<p>A court granted Texas Governor Greg Abbott's request to exclude Adrian Cortez's expert witness evidence, giving him a victory in his fight to maintain floating buoys in the Rio Grande River to deter migrant crossings.</p>

<p>The International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) staffer Cortez had testified in the case, but Abbott's legal team contested his right to do so.</p>

<p>The request was granted by Magistrate Judge Dustin Howell, who also barred Cortez "from offering expert testimony in this matter."</p>

<p>Regarding how to manage illegal immigration across the Texas–Mexico border, Abbott and the Biden administration have frequently disagreed. Large floating buoys divided by metal sheets that resemble circular saws have been placed in the Rio Grande as part of Operation Lone Star to prevent river crossings.</p>

<p>The federal government sued the Texan authorities in July 2023, claiming that the buoys violated the Rivers and Harbors Appropriations Act of 1899 by obstructing a navigable canal. The State of Texas is contesting this, arguing that the buoys were placed at a spot where the Rio Grande is not navigable.</p>

<p>Cortez, who works for the US branch of the IBWC, was one of the hundreds of experts called upon by the government to testify in support of its argument about water flows from Amistad Dam.</p>

<p>Abbott reacted strongly to the Supreme Court's January decision that allowed federal officials to dismantle razor wire from the border, claiming his state was being invaded.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wikileaks-founder-julian-assanges-plane-lands-in-canberra-735288">Video: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's plane lands in Canberra; Australia PM lauds US, UK</a></strong></p>

<p>Judge Howell approved Abbott's motion in his Tuesday-filed ruling, barring Cortez "from offering expert testimony in this matter."</p>

<p>Cortez was supposed to provide proof that would have refuted the federal government's argument that installing floating buoys at the Rio Grande's navigable point violated the Rivers and Harbors Appropriations Act.</p>

<p>The federal government "cannot meet its burden of showing by a preponderance of the evidence that Cortez has relevant and reliable opinions about the decision factors and procedures for water releases from Amistad Dam," according to a court filing from Abbott's legal team.</p>

<p>"Cortez is a fact witness and admitted that he has no expert opinions in this case about the decision factors for water releases from Amistad Dam," Abbott's legal team added.</p>

<p>"Plaintiff cannot meet its burden of showing by a preponderance of the evidence that Cortez has relevant and reliable opinions because, by Cortez's admission, he is either not an expert or has no expert opinions on the topics for which he was identified as an expert witness," Abbott's team concluded.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A court granted Texas Governor Greg Abbott's request to exclude Adrian Cortez's expert witness evidence, giving him a victory in his fight to maintain floating buoys in the Rio Grande River to deter migrant crossings.

A court granted Texas Governor Greg Abbott's request to exclude Adrian Cortez's expert witness evidence, giving him a victory in his fight to maintain floating buoys in the Rio Grande River to deter migrant crossings. The International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) staffer Cortez had testified in the case, but Abbott's legal team contested his right to do so. The request was granted by Magistrate Judge Dustin Howell, who also barred Cortez "from offering expert testimony in this matter." Regarding how to manage illegal immigration across the Texas–Mexico border, Abbott and the Biden administration have frequently disagreed. Large floating buoys divided by metal sheets that resemble circular saws have been placed in the Rio Grande as part of Operation Lone Star to prevent river crossings. The federal government sued the Texan authorities in July 2023, claiming that the buoys violated the Rivers and Harbors Appropriations Act of 1899 by obstructing a navigable canal. The State of Texas is contesting this, arguing that the buoys were placed at a spot where the Rio Grande is not navigable. Cortez, who works for the US branch of the IBWC, was one of the hundreds of experts called upon by the government to testify in support of its argument about water flows from Amistad Dam. Abbott reacted strongly to the Supreme Court's January decision that allowed federal officials to dismantle razor wire from the border, claiming his state was being invaded. Also read: Video: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's plane lands in Canberra; Australia PM lauds US, UK Judge Howell approved Abbott's motion in his Tuesday-filed ruling, barring Cortez "from offering expert testimony in this matter." Cortez was supposed to provide proof that would have refuted the federal government's argument that installing floating buoys at the Rio Grande's navigable point violated the Rivers and Harbors Appropriations Act. The federal government "cannot meet its burden of showing by a preponderance of the evidence that Cortez has relevant and reliable opinions about the decision factors and procedures for water releases from Amistad Dam," according to a court filing from Abbott's legal team. "Cortez is a fact witness and admitted that he has no expert opinions in this case about the decision factors for water releases from Amistad Dam," Abbott's legal team added. "Plaintiff cannot meet its burden of showing by a preponderance of the evidence that Cortez has relevant and reliable opinions because, by Cortez's admission, he is either not an expert or has no expert opinions on the topics for which he was identified as an expert witness," Abbott's team concluded. (With inputs from agencies)

