Julián Aguilar

Julián Aguilar reported for the Tribune from 2009 to 2021, most recently on politics and on the Texas-Mexico border. He focused on immigration reform and enforcement, voter ID, international trade, border security, and the drug trade. His political coverage has included local, legislative and congressional races in Texas, as well as local and national elections in Mexico. Before joining The Texas Tribune, he was a freelance writer for the Fort Worth Weekly, a government and crime reporter for the Laredo Morning Times, and a political writer for the Rio Grande Guardian. A native of El Paso, he has a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Texas and a master's degree in journalism from the Frank W. Mayborn Graduate Institute of Journalism at the University of North Texas.

Past Contributions

Abbott Declines to Endorse Perry, Cruz for 2016 Run

By Julián Aguilar Dec. 7, 2014

Texas Attorney General and Gov.-Elect Greg Abbott on Sunday declined to throw his support behind any the Texas Republicans rumored to be considering a run for the White House in 2016. Full Story

Credit: NBC
Homeland Security Secretary: New Border Measures Coming

By Julián Aguilar Dec. 2, 2014

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said on Tuesday that a new border security task force is coming to the U.S.-Mexico-border as part of President Obama's executive action on immigration. Full Story

Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman / Bobby Fiend
Years Late, New Border Rail Crossing Set to Open

By Julián Aguilar Nov. 27, 2014

After delays and bickering over who should pay for security measures, a new rail line connecting Mexico and the Rio Grande Valley is expected to open in February. Full Story

Credit: Reynaldo Leal
Abbott: Obama's Order Violates Constitution

By Julián Aguilar Nov. 21, 2014

After the president doubled down on his promise to change the immigration system, Greg Abbott made his own vow: Expect a lawsuit from Texas. But some legal experts doubt Abbott can successfully challenge the president's order. Full Story

Credit: Bob Daemmrich
Obama's Immigration Plan Could Affect Thousands in Texas

By Julián Aguilar Nov. 20, 2014

President Obama on Thursday said he will use his executive authority to grant millions of undocumented immigrants a work permit and a reprieve from deportation proceedings. Reactions from Republicans were swift and outraged. Full Story

Credit: Official White House Photo by Pete Souza
Dismay Rises as Border Agent Hiring Bogs Down

By Julián Aguilar Nov. 19, 2014

Computer hackers and polygraph test failures have slowed hiring of 2,000 new Customs and Border Protection agents needed to help speed commerce through airports and border checkpoints. Full Story

Credit: Josh Denmark / CBP
Border Surge Could Continue Through August

By Julián Aguilar Nov. 18, 2014

The surge of state law enforcement on Texas’ southern border will continue through August if an $86 million request made by the state’s top leaders is approved next month by budget writers. Full Story

Credit: Julián Aguilar
Sen. Perry Files Sanctuary Cities Legislation

By Julián Aguilar Nov. 17, 2014

Legislation reviving the fight over "sanctuary cities" was filed Monday by Lubbock Republican Sen. Charles Perry. Full Story

Credit: Bob Daemmrich
Feds Seek Fewer Holds on Undocumented Immigrants

By Julián Aguilar Nov. 13, 2014

Federal requests to hold undocumented immigrants in Texas jails longer so they can possibly be deported have dropped by the thousands, according to report released Wednesday. Full Story

Credit: Bob Daemmrich
Obama Action on Immigration Could Benefit Texas Economy

By Julián Aguilar Nov. 7, 2014

With the midterm elections behind him, President Obama said he was ready to take executive action to prevent many undocumented immigrants from being deported, which analysts said could benefit Texas' agricultural, construction and service industries. Full Story

Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera