SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond says more than 24,000 migrants have been released onto the streets of San Diego since late February and more than 120,000 in the last six months.

In an attempt to verify those numbers, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has told Border Report that those figures are not being released to the media.

Desmond, however, says the numbers are accurate and San Diego County should expect more migrant drop-offs in the coming months.

A migrant welcome center had been taking in asylum-seekers after they were processed at Border Patrol stations, but it was forced to shut down seven weeks ago when county funding ran out.

That’s when the Border Patrol began busing asylum-seekers, dropping them off at transit centers around San Diego, particularly the Iris Avenue trolley station in South San Diego.

“The federal government is giving us no assistance,” said Desmond. “They’re just dropping them off in our streets, we’re at their whim.”

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Lawyers for Texas and the Biden administration squared off during a court hearing Wednesday about the state’s controversial immigration law.

The lawsuit argues that the Texas law is an overreach, and immigration enforcement belongs to the federal government.

Texas says the federal government isn’t doing its job.

“Their version of Texas is one that is cold,” said Texas Civil Rights Project Daniel Hatoum.

A small group stood outside the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans, protesting against Texas’ controversial immigration law known as SB-4.

“This would inevitably lead to racial profiling of black and brown folks throughout the state of Texas,” said Hatoum.

Lawyers for Texas argued SB-4 is needed, saying migrants are overrunning the border because immigration laws are not enforced.

“Now, to be fair, maybe Texas went too far…what Texas has done here, they have tried to develop a statute that goes up to the line of the Supreme Court precedent but allows Texas to protect the border,” said Aaron Nielson, Texas Solicitor General.

Both the ACLU and the Biden administration argue the law is unconstitutional because immigration enforcement is the job of the federal government.

“It’s vital for the federal government to be able to control it as one system instead of a patchwork from 50,” said Cody Wofsy of the ACLU.

This case is likely headed to the Supreme Court and Texas officials say they welcome the high court taking up the law.

WEBB COUNTY, TX . (KGNS) - The Great American Eclipse is just days away, and while many stargazers are getting ready to witness the astronomical event, local school districts are sharing what’s in store for their students on the big day.

The upcoming solar eclipse is a once in a lifetime event and while Webb County and Zapata County will not see 100 percent totality, residents will be able to see up to 90 percent of it.

The Great American Solar Eclipse is set to cross north America on Monday, offering millions a rare opportunity to see afternoon skies temporarily darken as the moon blocks the face of the sun.

Several school districts across Webb and Zapata County are gearing up to experience this phenomenon including our very own Laredo, Webb CISD and even Zapata County ISD.

Dr. Oscar Perez, Laredo ISD’s Health and Safety Director said that the district has been ready for this event since September.

Dr. Perez said that students from fifth grade to senior year will be able to experience this eclipse firsthand while wearing protective eyewear.

Students will also be able to see this unique event online, just like their sister school district United I.SD.

While LISD students will be able to watch the eclipse, Perez said a permission slip from parents or a legal guardian is needed.

“Our teachers have been trained, and of course our students will need to be trained as well,” said Perez. “Before they go out to view this event, they will need to have received the permission blank from the parents, signed by the parents, they will also need to look at a video right before they come out to see the event.”

Not only will United and Laredo schools experience the eclipse, Zapata County and Webb Consolidated ISD will also be able to witness the stellar experience.

KGNS has learned that both of these school districts will have some of their students participate in viewing the Great American Solar Eclipse.

Ana Mariela Martinez from Zapata County ISD said this eclipse will provide a once in a lifetime learning experience for their students.

“We are taking the precautions of our outdoor classes, being inside, and limiting the in and out of students between 12:00p.M. And 3:00p.M.,” said Martinez. Our student services and safety also took the time to ensure the safety of our students.”

All four school districts say that students will have regular class schedules and will not be dismissed early due to the eclipse.

The school districts also recommend that parents speak to their children about the importance of wearing protective eyewear during the eclipse viewing.

LAREDO, Tx. (KGNS) - A woman is facing multiple charges after officers pulled her over for speeding and found a three-year-old child without a seatbelt or car seat.

Laredo Police arrested Selena Ivette Soliz, 28, for reckless driving and endangerment of a child.