Texas Governor Abbott scores legal win in battle over Rio Grande floating buoys

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<p>Governor of Texas Greg Abbott has hailed the arrest of the individual who topped a recently released list of the US state's most wanted illegal migrants.</p>

<p>Victor Hugo Chox Gonzalez, 38, was taken into custody on June 13 at Tarrant County Jail after being apprehended in Fort Worth, according to a report from the Texas Department of Public Safety. He was sought for aggravated sexual assault against a minor and indecency with a child through sexual contact.</p>

<p>A new list of Texas' Top 10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrants was released on June 5 by Republican Senator Greg Abbott, who has been actively working to stop illegal border crossings. The fugitives on the list are all considered armed and dangerous, therefore the public is advised not to attempt to apprehend them.</p>

<p>The governor announced Chox Gonzalez's arrest on X.</p>

<p>He wrote, "Texas captures the #1 most wanted criminal illegal immigrant. He's now behind bars in Tarrant Co. We continue our search for the other most wanted."</p>

<p>According to the DPS, Chox Gonzalez is a Mexican national with connections to Tarrant County, namely the cities of Pantego and Arlington.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kenya-scraps-most-new-tax-hikes-as-hundreds-protest-732940">Kenya scraps most new tax hikes as hundreds protest</a></strong></p>

<p>He has over 10 years of criminal history in the United States. According to a department press release, he was found guilty in 2016 of assault resulting in the physical harm of a family member and driving while intoxicated with a child under the age of fifteen.</p>

<p>Chox Gonzalez was taken into custody in Tarrant County in 2021 on charges of assault and giving false information to law enforcement.</p>

<p>His arrest was sought by the Arlington Police Department last year on charges of aggravated sexual assault of a minor and indecency with a minor.</p>

<p>Texas Crime Stoppers, which is supported by the Governor's Public Safety Office, pays cash rewards to anybody with information that helps apprehend someone on the most wanted list.</p>

<p>The Department of Public Safety stated that Chox Gonzalez's arrest "was the result of investigative efforts and a series of leads by DPS Special Agents assigned to his case." As a result, the department stated that no award will be paid.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Governor of Texas Greg Abbott has hailed the arrest of the individual who topped a recently released list of the US state's most wanted illegal migrants. Victor Hugo Chox Gonzalez, 38, was taken into custody on June 13 at Tarrant County Jail after being apprehended in Fort Worth, according to a report from the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Governor of Texas Greg Abbott has hailed the arrest of the individual who topped a recently released list of the US state's most wanted illegal migrants. Victor Hugo Chox Gonzalez, 38, was taken into custody on June 13 at Tarrant County Jail after being apprehended in Fort Worth, according to a report from the Texas Department of Public Safety. He was sought for aggravated sexual assault against a minor and indecency with a child through sexual contact. A new list of Texas' Top 10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrants was released on June 5 by Republican Senator Greg Abbott, who has been actively working to stop illegal border crossings. The fugitives on the list are all considered armed and dangerous, therefore the public is advised not to attempt to apprehend them. The governor announced Chox Gonzalez's arrest on X. He wrote, "Texas captures the #1 most wanted criminal illegal immigrant. He's now behind bars in Tarrant Co. We continue our search for the other most wanted." According to the DPS, Chox Gonzalez is a Mexican national with connections to Tarrant County, namely the cities of Pantego and Arlington. Also read: Kenya scraps most new tax hikes as hundreds protest He has over 10 years of criminal history in the United States. According to a department press release, he was found guilty in 2016 of assault resulting in the physical harm of a family member and driving while intoxicated with a child under the age of fifteen. Chox Gonzalez was taken into custody in Tarrant County in 2021 on charges of assault and giving false information to law enforcement. His arrest was sought by the Arlington Police Department last year on charges of aggravated sexual assault of a minor and indecency with a minor. Texas Crime Stoppers, which is supported by the Governor's Public Safety Office, pays cash rewards to anybody with information that helps apprehend someone on the most wanted list. The Department of Public Safety stated that Chox Gonzalez's arrest "was the result of investigative efforts and a series of leads by DPS Special Agents assigned to his case." As a result, the department stated that no award will be paid. (With inputs from agencies)

