Texas
Abbott’s immigration rhetoric criticized again after interview response about shooting migrants
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During a radio interview last week, Gov. Greg Abbott said that Texas has used every tool to control the border short of ordering officers to shoot migrants crossing over illegally, once again drawing concerns about the potential impact of his rhetoric around immigration.
“The only thing that we’re not doing is we’re not shooting people who come across the border, because of course, the Biden administration would charge us with murder,” Abbott said during the Jan. 5 radio interview with Dana Loesch, a former editor at Breitbart News and spokesperson for the National Rifle Association.
His comment came after Loesch asked Abbott: “But for the people who don’t live in border states, explain the hierarchy and the process. Like what can be done like right up to the line, where maybe they would come and say, ‘Governor, you’re breaking the law, we got to arrest you for trying to enforce the law at the border.’ Like what is the maximum amount of pressure that you as governor can implement to protect the border?”
Abbott responded: “We are using every tool that can be used, from building a border wall to building these border barriers, to passing this law that I signed that led to another lawsuit by the Biden administration, where I signed a law making it illegal for somebody to enter Texas from another country. And they’re subject to arrest and subject to deportation.
“So, we are deploying every tool and strategy that we possibly can,” Abbott continued. “The only thing that we’re not doing is we’re not shooting people who come across the border, because of course, the Biden administration would charge us with murder.”
Abbott didn’t respond to emailed questions from The Texas Tribune on Thursday asking for clarification on the comment. Texas Democrats immediately raised alarm after the comment was shared on social media by Heartland Signal, a Chicago-based website tied to the WCPT radio station.
U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-El Paso, replied to the social media post, saying: “I can’t believe I have to say ‘murdering people is unacceptable.’ @GregAbbott_TX. It’s language like yours that left 23 people dead and 22 others injured in El Paso.”
Abbott has been previously criticized for his rhetoric on immigration. The day before 23 people died in a 2019 mass shooting in El Paso at the hands of a gunman who railed about a “Hispanic invasion” in a document published online, Abbott’s campaign sent out a two-page fundraising mailer that spoke in alarmist terms about the need to defend the border.
“The national Democrat machine has made no secret of the fact that it hopes to ‘turn Texas blue.’ If they can do it in California, they can do it in Texas — if we let them,” Abbott wrote in the fundraising appeal.
Though only U.S. citizens can vote, the governor signed off with another pointed warning: “Unless you and I want liberals to succeed in their plan to transform Texas — and our entire country — through illegal immigration, this is a message we MUST send.”
At the time, Abbott said that “mistakes were made,” and after meeting with El Paso lawmakers, he “emphasized the importance of making sure that rhetoric will not be used in any dangerous way.” But he has used that “invasion language” multiple times since the shooting, including in the interview with Loesch.
Last week’s comments came as concern continues to grow around the language Republican politicians are using when they discuss immigration. Former President Donald Trump said last month that immigrants were “poisoning the blood” of America, words that the Biden campaign pointed out were similar to language that Adolf Hitler used about Jews in his manifesto “Mein Kampf.” Trump later said he didn’t mean the words that way, and that he didn’t know Hitler had said that.
Any discussion of shooting migrants at the border is particularly sensitive after Michael Sheppard, a former warden of an immigration detention center, was accused of shooting at a group of 13 Mexican immigrants who had crossed the Texas-Mexico border through the desert. One migrant was killed and another was wounded in the shooting, which happened in September 2022 in Hudspeth County, east of El Paso.
Sheppard, along with his brother Mark, were released from jail on bond and each face charges of manslaughter and aggravated assault.
Abbott has been particularly aggressive in his approach to the border in recent years. He has deployed the Department of Public Safety and the National Guard to the region to boost security. And he recently obtained $1.5 billion from the Legislature to build more border barriers.
In December, he signed into law a bill that would make it a state crime to cross the border between a port of entry into Texas and allow police officers to arrest people they suspect crossed the border illegally.
Immigrant rights organizations, El Paso County and the U.S. Department of Justice have filed two separate lawsuits asking a judge to prevent the state from enforcing the new law, which is scheduled to take effect in March.
Abbott has said the state actions are necessary because the Biden administration is not doing enough to secure the border, noting that border crossings are on the rise in recent years.
Texas
Texas A&M Forest Service discusses expectations for 2024 wildfires
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – Texas A&M Forest Service is preparing for summer which could also mean an increase of wildfires.
Even with the recent rainfall Statewide Wildfire Prevention Coordinator Karen Stafford says it only takes a few hot and windy days to dry out the vegetation in Texas.
“While the rain is desperately needed to keep everything moist, it also is growing things. It’s growing more grasses, it’s making the the bushes and everything grow faster. When those fuels do have the day where they start drying out, that’s when our wildfire risk will start to increase.”
Texas A&M Forest Service also says nine out of ten wildfires in Texas are caused by humans which means they can be easily prevented if we are careful.
“Keep a water source nearby and never ever leave your fire unattended. With the hot summer months comes a lot of barbecuing and outdoor activities. If you are going to be cooking outdoors, just make sure you have a clear buffer created around your BBQ pit that can be safe. If you’re traveling along the roadways and towing a trailer, make sure those tow chains are securely fastened and not dragging on the roadways because that can create a spark. f those sparks land in the grass on the side of the road, that can also ignite a grass fire,” says Stafford.
Click here to learn more about the work Texas A&M Forest Service does with wildfires and disasters across the state.
Copyright 2024 KBTX. All rights reserved.
Texas
Texas mayor starts charity to help Christians suffering attacks in Nigeria
Nigeria continues to face anti-Christian violence that began nearly a decade ago in Africa’s most populous country.
Open Doors UK says Christians in Nigeria continue to be terrorized with devastating impunity by Islamic militants and armed “bandits” – particularly in the north and central regions of the country.
Nigeria has around 230 million people, almost evenly divided by Christians and Muslims.
Open Doors UK says more Christians are killed for their faith in Nigeria each year than everywhere else in the world combined, and notes men and boys are often specifically targeted, with women and girls often abduction and sexually assaulted.
Most of the attacks against Christians come from Boko Haram – an Islamist militant group in the predominantly Muslim north of the country – and Islamic Fulani militants primarily located in the middle of the country, which is more mixed between Christians and Muslims.
Mike Arnold, the mayor of the Texas city of Blanco, visits Nigeria quite often, supporting the Christian communities in the African nation.
Currently, there are over 2.2 million internally displaced persons (IDP’s) in the country fleeing anti-Christian attacks.
Arnold just recently returned from a visit to Nigeria, where he has established the Africa Arise charity to support the education of the internally displaced children.
“From my experience and observation, most IDPs are women and children, widows and orphans. Literally countless numbers of these live in abject squalor due to no fault of their own. Many are highly educated and qualified professionals but are stuck in impoverished camps with seemingly no way out,” the Texas mayor told Crux.
“Incredibly, the children who live as IDPs today are the lucky ones, who escaped massacre, sex slavery and the harsh elements to survive. These are divided into two primary groups, those who were made orphans by Boko Haram and saw their parents brutally slaughtered, and now a multitude who were born and are growing up displaced,” Arnold said.
2Many know nothing about this world other than the sub-human encampments they were born into. Yet everywhere I visit with IDPs in Nigeria, I find them to be faithful, bright, hopeful, and dedicated to doing their part to make things better,” he added.
What follows is the full interview by Crux with Arnold.
Crux: Can you tell us something about the displaced Christians in Nigeria?
Arnold: Nigeria’s internal displacement crisis began in 2013 with the genocidal onslaught of Boko Haram, and it persists to this day due to regional unrest which drives the ongoing massacre and displace primarily of Christians.
Estimates from international organizations say today there are anywhere from 3-5 million IDPs [Internally Displaced Persons] in Nigeria. Some informed observers say it could be two or three times that. From first-hand experience, I know of numerous camps whose existence is denied by the government, so I tend to think the larger estimates are more accurate.
Only a fraction live in formal, recognized camps. (Many refuse invitations to these camps because they believe they will be required to convert to Islam to eventually leave them.) Nobody knows for sure the number of informal encampments that are scattered all over the country. Many live as homeless, and others are taken in by family, or churches. Some eventually find footing to start a new life, while for the majority mere survival is all they can achieve.
From my experience and observation, most IDPs are women and children, widows and orphans. Literally countless numbers of these live in abject squalor due to no fault of their own. Many are highly educated and qualified professionals but are stuck in impoverished camps with seemingly no way out.
Incredibly, the children who live as IDPs today are the lucky ones, who escaped massacre, sex slavery and the harsh elements to survive. These are divided into two primary groups, those who were made orphans by Boko Haram and saw their parents brutally slaughtered, and now a multitude who were born and are growing up displaced. Many know nothing about this world other than the sub-human encampments they were born into.
