DHS tightens vaccination requirements for travelers at border crossings

WASHINGTON - The Department of Homeland Security began requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination over the weekend for essential as well as nonessential travel across the U.S.-Mexico border.


Mayors say immigration reform needed, but politics likely to prevent it

WASHINGTON - Mayors of Tucson and Mesa agreed Wednesday that immigration reform is needed to address the current situation at the border, but they are not confident it can get done in the current fractured political climate.


South Central Mercado a creative hub of local businesses

The South Central Mercado was established in October of 2019 by Cecilia Rivera, Sam Gomez and Joe Munoz. The pop-up market gives small businesses, artists and entrepreneurs a space to create business plans and sell their goods.


Door-to-door campaign helps Guadalupe turn the tide against COVID

GUADALUPE – With the help of Town Council members, tribal leaders, and health care organizations, tiny Guadalupe is driving down COVID-19 cases.


Audit shows Border Patrol hampered by outdated technology, flawed evaluation of new equipment

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has received more than $743 million since 2017 for upgrades in border technology, but it has only bought 28% of the equipment needed to modernize systems that thwart the flow of illegal goods.


CBP agents in Nogales rely on technology in race against Mexican drug cartels

NOGALES – More than 9% of the drugs that entered the U.S. in fiscal year 2021 came over the border in Arizona, U.S. Customs and Border Protection data says. CBP has technology to help seize drugs, but agents say cartels are steps ahead.


Corridos tumbados bring modern, urban edge to traditional musical style

The new Southern California style of storytelling known as trap or 'hood corridos' offers a grittier style of storytelling than traditional Mexican corridors.


Despite football’s popularity among Hispanic Americans, participation rates remain low

PHOENIX – Over 30 million Hispanic Americans consider themselves NFL fans. Despite the numbers, that fails to translate to participation in the sport at all levels.


Tucson chief approved – barely – to lead Customs and Border Protection

The Senate voted by a slim margin this week to make Tucson Police Chief Ron Magnus commissioner of Customs and Border Protection, confirming his appointment almost eight months after his nomination by President Joe Biden.


Neither side thrilled with immigration reforms in Build Back Better bill

WASHINGTON - Buried in the $1.9 trillion Build Back Better Plan is $100 billion for immigration reform, money that critics say has no business being in the bill and that migration advocates say does not go nearly far enough.


‘Remain in Mexico’ migrant policy resumes, even as feds vow to end it

WASHINGTON - The Trump-era "remain in Mexico" policy will resume Monday, after the Mexican government agreed to accept migrants who are turned away at the border and forced to wait in Mexico for their hearing.


Nonprofits, business groups help Latino-owned businesses hit hard by pandemic

PHOENIX – Salvadoreño Restaurant No. 3, like other Hispanic-owned restaurants, endured many hardships during the pandemic. Yesenia Ramirez, co-owner of the restaurant, says they had to “respond to change immediately.”