Texas Governor Greg Abbott applauds arrest of state's top illegal migrant

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<p>Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Saturday promised to pardon a US Army sergeant who was recently convicted of shooting a protester to death during a Black Lives Matter rally at the peak of the movement in 2020 in Austin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Abbott took to Twitter to post a message wherein he said Sgt.&nbsp;Daniel Perry was acting in self-defence when the incident took place. Perry had used his .357 revolver to pump five shots into 28-year-old Garrett Foster who was attending the Austin demonstration.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Texas has one of the strongest ‘Stand Your Ground’ laws of self-defence that cannot be nullified by a jury or a progressive District Attorney,” wrote Abbott.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Republican leader said he is requesting the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles for an expedited review of Perry. Abbott can only pardon a subject if the board recommends it. However, since the members of the board have been picked by Abbott, it looks certain that Perry will receive his pardon, said the experts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I have made that request and instructed the board to expedite its review. I look forward to approving the board’s pardon recommendation as soon as it hits my desk.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-hundreds-protest-for-tighter-gun-controls-after-nashville-school-shooting-wion-dispatch-577758"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;US: Hundreds protest for tighter gun controls after Nashville school shooting | WION Dispatch</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Will reign in the DA: Abbott</strong></h2>

<p>Abbott also blamed Perry's conviction on&nbsp;the county’s George Soros-backed Democrat District Attorney José Garza and added that he will be reign in the 'rogue DA'.</p>

<p>"Additionally, I have already prioritised reining in rogue District Attorneys, and the Texas Legislature is working on laws to achieve that goal."</p>

<p>Notably, a jury on Friday (April 7) found Perry guilty of murder - nearly three years after the shooting incident. Perry, who has previously served in Afghanistan was working as an Uber driver when he drove his car into a swarm of BLM protestors on July 25, 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Perry claimed that he fired at Foster after he pointed an AK-47 towards him. The prosecutors, however, argued that witnesses on the spot said Foster never raised the weapon and that he was pushing his fiancée’s wheelchair.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Here is the video from the night Daniel Perry, an active duty Army Sergeant, lawfully defended himself against a BLM rioter with an AK-47 before having his right of self defense made illegal by a Soros-funded DA.<br />
<br />
Pardon Daniel Kelly <a href="https://twitter.com/GregAbbott_TX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GregAbbott_TX</a> <a href="https://t.co/wVje5AGQag">pic.twitter.com/wVje5AGQag</a></p>
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) <a href="https://twitter.com/greg_price11/status/1644481634899566595?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/adidas-withdraws-request-to-block-black-lives-matters-trademark-application-576949" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Adidas withdraws request to block Black Lives Matter’s trademark application</strong></a></p>

<p>A video released after the conviction showed the incident from two different angles where a crowd can be seen gathering around Perry's car. It is only after the shots are fired that they are seen dispersing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While some argued that Perry acted in self-defence, others said the video was incomprehensible and it was barely proving anything.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Saturday promised to pardon a US Army sergeant who was recently convicted of shooting a protester to death during a Black Lives Matter rally at the peak of the movement in 2020 in Austin.

Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Saturday promised to pardon a US Army sergeant who was recently convicted of shooting a protester to death during a Black Lives Matter rally at the peak of the movement in 2020 in Austin. Abbott took to Twitter to post a message wherein he said Sgt. Daniel Perry was acting in self-defence when the incident took place. Perry had used his .357 revolver to pump five shots into 28-year-old Garrett Foster who was attending the Austin demonstration. “Texas has one of the strongest ‘Stand Your Ground’ laws of self-defence that cannot be nullified by a jury or a progressive District Attorney,” wrote Abbott. The Republican leader said he is requesting the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles for an expedited review of Perry. Abbott can only pardon a subject if the board recommends it. However, since the members of the board have been picked by Abbott, it looks certain that Perry will receive his pardon, said the experts. “I have made that request and instructed the board to expedite its review. I look forward to approving the board’s pardon recommendation as soon as it hits my desk.” WATCH | US: Hundreds protest for tighter gun controls after Nashville school shooting | WION Dispatch × Will reign in the DA: Abbott Abbott also blamed Perry's conviction on the county’s George Soros-backed Democrat District Attorney José Garza and added that he will be reign in the 'rogue DA'. "Additionally, I have already prioritised reining in rogue District Attorneys, and the Texas Legislature is working on laws to achieve that goal." Notably, a jury on Friday (April 7) found Perry guilty of murder - nearly three years after the shooting incident. Perry, who has previously served in Afghanistan was working as an Uber driver when he drove his car into a swarm of BLM protestors on July 25, 2020. Perry claimed that he fired at Foster after he pointed an AK-47 towards him. The prosecutors, however, argued that witnesses on the spot said Foster never raised the weapon and that he was pushing his fiancée’s wheelchair. Here is the video from the night Daniel Perry, an active duty Army Sergeant, lawfully defended himself against a BLM rioter with an AK-47 before having his right of self defense made illegal by a Soros-funded DA. Pardon Daniel Kelly @GregAbbott_TX pic.twitter.com/wVje5AGQag — Greg Price (@greg_price11) April 7, 2023 × ALSO READ | Adidas withdraws request to block Black Lives Matter’s trademark application A video released after the conviction showed the incident from two different angles where a crowd can be seen gathering around Perry's car. It is only after the shots are fired that they are seen dispersing. While some argued that Perry acted in self-defence, others said the video was incomprehensible and it was barely proving anything. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Republican governor Abbott to pardon Army sergeant convicted of killing BLM protester

<p>In what has been termed "political theatre" by some, busloads of migrants were dropped off outside US President Kamala Harris' Washington DC house on Christmas eve, even as temperatures reached sub-zero levels.</p>

<p>As per AFP, the group of almost 85 men, women and children were largely made up of Columbians and Nicaraguans who had crossed into the US near the Eagle pass in Texas.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Migrants at US-Mexico border brave bitter cold; Title 42 restrictions to stay or go?</strong></p>

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<p>Videos of the lightly dressed migrants getting off of buses amid a winter freeze and temperatures as low as 18 degrees are making the rounds on Twitter. Watch it here:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It's Christmas Eve and about 50 migrants were dropped off in front of Kamala Harris' residence with the temperature in the teens. Another stunt by Greg Abbott. <a href="https://t.co/wUjkxplYmB">pic.twitter.com/wUjkxplYmB</a></p>
— Fifty Shades of Whey (@davenewworld_2) <a href="https://twitter.com/davenewworld_2/status/1606876749236666368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>The "stunt" has been credited&nbsp;to Texas governor Greg Abbott who in previous months had in similar fashion sent busloads of migrants to Harris'&nbsp;residence as a message of protest against President Joe Biden's immigration policy which as per Republicans is too permissive.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-canada-experience-freezing-temperatures-forecast-service-warns-itll-cause-frostbite-in-five-mins-545166">US, Canada experience freezing temperatures, forecast service warns it'll cause frostbite in five mins</a></strong></p>

