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Border pitfalls: Teen misses graduation after El Paso smuggling pursuit arrest

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Border pitfalls: Teen misses graduation after El Paso smuggling pursuit arrest


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Instead of attending his high school graduation ceremony, an El Paso-area teenager was in jail after being arrested in a migrant smuggling high-speed chase on the West Side, court officials said.

The Operation Lone Star case is among the continuing risks young people face getting involved in border migrant smuggling vehicle pursuits on El Paso’s streets.

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Heat wave in the Borderland: El Paso Border Patrol reports 4 migrant heat deaths over weekend

Jabin Encinas, 17, is accused of leading Texas state troopers on an 80 mph chase through residential streets in a Chevrolet Silverado transporting undocumented migrants, Assistant District Attorney John Briggs said at a teleconference bond hearing on Sunday, June. 2.

Encinas, of Socorro, was booked into the El Paso County Jail on Friday, May 31, on charges of smuggling of persons with a firearm, unlawful carrying of a weapon and evading arrest in a vehicle. He was released on a surety bond on Tuesday.

Under Texas law, persons 17 and older are considered adults in the criminal justice system.

Teen smuggler suspect misses high school graduation

Encinas has no prior criminal record, had completed high school and was supposed to have taken part in his graduation ceremony last Saturday, public defense attorney Richard “Rick” Huffman said at the bond hearing. The name of the high school was not disclosed.

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Huffman added that Encinas, who lives with his mother and grandmother, plans to study mechanical engineering and is enrolled to start soon at the University of Texas at El Paso.

“I spoke to his mom. His mom was really surprised by this. This is way out of character, judge,” Huffman told Magistrate Judge Ruben Nuñez at the hearing while seeking to have the bond amounts reduced.

West El Paso migrant smuggler pursuit

The incident started in the border smuggling hot zone near Santa Teresa, New Mexico, just west of El Paso.

Texas Department of Public Safety troopers monitoring U.S. Border Patrol radio transmissions learned that a group of migrants had climbed over the border wall in New Mexico and were heading to a known smuggler pick-up spot, Briggs said at the hearing.

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The migrants got into a Chevrolet Silverado, which a trooper found on Artcraft Road after it crossed the state line into Texas, the prosecutor said. The trooper attempted to pull over the truck because a brake light was out and registration expired in 2022.

The pursuit began when the driver of the Silverado refused to stop and traveled up Artcraft Road across Interstate 10 past a Walmart store into a neighborhood, Briggs said.

In the neighborhood, the truck momentarily stopped as three men and a woman exited and ran off before the driver continued, going 80 mph through residential streets and running red lights, almost causing several accidents before eventually stopping, the prosecutor said.

Law enforcement: The life and legacy of ‘Don Chuy.’ Undercover El Paso Border Patrol agent mourned

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Troopers found a loaded .40-caliber Glock 23 handgun in the truck’s center console — which made the human smuggling charge more serious because it involved a firearm, Briggs, the prosecutor, said.

One of the persons arrested after running from the truck was an undocumented Mexican citizen, who was allegedly the “guide” for other migrants who led them on foot over the border, the prosecution said.

‘Placed a lot of people in danger’

Encinas, who is accused of being the driver, was arrested on charges of smuggling of persons with a firearm, unlawful carrying of a weapon and evading arrest in a vehicle. He was booked into the El Paso County Jail in Downtown.

Pursuits: PIT maneuver used by state troopers leads to fatal wreck in El Paso Upper Valley

Bonds were set at:

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  • $50,000 for the smuggling case
  • $40,000 for evading arrest in a vehicle
  • $10,000 for unlawful carrying of a weapon

Huffman, the public defender, argued that the young man didn’t have a criminal record and the bonds were too high for his mother to pay. Nuñez, the judge, refused to lower the bond amount.

“Mr. Encinas, I’m not going to lower your bond,” Nuñez told him. “What it is alleged that you did placed a lot of people in danger — not just you, the people that were in the vehicle, law enforcement officers that were chasing you, but more importantly, the citizens of this community.”

Jail records show Encinas was released Tuesday on a surety bond.

Smuggler groups hiring drivers in El Paso

The pursuit last week is part of a continuing pattern of Texas DPS vehicle chases of migrant smugglers on the El Paso border.

