Good morning, this is El Paso Local Pulse for Friday, June 13, 2025.
We start today under a blazing sun. The National Weather Service has issued a Weather Warn for the Borderland, with temperatures soaring between 105 and 108 degrees. If you’re outside, stay hydrated and look out for friends and neighbors, especially the elderly and young children. Expect the heat to stick around through the weekend, so plan any outdoor activities for early morning or after sundown.
Our top story centers on downtown El Paso, where public demonstrations continue outside the Richard C. White Federal Building. Protestors are challenging recent ICE arrests of migrants immediately after their court hearings. The gatherings are peaceful but passionate, standing in solidarity with larger national protests around immigration policy. City Representative Josh Acevedo said the effort is about supporting basic rights and due process. Meanwhile, Governor Abbott has announced the Texas National Guard will be on alert to ensure all protests across the state remain safe and lawful. The Department of Homeland Security says these arrests only target migrants whose claims are found invalid, but local advocates warn this could discourage people from attending future hearings.
Inside city hall, El Paso County has officially declared June as Immigrant Heritage Month, honoring the region’s rich tapestry of cultures and recognizing immigrant contributions to our border community. County commissioners reaffirmed the commitment to stand up against policies that harm border families and support a just and inclusive city for everyone.
In city business, we’re seeing a slow but steady job market. Unemployment in El Paso holds just below four percent, with healthcare, logistics, and education sectors leading in new openings. In real estate, median home prices now sit near three hundred thousand dollars. Inventory is tight, but we have seen a few new developments opening on the Eastside, and renovation projects continue near UTEP. Small businesses are making moves, too. This weekend marks the grand opening of Border Brew Café on Mesa Street and the relaunch of the popular Mercado District’s artisan night.
On the cultural front, tonight’s Sun City Nights Festival kicks off downtown with live music from local bands, food trucks, and arts vendors through Saturday. For families, the El Paso Zoo is hosting Summer Splash Day tomorrow, featuring cool zones and educational workshops for kids. Don’t forget, the Chihuahuas play at Southwest University Park tonight, hoping to extend their home winning streak after yesterday’s close win.
We also want to highlight a feel-good moment: students at El Paso High just clinched top honors at the state robotics competition, bringing home the trophy and making the city proud.
Finally, in public safety news, police responded to two major incidents overnight: a robbery at a convenience store on Zaragoza and a vehicle burglary downtown. No injuries have been reported, and suspects are in custody. Law enforcement urges everyone to secure vehicles and report suspicious activity as the summer heat drives up property crime rates.
This has been El Paso Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