The incident happened on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at around 9:45 p.m. when officers noticed a silver Chevrolet Cruz traveling at 63 mph near the 2400 block of East Saunders Street.

Officers attempted to pull the vehicle over, but Soliz kept driving and made unsafe lane changes.

When officers pulled Soliz over, they saw a three-year-old child in the back seat without a car seat or seatbelt.

Police questioned Soliz about why she was driving so fast, and she said that she was late for a tax return appointment.

Soliz was placed under arrest.

LAREDO, TX. (KGNS) - After 24 years with the city, Laredo’s Deputy City Manager Rosario Cabello announces her retirement through a letter sent to the mayor and council members on April 3.

The City Laredo said in a statement that Cabello will continue to work with all departments through the transition.

In the letter, Cabello stated that recent circumstances led to her decision to retire from the city.

The letter also stated that she was given the, “Prospect to accept a demotion within the organization,” and expressed she was conflicted to accept it.

District 3 Councilmember Melissa Cigarroa said that she was surprised by Cabello’s announcement and management’s decision to restructure positions within the city.

“I do not agree with the decision to demote her, I think it doesn’t appreciate the vast knowledge that she brought to the city and the experience that she had,” said Cigarroa. “I understand it as sort of the reorganization of city decision making and city planning, but I just think it doesn’t respect her position or her knowledge that she brought to her position.”

Cabello’s official last day with the City of Laredo will be Aug. 2, 2024.

Below is Cabello’s statement:

Dear Mayor Trevino and Members of the City Council, It is with mixed emotions that I announce my decision to retire from my position as Deputy City Manager. While it has been an immense privilege to serve the residents of the City of Laredo in this capacity, recent circumstances have led me to reflect deeply on my professional journey and future aspirations.

First and foremost, I want to express to you and previous councils my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your unwavering support, guidance, and trust throughout my tenure as Deputy City Manager, Interim City Manager (twice), Innovations Officer and Finance Director roles. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I have been afforded to contribute to the progress and prosperity of our city under your esteemed leadership.

However, after careful consideration, I have come to the difficult decision that I can no longer continue. As someone who values integrity, hard work, and professionalism, I find it essential to remain true to these principles even in challenging circumstances. Unfortunately, the prospect of accepting a demotion within the organization conflicts with my deeply held belief in the value of my contributions and the level of experience I bring to the position of Deputy City Manager.

Please understand that this decision was not made lightly. Throughout my 24+ years of service to the city, I have poured my heart and soul into advancing our shared vision of a vibrant and inclusive community. It has been an honor to work alongside such dedicated colleagues and to witness the positive impact of our collective efforts on the lives of our constituents.

As I transition into whatever the future holds for me, I carry with me a profound sense of gratitude for the meaningful experiences and relationships forged during my time with the city. While I bid farewell to my role as Deputy City Manager, I remain committed to upholding the values of hard work, ethics, and professionalism in all my future endeavors. I want to express my deepest appreciation for the privilege of serving alongside each of you and past council members and mayors and for the invaluable lessons learned along the way. I have the utmost confidence in the continued success and prosperity of our city under your capable leadership. I wish Mr. Neeb success in his proposed vision.

Thank you for your understanding and support during this transition period. Please accept my best wishes for the future, and may our paths cross again. I am always a phone call away. My heart is always with the City of Laredo.

Warm regards, Rosario Camarillo-Cabello

LAREDO, TX. (KGNS) - Students are encouraged to dive into the world of literature as part of Laredo ISD’s Library Week.

As part of the celebration, LISD took time to recognize some of the librarians who helped inspire that voyage for young minds.

Sandra Rita Gonzalez from MacDonell Elementary School was named Librarian of the Year.

Congratulations to Gonzalez on this recognition!

All LISD librarians and librarian assistants were also recognized with a token of appreciation on behalf of the district.

LAREDO, Tx. (KGNS) - A man accused of firing a gun outside a Laredo bar last month is arrested.

Laredo Police identified, Christian Saldivar, 24, as the alleged suspect in a shots fired call that was reported on Mar. 25 at around 1:30 a.m. outside the TKO sports bar located at 2324 Jacaman.

According to police, as people were leaving the bar on Monday morning, Saldivar allegedly shot his gun into the air.

No injuries were reported.

Saldivar was charged with discharge of a firearm within a municipality.