Migrant trafficking — with its associated crimes of smuggling, kidnapping and extortion — is now as profitable as drugs for Mexican cartels on the border, Chihuahua state law enforcement officials have said.

More: El Paso high school student arrested in smuggling case after migrant falls from overpass

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In the lower rungs of the smuggling organizations are the “load drivers” on the U.S. side who are hired to pick up and transport migrants after they illegally cross the border.

Generally, the drivers take the migrant “load” to a meeting spot, where someone else then transports them to a stash house, where they stay before their journey continues to other U.S. cities. Drivers are ordered not to stop for police.

Operation Lone Star made at least 33 arrests for human smuggling in the El Paso region from April 19 to May 16, according to a Texas DPS West Texas Region post on X. Those arrested were men ranging in age from 18 to 65 years old.

Border migrant smuggling: Payments and pitfalls

A quick look back at migrant smuggling cases in the El Paso Times in recent years shows drivers were to be paid from $50 to $1,000 per person — most payments appeared to be about $200 to $350 per migrant.

Teenagers and young people are being recruited by smugglers with risk-filled promises of easy cash on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and other social media, Texas DPS spokesman Sgt. Eliot Torres said in an email.

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Some of those smuggler runs ended in fatal crashes and, in at least one case, a teen driver faces a murder charge set for trial next year after a Mexican migrant died in a crash while fleeing a trooper on North Mesa Street last year.

Texas DPS gives school presentations on “the dangers of human smuggling and the pitfalls that our youth go through due to recruitment to smuggle humans,” Torres said.

“Our advice is the same with any crime,” Torres said. “You get paid what you think is a lot of money to transport humans. In reality, you’re paid just a small fee that can ruin the rest of your life.”



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Texas maintenance workers poisoned by fentanyl-laced flyer outside library

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Texas maintenance workers poisoned by fentanyl-laced flyer outside library


Two workers fell ill after being handed a fentanyl-laced flyer outside of a Texas library, according to authorities.

The pair of Montgomery County workers told police they were approached around 2:25 p.m. Tuesday by a woman in the parking lot of RB Tullis Library in New Caney who handed them a damp, pink-tinted flyer, Precinct 4 Constable Rowdy Hayden said in a statement.

Two workers fell ill after being handed a damp, pink-tinted flyer with what appeared to be a religious message. Montgomery County Constable, Pct. 4

About 30 minutes later, the employees began feeling shaky, dizzy, and experienced hot flashes, cops said.

After bringing the suspicious paper to the constable’s office, an evidence technician tested it and confirmed the presence of fentanyl, police added.

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The letter appeared to contain a typed religious message, according to photos released by police.

Authorities urged residents to proceed with caution if offered any sketchy items.

“We urge everyone to exercise caution and avoid accepting items from unknown individuals in public settings. If you see something suspicious, please report it immediately,” the office said.


Fentanyl Citrate in a vial, ampule, patch, blue pills, and powder.
After bringing the suspicious paper to the constable’s office, an evidence technician tested it and confirmed the presence of fentanyl. Sherry Young – stock.adobe.com

Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, can be lethal even in minuscule doses.

Retired Houston police officer Mark Stephens told ABC13 that the tainted flyer case is an example of how dangerous accidental exposure to the potent drug can be.

“You can’t just trust anyone anymore, especially when it comes to fentanyl,” Stephens told the outlet.

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“It’s a deadly drug that can get into your system just by touch. I’ve seen officers go unconscious because the wind blew and they inhaled the powder. It’s a deadly, deadly drug,” he added.

The condition of two employees, who were identified to the outlet as maintenance workers, is not immediately clear.

The incident remains under investigation.



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College football Week 10 streaming guide: Vanderbilt-Texas, ‘GameDay’ in Utah, chaos awaits

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College football Week 10 streaming guide: Vanderbilt-Texas, ‘GameDay’ in Utah, chaos awaits


Another upside-down weekend for a shaken-up FBS season. Vanderbilt’s quarterback is drawing Heisman hype. Utah’s campus hosts “College GameDay.” Power conference coaches are getting midseason pink slips as the sport’s intelligentsia tries to model Indiana’s sideline. When the going gets weird, the weird get … into shotgun with Trinidad Chambliss.