<p>Following this, the White House has slammed states for using migrants as "political pawns". Netizens too have slammed Abbott for his "political stunt" calling it cruelty.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Greg Abbott sends migrants to the middle of DC in 14 degree weather and then quotes the Bible for Christmas?<br />
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Greg Abbott is garbage.</p>
— Harry Sisson (@harryjsisson) <a href="https://twitter.com/harryjsisson/status/1607169640828145665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It’s Christmas, and what is Greg Abbott doing - he is sending busses full of migrants to stand in the freezing cold outside the Vice President‘s home.<br />
Men, women and children used as props in a performative stunt.<br />
Because in today’s Republican Party, the cruelty is the point.</p>
— Jo 🌻 (@JoJoFromJerz) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoJoFromJerz/status/1606973609137815553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Buses of migrants dropped outside VP Kamala Harris' home on Christmas Eve in frigid temps in a cruel stunt by Greg Abbott<br />
<br />
The irony of Republicans about to celebrate Christmas - the story of a brown, immigrant family seeking shelter but being turned away. <a href="https://t.co/dh0ta8hzYJ">pic.twitter.com/dh0ta8hzYJ</a></p>
— @nottherealtraceydelaney (@TraceyDelaney) <a href="https://twitter.com/TraceyDelaney/status/1606897638112169984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-stays-title-42-which-blocks-mexican-migrants-from-entering-the-country-544656">US Supreme Court stays 'Title 42' which blocks Mexican migrants from entering the country</a></strong></p>

<p>Several NGOs have stepped up to help the migrants who were unceremoniously dropped outside the VP's&nbsp;residence. Talking to AFP, Emilio, an activist with Casa de Venezuela one of the organisations who are helping the migrants said that people mostly want to go to New York and that they are arranging transportation for them.</p>

<p>The incident has come to light just days after the US Supreme Court placed a temporary stay on the end of "Title 42" a Trump-era measure that has been used to expel hundreds of thousands of migrants in recent years. It is set to expire on December 21.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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In what has been termed "political theatre" by some, busloads of migrants were dropped off outside US President Kamala Harris' Washington DC house on Christmas eve, even as temperatures reached sub-zero levels.

In what has been termed "political theatre" by some, busloads of migrants were dropped off outside US President Kamala Harris' Washington DC house on Christmas eve, even as temperatures reached sub-zero levels. As per AFP, the group of almost 85 men, women and children were largely made up of Columbians and Nicaraguans who had crossed into the US near the Eagle pass in Texas. Watch | Migrants at US-Mexico border brave bitter cold; Title 42 restrictions to stay or go? Videos of the lightly dressed migrants getting off of buses amid a winter freeze and temperatures as low as 18 degrees are making the rounds on Twitter. Watch it here: It's Christmas Eve and about 50 migrants were dropped off in front of Kamala Harris' residence with the temperature in the teens. Another stunt by Greg Abbott. pic.twitter.com/wUjkxplYmB — Fifty Shades of Whey (@davenewworld_2) December 25, 2022 × The "stunt" has been credited to Texas governor Greg Abbott who in previous months had in similar fashion sent busloads of migrants to Harris' residence as a message of protest against President Joe Biden's immigration policy which as per Republicans is too permissive. Also read | US, Canada experience freezing temperatures, forecast service warns it'll cause frostbite in five mins Following this, the White House has slammed states for using migrants as "political pawns". Netizens too have slammed Abbott for his "political stunt" calling it cruelty. Greg Abbott sends migrants to the middle of DC in 14 degree weather and then quotes the Bible for Christmas? Greg Abbott is garbage. — Harry Sisson (@harryjsisson) December 26, 2022 × It’s Christmas, and what is Greg Abbott doing - he is sending busses full of migrants to stand in the freezing cold outside the Vice President‘s home. Men, women and children used as props in a performative stunt. Because in today’s Republican Party, the cruelty is the point. — Jo 🌻 (@JoJoFromJerz) December 25, 2022 × Buses of migrants dropped outside VP Kamala Harris' home on Christmas Eve in frigid temps in a cruel stunt by Greg Abbott The irony of Republicans about to celebrate Christmas - the story of a brown, immigrant family seeking shelter but being turned away. pic.twitter.com/dh0ta8hzYJ — @nottherealtraceydelaney (@TraceyDelaney) December 25, 2022 × Also read | US Supreme Court stays 'Title 42' which blocks Mexican migrants from entering the country Several NGOs have stepped up to help the migrants who were unceremoniously dropped outside the VP's residence. Talking to AFP, Emilio, an activist with Casa de Venezuela one of the organisations who are helping the migrants said that people mostly want to go to New York and that they are arranging transportation for them. The incident has come to light just days after the US Supreme Court placed a temporary stay on the end of "Title 42" a Trump-era measure that has been used to expel hundreds of thousands of migrants in recent years. It is set to expire on December 21. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Political 'stunt': 85 migrants dropped outside VP Kamala Harris' house amid -18 degree temperature

