83 percent decline in ICE transfers - 160 transferred in 2016 compared to 28 in 2017. Elizabeth Trovall of Houston Public Media reports that that number is expected to change now that SB4 is forcing so-called sanctuary cities to comply with federal immigration enforcement.
El Paso Activist Group Raises Money To Pay Detainees’ Bail
Since President Trump took office, more undocumented immigrants are being held in detention centers, waiting for their day in court. Some are eligible for release on bond. But bond amounts can, from $1,500 to upwards of $20,000. And some detainees just can’t afford these bonds. Now, a group in El Paso is starting to raise money to pay detainees’ bail . Mallory Falk reports on the so-called Fronterizo Fianza Fund.
San Diego Coalition Seeks Public Input To Improve Newcomer Experience
The national immigration debate largely focuses on how people enter the country. But in San Diego, officials are examining the process after immigrants arrive, and it's tapping the public for help. Terryn Mento of KPBS in San Diego reports on how the city is seeking input to help improve the immigration experience.
‘You’re Being A Blessing To These Mothers. Without Them, Where Would We Be?’
The music of mariachis can bring a grown man to tears. Especially when conjuring up thoughts of his mother. Mother’s Day serenades are popular in Mexico and in the Mexican-American culture. Musicians make the rounds door-to-door from dusk-to-dawn singing songs of love to mothers.
FRONTERAS EXTRA | Learning To Love Mariachi Music
Gino Rivera is director of Mariachi Azteca de America. Debra Torres is director of the all-female Mariachi Flor de Jalisco. Both live and work in San Antonio. They spoke to Fronteras about the time honored traditions of Mother’s Day serenatas.
Serenata para las Madres featuring Guadalajara native Steeven Sandoval, “La Voz del Mariachi,” at the Charlene McCombs Empire Theater. Steeven will be accompanied by Mariachi Azteca de America, directed by Gino Rivera. Fri. May 11, 7:30pm
Norma Martinez can be reached by email norma@tpr.org and on Twitter @NormDog1