This weekend has entertainment value and chaos potential on its horizon. Both befit the unhinged trip that is 2025. Come Saturday, Diego Pavia’s Commodores are the main attractions at Texas Memorial Stadium, while Georgia has a marshy trap game within the Gainesville swamp. Nos. 1 and 2 are both active in the Big Ten slate. Two rising ACC programs go on the road to risk undefeated conference records. There’s a possible “Mr. November” lacing up from Berkeley to Denton.

Week 10 lines up games from Tuesday through Saturday. As we’ve done all season, we’re sorting the broadcast windows by headliner status (“best on paper”), weirdness in the air (“chaos potential”) and low-key appeal (“sleeper pick”).

All times ET, and all odds via BetMGM.

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Week 10 viewing guide

Watching in person? Get tickets on StubHub.

Game Time (ET) TV Stream

Tulane at UTSA

7:30 p.m., Thurs.

ESPN

Memphis at Rice

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7 p.m., Fri.

ESPN2

Vanderbilt at Texas

Noon, Sat.

ABC

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Penn St. at Ohio St.

Noon, Sat.

Fox

Navy at North Texas

Noon, Sat.

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ESPN2

Georgia at Florida

3:30 p.m., Sat.

ABC

Virginia at Cal

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3:45 p.m., Sat.

ESPN2

Mississippi St. at Arkansas

4 p.m., Sat.

SECN

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South Carolina at Ole Miss

7 p.m., Sat.

ESPN

Oklahoma at Tennessee

7:30 p.m., Sat.

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ABC

Cincinnati at Utah

10:15 p.m., Sat.

ESPN

ABC and Fox are free over the air. Fox also streams on Fox One. All ESPN network content, including ABC and SECN telecasts, is available on ESPN Unlimited.

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Thursday

The light stretching: Tulane at UTSA, 7:30 p.m. on ESPN

According to The Athletic’s College Football Playoff projections, Tulane has boosted its postseason tournament chances up to 36 percent. There is no room for slippage in the American Athletic Conference, especially with Navy’s unbeaten mark and Memphis’ national profile. More on that below. We’d expect to see Jon Sumrall’s 6-1 Green Wave comfortably favored versus the 3-4 Roadrunners. Nothing makes sense this year, though, so the spread has shed down to just -3.5 as of Monday. There’s a reason to hop inside the Alamodome on Thursday. And wait … could it be? … yup, another McCown quarterbacking in a remote corner of the football multiverse. Let’s put our hands together for UTSA’s Owen, son of Josh, who has 13 touchdowns to four interceptions in seven games.

Friday

The warmup: No. 25 Memphis at Rice, 7 p.m. on ESPN2

After waiting for the Wave to crest Thursday night, 7-1 Memphis will take a different Texas field in a similar trap spot. Senior QB Brendon Lewis was born upstate in Melissa. He can show out under Friday night lights, before his Tigers host a decisive Tulane tilt next week. The Athletic’s CFP model has Memphis at 7 percent odds of crashing the bracket.

We’re not deprived enough to recommend North Carolina at Syracuse (7:30 p.m. on ESPN). But it is Halloween night, and Bill Belichick keeps finding cursed ways to take uniquely-tailored Ls. Something eerie probably awaits those brave enough to watch.


Saturday, early window

Best on paper: No. 9 Vanderbilt at No. 20 Texas, noon on ABC

On paper” are the operative words here. Paper can be awesome — sometimes it has kind words written by a close friend, or for the real sentimentalists, a section and row assignment for the Longhorns game. But paper also rips.

Texas quarterback Arch Manning didn’t practice Monday, after taking a tough hit in last weekend’s Mississippi State comeback. His absence would spoil the cool draw of a promised sensation in Manning versus a distant vision actualized in Pavia. Vanderbilt, unaccustomed to being here, has its best AP ranking since 1937. Texas, worlds away from preseason No. 1 props, at least has its talent-rich, burnt-orange defense (10th in points allowed per game thanks to LB Anthony Hill Jr. and CB Malik Muhammad). Pavia has a deceptively tough matchup. These are the storms that one Texas superfan tried to chase down. If Manning can’t suit up, Matthew Caldwell will get the nod. He audibled into the game-winning fade throw on Saturday.

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Best potential chaos agent: Penn State at No. 1 Ohio State, noon on Fox

How did we arrive at this call? The ultra-scientific method of wondering, “What’s the most deranged thing that could happen in this nonsensical season?” This was supposed to be a Big Ten title game preview, or heck, a possible national title game preview. Instead, Penn State is going for its first conference win — the Nittany Lions lost to UCLA after it fired its coach and to Northwestern despite it still being Northwestern.

Fine, a sliver of real analysis on how this could get close. In recent years, Penn State has turned OSU week into a ceremonial rock fight, and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles was with the Buckeyes for their 2024 championship run. He knows Ryan Day’s tendencies and preferred game scripts. That’s about all we can put forth in good faith. Jeremiah Smith had 97 yards against Wisconsin last outing, but he’s still seeking his first triple-digit day in conference play.

Sleeper pick: Navy at North Texas, noon on ESPN2

Can we interest you in some points? So many points, the kind of feast that requires a tucked-in napkin and loose-fitting jeans. North Texas leads the nation in scoring, averaging more than 46 points so far. It airs out behind Drew Mestemaker, who starts the week at No. 6 in passing yards per game. Navy hits the scoring potluck with more than 37 points per outing. It paces the nation on the ground with its usual religious devotion to funny formations (the “flexbone” these days). We’ve got 7-0 versus 7-1, a meaningful game for a fun American Conference campaign.


Saturday, afternoon window

Best on paper: No. 5 Georgia at Florida, 3:30 p.m. on ABC

The Okefenokee Oar is brought into the jaguar den. Per usual, Georgia and Florida split the difference by meeting in Jacksonville. One of college football’s fiercest series (and top tailgates) gets renewed. Admittedly, the Bulldogs have owned this of late with four consecutive wins, and coach Kirby Smart is 7-2 against the Gators since his 2016 takeover. At least Florida has a serviceable defense, one that should test Georgia’s Gunner Stockton (10 TD, 1 INT, sixth in Heisman odds). Maybe it’s coasting a bit on legacy, but this rivalry gets main billing for the afternoon audience.

Best potential chaos agent: No. 15 Virginia at Cal, 3:45 p.m. on ESPN2

This is UVA’s highest ranking since 2004. The Cavs now have to hold it on a long flight over to California. Saturday marks the very first head-to-head between these two programs. Also consider the Cavs’ last three finishes: won by 1 (UNC), won by 2 (Washington State), won by 3 (Louisville). Let’s get weird. Chandler Morris is grinding toward campus legend, even if this is his fourth school stopover (Oklahoma, TCU and North Texas). Golden Bears running back Kendrick Raphael is a high-volume lead option, and good things are happening with California Kendricks right now.

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Sleeper pick: Mississippi State at Arkansas, 4 p.m. on SEC Network

Two sides with a combined 0-8 conference record? Rock with us for a second. Oddsmakers have set a total of 67.5 points, which is either low-stakes cool or much-needed comic relief. Mississippi State is coming off the 45-38 overtime thriller with Texas, and it took Tennessee to an OT ending four weeks ago. Arkansas gave Texas A&M a jump scare in Week 8 (45-42), and it also lost to Tennessee by a field goal. There’s not much to lose down in Fayetteville.


Saturday, evening window

Best on paper: No. 18 Oklahoma at No. 14 Tennessee, 7:30 p.m. on ABC

This should be a blast for all unaffiliated viewers: Tennessee is a three-point home favorite, which indicates a near-even pairing, and Bill Connelly’s SP+ model has the Sooners winning with a 28-27 final score. The Vols have a blow-by gadget in Chris Brazzell II (four grabs for 138 yards last Saturday) and a chance-taker in Joey Aguilar (fourth in the nation at 2,344 passing yards). Sooner counterpart John Mateer has not looked right since injuring his hand in late September, but he will face an inconsistent secondary and can rely on a strident defense. Oklahoma is fifth in scoring defense, and edge flexer R. Mason Thomas has 5.5 sacks in his prior five games. We’re rooting for a close and compelling finish, which basically makes us Rob Lowe in the NFL shield hat, but whatever.