<p>The Republican governor of Texas has announced that voters will only have one place per county to drop off mail-in ballots across the vast US state.</p>

<p>The action by Governor Greg Abbott, a Trump supporter, restricts access to the common practice of mail-in voting that is expected to become much more popular due to the coronavirus pandemic.</p>

<p>"These enhanced security protocols will ensure greater transparency and will help stop attempts at illegal voting," Abbott said in a statement Thursday.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-and-wife-melania-test-positive-for-coronavirus-world-leaders-wish-speedy-recovery-331890"><strong>ALso read:&nbsp;Trump and wife Melania test positive for coronavirus; world leaders wish speedy recovery</strong></a></p>

<p>Texas has some of the most populous counties in the country. More than 2.3 million voters live in Harris County, which includes Houston, but 11 of its 12 drop-off points are scheduled to close under the governor's order.</p>

<p>"This isn't security, it's suppression," senior county official Lina Hidalgo, a Democrat, said on Twitter.</p>

<p>"Mail ballot voters shouldn't have to drive 30 miles to drop off their ballot or rely on a mail system that's facing cutbacks."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Harris County is bigger than the state of Rhode Island, and we're supposed to have 1 site? This isn't security, it's suppression. Mail ballot voters shouldn't have to drive 30 miles to drop off their ballot, or rely on a mail system that’s facing cutbacks. <a href="https://t.co/IeKwzdB0Hb">https://t.co/IeKwzdB0Hb</a></p>
— Lina Hidalgo (@LinaHidalgoTX) <a href="https://twitter.com/LinaHidalgoTX/status/1311753527174270984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Abbott's move is in line with views expressed by President Donald Trump, who frequently claims without evidence that postal ballots are a source of massive vote fraud.</p>

<p>Mail-in votes can be dropped off at dedicated ballot boxes as an alternative to using the under-pressure postal service.</p>

<p>The practice is seen as safer for the elderly and others at higher risk from Covid-19 if they go to a polling station.</p>

<p>Apart from isolated incidents, no serious study has reported major fraud related to postal ballots in a US election.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Voting by mail was widespread during the 2016 presidential race, where nearly a quarter of the votes (33 million) were mailed in.</p>


