

Reporter
Alex Riggins
Alex Riggins covers federal courts and federal law enforcement for The San Diego Union-Tribune. He previously worked nights covering breaking news and public safety. He ed the Union-Tribune in 2018 from City News Service and previously wrote about courts and public safety in Idaho for the Times-News. He is a La Mesa native and proud Helix Highlander, Grossmont Griffin and San Diego State Aztec.
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Government contends service provider's DEI program violates anti-discrimination civil rights laws

Demanda en San Diego desafía el cierre de procesos de asilo en los cruces fronterizos entre Estados Unidos y México
El presidente Donald Trump canceló las citas para la evaluación de asilo realizadas a través de la aplicación CBP One

San Diego lawsuit challenges shutdown of asylum processing at U.S.-Mexico border crossings
Trump ended the Biden-era asylum appointments on the CBP One app

Familia de joven de San Diego que huía de un tiroteo cuando un agente le disparó fatalmente demanda a la ciudad
La demanda por muerte por negligencia presentada por los padres de Konoa Wilson alega violación de los derechos civiles de Wilson

Family of San Diego teen who was fleeing gunfire when officer fatally shot him sues city
Parents allege Officer Daniel Gold and city of San Diego violated Konoa Wilson's civil rights

Hombre de San Diego sentenciado por enviar amenaza a víctima LGBTQ que habló tras asesinato con bandera del Orgullo
La vida de la víctima ha quedado “irreversiblemente afectada” y ahora vive con miedo

San Diego man sentenced for sending threat to LGBTQ victim who spoke out after Pride flag killing
Victim appeared in KTLA story about slaying of Laura Carleton in Lake Arrowhead area

¿Son las redadas de inmigración en lugares de trabajo al estilo SWAT la nueva norma?
Los videos del operativo del viernes por la noche mostraron que la mayoría portaban pistolas en la cadera y vestían chalecos tácticos.

Are SWAT-style workplace immigration raids the norm or a new escalation in force?
Recent raids in San Diego, L.A. and Minneapolis are raising questions over tactics.

SAN DIEGO: Jurado llega a un punto muerto en juicio al agente del sheriff que disparó por la espalda a un hombre que huía
El juez declaró nulo el juicio, los fiscales indicaron que buscarán un nuevo juicio para el exdiputado Aaron Russell

Founder of San Diego-based GirlsDoPorn pleads guilty to sex-trafficking conspiracy
Michael James Pratt is last co-conspirator to it guilt

San Diego federal jury deadlocks in trial of sheriff’s deputy who shot fleeing man in back
Judge declared a mistrial after jury ended hung on civil rights violations

Juez de San Diego dictamina que la istración Trump viola el acuerdo de separación familiar
El juez federal de distrito Dana Sabraw no ordenó de inmediato una solución, pero dictaminó que el gobierno no está brindando el apoyo legal

San Diego judge rules Trump istration is violating family separation settlement
Judge ruled government not providing required legal to formerly separated families

Una pista de que había trabajadores indocumentados provocaron la redada de ICE en restaurante de San Diego
El restaurante de South Park anunció el cierre de dos días tras un "incidente traumático que involucró una operación de cumplimiento federal".

Tip alleging undocumented workers prompted ICE raid at Buona Forchetta, warrant says
Federal agents suspected 19 of 40 workers at the South Park restaurant weren't authorized

A San Diego juror received an apparent spam text. Could it upend a hostage-taking murder verdict?
Judge William Hayes will likely be asked to grant defendant Brian Patron Lopez, who faces mandatory life sentence, a new trial.

La Mesa officer who shot at suspect during weekend pursuit also fatally shot man in 2017
Officer Taylor Persitza, who did not injure anyone Sunday, previously fatally shot a man alongside another officer.

Authorities identify victim, suspect in San Marcos fatal stabbing
Sheriff's investigators said victim and suspect knew each other, and described the deadly stabbing as an isolated incident.