Best potential chaos agent: South Carolina at No. 7 Ole Miss, 7 p.m. on ESPN

Like Vanderbilt-Texas, this is about an unusual and poetic quarterback duel. Trinidad Chambliss was playing in Division II last fall. The reluctant transfer has become college football’s overachieving inspiration of 2025, running through the SEC with a smile. His Rebels are riding high, but no one is safe in this year’s chaos vortex. On the other sideline, LaNorris Sellers entered the season with Heisman chances and top-line hype, only to lose five of his first eight starts. There’s ample room for improvement in his decision-making, but Sellers does have the frame and size to ball out once everything clicks. South Carolina led Alabama last Saturday before it allowed a fourth-quarter Tide rally.

The Lane Kiffin-LSU rumors are rustling already, because of course they are.

“Sleeper” pick: No. 17 Cincinnati at No. 24 Utah, 10:15 on ESPN

A “sleeper” in name only because of its late start, this game kicks off more than two hours after the rest of the evening window. The only slot behind it is the insomniac’s Hawaii action. And just saying, that Hawaii-San José State has its own Mountain West chaos energy.

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Still, this matchup itself is fantastic. That’s why “College GameDay” is coming to Salt Lake City. Utah quarterback Devon Dampier missed his team’s Week 9 win over Colorado (53-7, sheesh) due to an ankle issue. In his place, Byrd Ficklin cruised to 140 passing yards, 151 rushing yards and three total scores.

On the other side, DE John Henry Daley enters with 9.5 sacks, with at least half a sack in every Utes game thus far. He’s a 6-foot-4 game-wrecker who somehow had just one sack in his first two collegiate seasons, and he leads all FBS defenders with 13.5 tackles for loss. Daley has to chase down Brendan Sorsby, who has looked eminently cozy at a 20:1 TD-INT rate. The Bearcats lost a three-point teeth-grinder to Nebraska at Arrowhead Stadium, and have since ripped off seven straight Ws. Cinci is tied with BYU atop the Big 12, and the Cougars have a bye this weekend.

It should be a worthwhile watch, so long as your caffeine intake of choice is available.

Updated Week 10 college football odds


Streaming and ticketing links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic. Restrictions may apply. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.



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Fall cold front brings high wildfire threat to Austin

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Fall cold front brings high wildfire threat to Austin


Because of gusty winds and low humidity expected behind a cold front blasting through Texas on Tuesday, a fire weather watch is in effect for Wednesday across most of Central Texas and it could be upgraded to a red flag warning if conditions worsen, the National Weather Service said. 

The strong cold front that is moving through Central Texas on Tuesday will bring a quick shift in winds and usher in much cooler, seasonable temperatures for the rest of the week.

Although the front will pass through mostly dry, aside from a few spotty showers north and east of Austin, it will be easy to tell when the front arrives because wind will quickly shift to the north and become quite blustery, with some gusts reaching 35 to 40 mph, close to triggering wind advisories from the weather service.

Despite the weekend rainfall, Central Texas soil remains dry, with Austin cumulative rainfall for the year still running about five inches below normal. 

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Unfortunately, the air behind this front will be even drier, setting the stage for critical fire weather conditions. Gusty north to northwest winds and low humidity values between 15% and 25% will create an increased risk of rapid wildfire spread and an elevated fire danger through midweek.

Currently, 146 counties across Texas are under burn bans, including all counties in Central Texas and the Hill Country.

In Travis County, the burn ban means that all outdoor burning is prohibited, including:

Practicing wildfire safety will be key over the next several days and Texans need to remain vigilant and report any signs of smoke or fire immediately. 

•    Avoid outdoor burning or welding when winds are strong. Sparks can easily ignite dry grass and brush.
•    Properly dispose of cigarettes, never throw them out of a vehicle window.
•    Park vehicles on paved or gravel surfaces, not on dry grass, as hot exhaust systems can ignite fires.
•    Secure trailer chains to prevent them from dragging and creating sparks on roadways.
•    Keep a defensible space around your home by clearing away dry leaves, brush, and debris within at least 30 feet of structures.
•    Have an emergency plan and know multiple evacuation routes in case wildfire threatens your area.

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