The Republican governor of Texas has announced that voters will only have one place per county to drop off mail-in ballots across the vast US state. The action by Governor Greg Abbott, a Trump supporter, restricts access to the common practice of mail-in voting that is expected to become much more popular due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Republican governor of Texas has announced that voters will only have one place per county to drop off mail-in ballots across the vast US state. The action by Governor Greg Abbott, a Trump supporter, restricts access to the common practice of mail-in voting that is expected to become much more popular due to the coronavirus pandemic. "These enhanced security protocols will ensure greater transparency and will help stop attempts at illegal voting," Abbott said in a statement Thursday. ALso read: Trump and wife Melania test positive for coronavirus; world leaders wish speedy recovery Texas has some of the most populous counties in the country. More than 2.3 million voters live in Harris County, which includes Houston, but 11 of its 12 drop-off points are scheduled to close under the governor's order. "This isn't security, it's suppression," senior county official Lina Hidalgo, a Democrat, said on Twitter. "Mail ballot voters shouldn't have to drive 30 miles to drop off their ballot or rely on a mail system that's facing cutbacks." Harris County is bigger than the state of Rhode Island, and we're supposed to have 1 site? This isn't security, it's suppression. Mail ballot voters shouldn't have to drive 30 miles to drop off their ballot, or rely on a mail system that’s facing cutbacks. https://t.co/IeKwzdB0Hb — Lina Hidalgo (@LinaHidalgoTX) October 1, 2020 × Abbott's move is in line with views expressed by President Donald Trump, who frequently claims without evidence that postal ballots are a source of massive vote fraud. Mail-in votes can be dropped off at dedicated ballot boxes as an alternative to using the under-pressure postal service. The practice is seen as safer for the elderly and others at higher risk from Covid-19 if they go to a polling station. Apart from isolated incidents, no serious study has reported major fraud related to postal ballots in a US election. Voting by mail was widespread during the 2016 presidential race, where nearly a quarter of the votes (33 million) were mailed in.

US election 2020: Texas governor cuts number of ballot drop-off points

<p>Governor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shooter-among-one-dead-in-texas-church-attack-270896">Greg Abbott</a> of&nbsp;Texas&nbsp;on Friday became the&nbsp;first&nbsp;governor in the United&nbsp;States to&nbsp;refuse&nbsp;to accept&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;under&nbsp;an executive&nbsp;order&nbsp;requiring local jurisdictions to actively opt into the federal resettlement program.</p>

<p>The decision is a major blow to the program since&nbsp;Texas&nbsp;is the largest recipient of&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;in the country.</p>

<p>"At this time, the&nbsp;state&nbsp;and non-profit organizations have a responsibility to dedicate available resources to those who are already here, including&nbsp;refugees, migrants and the homeless," Abbott, a Republican, said in his letter to the US&nbsp;State&nbsp;Department.</p>

<p>"As a result,&nbsp;Texas&nbsp;cannot consent," to refugee resettlement this fiscal year, he said.</p>

<p>A&nbsp;State&nbsp;Department official said the executive&nbsp;order&nbsp;signed by President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-under-pressure-at-home-over-plane-crash-warns-iran-world-is-watching-273502">Donald&nbsp;Trump</a>&nbsp;only affects the federal government’s decision about where to place&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;immediately after they arrive. It does not apply to a refugee's spouse or unmarried children&nbsp;under&nbsp;21 who are being admitted to join them in the United&nbsp;States, the official said.</p>

<p>Refugees&nbsp;who are initially settled in another US&nbsp;state&nbsp;can subsequently move to&nbsp;Texas, but they would not have access to federal resettlement benefits, such as housing, there, resettlement agencies say.</p>

<p>"This is a deeply disappointing decision," said Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, president and chief executive officer of the resettlement agency Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS). "Historically,&nbsp;Texas&nbsp;has served as a beacon of hope for&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;from across the globe."</p>

<p>So far, 41 governors,18 of them Republican and at least seven dozen local officials have consented to resettlement, according to an LIRS tally.</p>

<p>Florida and Georgia, other major recipients of&nbsp;refugees, have so far remained silent on their stance. The governor's office in Florida said it was still reviewing the issue and Georgia declined to comment.</p>

<p>Cutting immigration has been a centrepiece of&nbsp;Trump's presidency and 2020 re-election campaign. One of his&nbsp;first&nbsp;acts after assuming office in January 2017 was to issue an&nbsp;order&nbsp;capping the maximum number of&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;that year at 50,000. Since then, the cap has been slashed every year.</p>

