Immigration Reform, Water Fee Hike, Stabbing in Central El Paso + More -Today in El Paso News

County Commission Supports Obama's Immigration Reforms

The El Paso County Commission is joining 70 other cities and counties across America, urging a Texas judge to lift an injunction against President Obama's immigration reforms.  President Obama signed an executive order last November that would have protected nearly five-million immigrants from deportation.  But in February, U.S District Judge Andrew Hanen of Texas issued a temporary injunction blocking the order.  El Paso County Commissioner David Stout says the judge's ruling is "detrimental to our community."

Senate Moves To Ban Sanctuary Cities

A State Senate committee has approved a bill to ban so-called sanctuary cities in Texas.  Senate Bill 185 would cut off state funding for sanctuary cities that don't enforce immigration laws.  Some cities in Texas claim they don't have to enforce federal immigration laws.  The bill's sponsor, Republican Senator Charles Perry disagrees.  Perry says local cities can't pick and choose which laws they want to enforce.  The bill now goes to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for further consideration.

Water Fee Hike Is Put On Hold

The El Paso Public Service Board will have to wait a while before raising water franchise fees for residential customers by nearly two-dollars a month.  The board voted to impose a dollar-94 water franchise fee on residential customers last month without properly notifying the public.  Now, Mayor Oscar Leeser says the city needs more time to consider the impacts of essentially raising water rates for residential customers.  A new meeting has been scheduled for April 29th to consider the issue.

Therapist Faces Sexual Assault Charges

A psychotherapist is facing sexual assault and other charges involving an inmate at a juvenile detention center in New Mexico.  Prosecutors  say 36-year-old Julie Barham had sexual relations with an unidentified teenager at the Lincoln Pines Youth Center in February.  She's been indicted on seven counts of sexual assault and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Stabbing Victim Is In Critical Condition

No arrests have been made following a stabbing Sunday night in North-Central El Paso.  The victim and the suspect apparently got into a fight near Van Buren and Lackland Street when the stabbing happened.   The victim, whose name has not been released, is listed in critical condition at University Medical Center.

El Paso Man Dies In Rollover

An El Paso man is dead following a crash in Culberson County.  The Highway Patrol reports 29-year-old Joshua Mathson sideswiped another car on Interstate ten about two miles south of Van Horn.  Mathson was killed when he over-corrected and his car rolled over.  The driver of the other car suffered non-life threatening injuries.