Yet everywhere I visit with IDPs in Nigeria, I find them to be faithful, bright, hopeful, and dedicated to doing their part to make things better.
Which areas are most affected?
Boko Haram and the continued unrest are centered in the far North and Northeast regions of Nigeria, which have been under Sharia law for nearly a thousand years.
That said, the IDP crisis affects the entire nation. IDP camps, informal encampments, and homeless are all over the country. The drain on resources is felt by all. The economy is hurt by the removal from the labor force of such a number of capable people. And in the big picture, this ongoing injustice undermines the peace, unity and spiritual environment of everyone in Nigeria.
Why should Americans particularly care about what is going on there? And do you think the U.S. government could do more to help?
Americans should care for a number of reasons.
Practically speaking, most don’t know that Nigerian Americans are the wealthiest and best educated segment of our population. By and large, Nigerian people are bright, entrepreneurial, faithful and uphold the highest values and integrity. Nigeria is the sixth largest nation on earth by population, the largest economy in Africa, and contains nearly a quarter of the population of the entire continent. It is one of the top 5 nations in OPEC, rich with natural resources of all kinds. They have great potential to rise in global prominence, and this is a good thing.
Spiritually, Nigerian Christians have unashamedly and without wavering held the line on upholding traditional, Biblical theology. In the face of unimaginable hardship, they live a life of vibrant, sincere Christian faith. They are an example and inspiration.
Culturally, we’re not so different. English is the official language of the nation. I’ve found Nigerians of all ages easy to communicate with and relate to personally.
Nigeria is around half Christian – but there are many denominations. Is the current anti-Christian violence help bring Christians together?
In a practical sense, yes, I find Nigerian Christians united across denominations unified in their practice of true and pure religion, which is selfless service to humanity. In the field, as we serve together, pray together, and worship together, nobody ever bothers asking what church you go to. We who are many form one Body as we focus on Christ and the work He called us to.
And yes, those in threatened communities, and living displaced, seem to have put aside all denominations and nuanced theological disputes, as they are pressed together by shared tribulation.
Years ago, under selfless leadership, including a term by John Cardinal Onaiyekan, the Christian Association of Nigeria was a broad-based and influential group. Unfortunately, it has drifted into being largely irrelevant due to political infighting and perhaps misguided motivations.
You are a Texan, but have been involved in Nigeria for years – what initially brought you there, and why do you keep going back?
In 2010, a good friend of mine was invited to keynote a large, 20th annual international ministry leadership conference in Nigeria, organized by the inter-denominational group Unity for Africa. My friend invited me along as a traveling companion… and then, at the last minute he had to back out! The organizers were stuck, and I was unexpectedly thrust into that position. Something must have clicked, because they invited me back to do it again the next year, and I was eager to return.
Through that, I was blessed to be closely mentored for several years by an amazing man of God, the late Prof. John Ofoegbu, the founder of Unity for Africa. We lived in the same hometown in the U.S. and traveled Nigeria together extensively till his untimely passing.
He helped me discover a deep spiritual connection to the nation and its people, and a compelling vision of its potential to advance the Kingdom of God. I believe that what man has long called the Dark Continent, God is bringing forth as the Continent of Light in this generation. I often beg them to send missionaries to us!
There are times I feel more at home there than I do here. At first I felt sorry for them because of what they lack that we take for granted. Things like stable electricity, orderly traffic, air conditioning, drinkable tap water, public sanitation, and such. But after awhile, that sentiment has shifted 180 degrees. Now I feel sorry for us, for things we lack but they take for granted. Like family, integrity, faith-centered life, hard work, honor. To me, these are what matter most in a community, and I at home when I’m surrounded by people like that.
Ultimately, I keep going back because I feel called by God to do so. I believe God has a bright future in store for Nigeria, and I want to be part of what He is doing. He has gripped me with a vision and passion for these people and their amazing potential. My dearest, deepest friends in the world are in Nigeria, as are the people I most admire and respect. And God has given me access and favor at the highest levels there, as I’ve pursued my calling.
Can you tell us more about the Africa Arise charity?
Africa Arise is comprised of a 501c3 charity in the U.S., with a sister entity in Nigeria. It was founded in 2019 by me and my covenant brother Pastor Jed D’Grace in Abuja, Nigeria. We started out primarily focused on evangelism and leadership development, until a series of unexpected events led us to discover the New Kuchingoro IDP camp, right in the nation’s capital.