<p>Trump&nbsp;set a ceiling of 18,000 refugee admissions for this year, the lowest level since the modern refugee program began in 1980. By contrast, former Democratic President Barack Obama proposed resettling 110,000&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;in the 2017 fiscal year ending in September.</p>

<p>Approximately 2,500&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;were resettled in&nbsp;Texas&nbsp;in the 2019 fiscal year, down 70 per cent from fiscal 2016, according to&nbsp;State&nbsp;Department data.</p>

<p>The administration has said the consent requirement, signed in September, aimed to ensure receiving communities have the resources to integrate&nbsp;refugees.</p>

<p>But refugee resettlement groups have argued that giving local governors and mayors a veto over whom they accept is unconstitutional and would disrupt the way they work.</p>

<p>Three of the nine national resettlement agencies sued the&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;administration in federal court in an effort to block the&nbsp;order&nbsp;from being implemented.</p>

<p>Arguments in the case were held this week, and US&nbsp;District Judge Peter Messitte in Greenbelt, Maryland, appointed by former Democratic President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-leader-ready-to-pass-impeachment-trial-rules-without-democrats-272835">Bill Clinton</a>, could rule on the case soon.</p>


Governor Greg Abbott of Texas on Friday became the first governor in the United States to refuse to accept refugees under an executive order requiring local jurisdictions to actively opt into the federal resettlement program.

Governor Greg Abbott of Texas on Friday became the first governor in the United States to refuse to accept refugees under an executive order requiring local jurisdictions to actively opt into the federal resettlement program. The decision is a major blow to the program since Texas is the largest recipient of refugees in the country. "At this time, the state and non-profit organizations have a responsibility to dedicate available resources to those who are already here, including refugees, migrants and the homeless," Abbott, a Republican, said in his letter to the US State Department. "As a result, Texas cannot consent," to refugee resettlement this fiscal year, he said. A State Department official said the executive order signed by President Donald Trump only affects the federal government’s decision about where to place refugees immediately after they arrive. It does not apply to a refugee's spouse or unmarried children under 21 who are being admitted to join them in the United States, the official said. Refugees who are initially settled in another US state can subsequently move to Texas, but they would not have access to federal resettlement benefits, such as housing, there, resettlement agencies say. "This is a deeply disappointing decision," said Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, president and chief executive officer of the resettlement agency Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS). "Historically, Texas has served as a beacon of hope for refugees from across the globe." So far, 41 governors,18 of them Republican and at least seven dozen local officials have consented to resettlement, according to an LIRS tally. Florida and Georgia, other major recipients of refugees, have so far remained silent on their stance. The governor's office in Florida said it was still reviewing the issue and Georgia declined to comment. Cutting immigration has been a centrepiece of Trump's presidency and 2020 re-election campaign. One of his first acts after assuming office in January 2017 was to issue an order capping the maximum number of refugees that year at 50,000. Since then, the cap has been slashed every year. Trump set a ceiling of 18,000 refugee admissions for this year, the lowest level since the modern refugee program began in 1980. By contrast, former Democratic President Barack Obama proposed resettling 110,000 refugees in the 2017 fiscal year ending in September. Approximately 2,500 refugees were resettled in Texas in the 2019 fiscal year, down 70 per cent from fiscal 2016, according to State Department data. The administration has said the consent requirement, signed in September, aimed to ensure receiving communities have the resources to integrate refugees. But refugee resettlement groups have argued that giving local governors and mayors a veto over whom they accept is unconstitutional and would disrupt the way they work. Three of the nine national resettlement agencies sued the Trump administration in federal court in an effort to block the order from being implemented. Arguments in the case were held this week, and US District Judge Peter Messitte in Greenbelt, Maryland, appointed by former Democratic President Bill Clinton, could rule on the case soon.

Texas becomes first US state to refuse refugees under Trump order