Testifica el ex agente de San Diego que disparó fatalmente a un hombre desarmado que huía
Aaron Richard Russell, testificó el martes en un juicio federal que creía que Nicholas Bils estaba armado con una pistola.

‘My head was spinning’: Former San Diego deputy who fatally shot fleeing, unarmed man testifies
Aaron Russell took the stand in his own defense against federal civil rights charges

Fire destroys Escondido smoke shop; police employee controlling traffic injured by DUI suspect
Friday night's fire at Lung Doctor on South Escondido Boulevard resulted in a 'total loss' of the business

As NTSB probes cause of Murphy Canyon plane crash, 4 of 6 victims positively identified
Federal authorities continued probing crash site Friday hunting for more clues about deadly crash

Oficial retirado de la Infantería de Marina fue arrestado tras emergencia aérea en Oceanside
Troy Smith itió que tenía un ladrillo de cocaína consigo el año pasado cuando él y su instructor de vuelo

Retired Marine Corps officer caught with cocaine after Oceanside plane emergency sent to prison
Troy Smith itted he had brick of cocaine last year during flight lesson

Attorneys for previously separated families argue Trump istration breaching San Diego settlement
ACLU lawyers say Trump's DOJ not providing immigration legal required by lawsuit settlement

Un tribunal de apelaciones revocó el veredicto de $5 millones de un hombre de Fallbrook mordido por el perro del sheriff
El tribunal de apelaciones dictaminó que las lesiones que sufrió el ex residente de Fallbrook Mikail Myles

Fallbrook man bit by sheriff’s dog has $5M verdict overturned by appeals court
Appeals court ruled plaintiff Mikail Myles' injuries not significant enough to warrant $5 million

San Diego prosecutors unseal first ever narco-terrorism indictment against Mexican drug traffickers
Charged are of the Beltrán Leyva organization, allegedly prolific fentanyl producers

Federal civil rights trial begins for San Diego deputy who shot unarmed fleeing man in back
Aaron Russell is charged with depriving the man's rights under color of law

El DHS pide la pena de muerte en el caso de contrabando en Del Mar, un cambio respecto a sentencias anteriores
La procuradora general Pam Bondi debe decidir si solicita la pena de muerte contra dos ciudadanos mexicanos

DHS calls for death penalty in Del Mar smuggling case — a steep escalation from prior sentences
Attorney General Pam Bondi must decide whether to seek the death penalty against the two Mexican nationals

La Iglesia Mormona logra un acuerdo de principio en más de 100 demandas por abuso sexual en California
Cinco demandantes alegaron haber sido abusados sexualmente en el condado de San Diego.

LDS church agrees to ‘settlement in principle’ of more than 100 sex abuse lawsuits in California
Court filings indicate the Mormon church and the plaintiffs have reached 'settlement in principle'

Cinco acusados por el mortal intento de tráfico de migrantes en Del Mar
Una niña de 10 años, procedente de la India, sigue desaparecida y se presume muerta

Five charged in deadly migrant smuggling attempt off Del Mar
A 10-year-old girl from India is missing at sea and presumed dead, officials said.

Un pasajero adolescente sufre una hemorragia cerebral al chocar contra una caja eléctrica en San Diego
La policía dijo que el conductor de 21 años se pasó un semáforo en rojo antes de estrellarse

Un hombre muere tras chocar contra un árbol en Vista y abandonar la escena
El conductor, de 30 años, abandonó la escena después de chocar contra un árbol

Teen enger suffers brain bleed in crash into electrical box in San Diego
Police said the woman, a enger, was not wearing a seatbelt and was thrown into the windshield

Man dies after crashing into tree in Vista and leaving scene
The driver, 30, was found unconscious and with a punctured lung about an hour after striking tree and fleeing

Organismo de derechos humanos considera que las acciones de los agentes fronterizos en la muerte de San Ysidro constituyeron actos de tortura
Decisión histórica de la Comisión Interamericana de Derechos Humanos

Human rights finds border agents’ actions in San Ysidro death ‘constituted acts of torture’
Inter-American Commission on Human Rights finds border officers tortured Anastasio Hernández Rojas in 2010

El candidato de Trump para comisionado de la CBP enfrenta preguntas sobre su papel en la investigación de una muerte en San Ysidro
Un demócrata de Oregon interrogó a Rodney Scott sobre la investigación de la muerte de Anastasio Hernández Rojas.