The people in this camp were displaced by the Gwoza Massacre, nearly 500 miles away in far Northeast Nigeria, surviving horrific trauma and hardship. For dark political reasons, the camp itself is officially denied by their government as well as the UN. The IDPs, including numerous college graduates, are forced to live in shanties they built themselves, with no sanitation, water, electricity, or any formal of support.
When I asked a woman in camp how we could help, she didn’t ask for food, water, money, housing, healthcare, or anything else they obviously lack. Instead, she asked us to help teach the children of the camp. She said with an education, they will have strength of character, vision for the future, and a path out of the camp.
In the summer of 2020, we founded the Arise Academy to serve youth stuck in IDP camps, starting in the Abuja area. Today we employ 15 full-time teachers and provide a free, high-quality education to some 520 IDP children. We have schools running in two camps, have broken ground for a school in a new camp. We are able to do this through donations from individuals, civic organizations, and church mission boards.
We have identified numerous other camps in the area which need schools, and know there are countless more around the country. We aim to keep growing to meet the needs until all Nigeria IDPs are able to go home in peace.
Presently we are working on a documentary film of the highest caliber, to bring this story to the world’s attention. We have launched an online petition at www.change.org/idpjustice, and are engaging top Nigerian Christian influencers to spread the word. Also, we are working with the dean of Nigerian Gospel music, Panam Percy Paul, and others to produce a series of large, music-based outreach events across Nigeria this fall, to raise awareness and funds for IDP restoration.
Follow Charles Collins on X: @CharlesinRome
Texas
See how Scottie Scheffler, other golfers with North Texas ties fared in PGA Championship
Scottie Scheffler finally found some normalcy as a wild weekend came to a close.
The Highland Park product had one of the PGA Championship’s best Round 4 outings Sunday, securing a top-10 finish at Valhalla Golf Club. This comes after an early-morning arrest for Scheffler on Friday, and a record-halting over-par finish on Saturday.
Here’s a look at how Bryson DeChambeau, Scheffler and other golfers with area ties fared at this year’s PGA Championship:
Bryson DeChambeau
The SMU product was consistent throughout the weekend and nearly had an opportunity to grab his second major victory. A seven-under outing in Round 4 had DeChambeau in a momentary tie with Schauffele at the top of the leaderboard.
Instead of forcing a three-hole playoff, Schauffele pulled away with a smooth birdie putt on No. 18. DeChambeau finished the event at 20-under, giving himself a key performance to build off for the rest of the season.
Scottie Scheffler
In typical Scheffler fashion, the world’s No. 1 golfer looked impressive to close out a major performance. He finished his fourth round at 6-under, tying with eventual winner Xander Schauffele for second-best outing of the day.
After a bogey on No. 1, Scheffler bounced back and maintained a clean scorecard. He posted seven birdies Sunday, bringing his total score to 13-under. Scheffler tied for eighth with Justin Thomas and Robert MacIntyre.
Tom Hoge
The former TCU golfer narrowly missed out on a top-10 finish, closing out his performance at 10-under to tie for 23rd. Only three shots separated Hoge from MacIntyre at eighth.
Hoge rebounded from a slow, 2-over Round 2 showing that pushed him down the leaderboard. His Day 4 outing was impressive, featuring five birdies to just one bogey.
Tom Kim
Kim, a Dallas resident, tied for 26th at 9-under. He had a relatively quiet Day 4, finishing his final round at 1-under.
Kim posted three bogeys on the event’s final day while recording four birdies.
Will Zalatoris and Jordan Spieth
There wasn’t a ton of separation on the leaderboard between Plano’s Zalatoris and Dallas’ Spieth. Both golfers tied for 43rd and 6-under for the event.
Spieth lost some steam on the PGA Championship’s final day, finishing Round 4 at 2-over. He was doomed by bogeys on Nos. 9, 11, 13 and 14.
On the other hand, Zalatoris struggled to find momentum-boosting shots throughout the tournament. He finished his final round at 1-under, recording four birdies and three bogeys.
What’s next?
Many notable names will make their way to Fort Worth’s Colonial Country Club next weekend for the Charles Schwab Challenge.
Scheffler and Spieth are among the golfers committed to this year’s North Texas-based tournament. Scheffler tied for third last year behind winner Emiliano Grillo, who will look to defend his title while competing for a $9.1 million purse. This year’s champion of the Charles Schwab Challenge will pocket $1,566,000, a fully restored and modernized 1975 Schwab Stingray.
Find more golf coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
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