Trump’s nominee for CBP commissioner faces questions about role in San Ysidro death investigation
Rodney Scott testified that he did not interfere with an investigation into 2010 death of Anastasio Hernández Rojas

Judge orders involuntary medication of conspiracy theorist charged with killing kids in Rosarito
Matthew Coleman immediately appealed, and the order has been paused for now

Abogado de inmigración y representante legal de San Diego entre los ciudadanos estadounidenses a quienes se les dijo que abandonaran el país
El gobierno ha reconocido que algunos avisos "pueden haber sido enviados a destinatarios no previstos"

South Bay businesswoman granted clemency by Trump sent to prison again for new fraud scheme
Adriana Camberos was sentenced to 14 months in custody after a jury convicted her and brother Andy last year

San Diego immigration attorney and legal rep among U.S. citizens told to leave country
The government has acknowledged that some notices "may have been sent to unintended recipients"

«Fat Leonard» apela la sentencia de 15 años, pero lo hace bajo secreto, al menos por ahora
Francis, conocido como "Leonard el Gordo" por su enorme corpulencia, pasó décadas sobornando

‘Fat Leonard’ appeals 15-year sentence, but does so under seal — at least for now
Judges from 9th Circuit will ultimately decide what can remain sealed, what must be made public

San Diego judge blocks Trump istration anti-money laundering affecting border businesses
Judge found rule caused 'immediate and irreparable harm' to money services businesses in targeted ZIP codes

A violent takeover robbery crew terrorized San Diego bank tellers. Its leader was just convicted.
Jurors found Larry Lightning Jr. worked with accomplices to steal nearly $400,000 during four heists

Nueva normativa busca combatir el lavado de dinero pero una mujer de San Diego afirma que la dejará sin trabajo
El requisito para las empresas de servicios monetarios es que informen las transacciones de $200 o más en lugar de los $10,000

A new Trump istration rule aims to combat money laundering. A California woman says it will put her out of business.
Money services business in certain ZIP codes are now required to report transactions $200 and over

A new rule aims to combat money laundering. A San Diego woman says it will put her out of business.
Money services business in certain ZIP codes are now required to report transactions $200 and over

La istración Trump nombra nuevo fiscal federal en San Diego
El fiscal federal adjunto Adam Gordon fue nombrado fiscal federal interino casi dos meses después de que Trump despidiera a Tara McGrath, designada por Biden.

Trump istration appoints new U.S. attorney in San Diego
Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon, a former deputy district attorney, named interim U.S. attorney

Previously censured San Diego judge, now retired, onished by state judicial commission
Commission found Judge Howard Shore made comments "reflecting the appearance of racial bias"

As the U.S.-Mexico land border tightens, focus turns to dangerous sea crossings
Three recent interceptions near San Diego reveal the stakes for migrants, who paid smugglers up to $17,000.

San Diego judge blocks Texas company from selling rebranded ‘ghost gun’ machine in California
In lawsuit brought by San Diego County, judge rules Coast Runner milling machine is rebrand of outlawed Ghost Gunner device

SAN DIEGO: Dos agentes de la Patrulla Fronteriza presuntamente aceptaron sobornos para permitir el ingreso de migrantes indocumentados
Fiscales federales afirmaron que los oficiales conspiraron con un grupo de tráfico de personas y que recibieron miles de dólares por cada vehículo que permitieron pasar por el puerto de...

2 San Diego CBP officers allegedly took bribes to let undocumented migrants enter U.S.
Federal authorities allege both worked border crossings and waved through cars carrying people without permission to be in U.S.

El hombre que disparó en Cowles Mountain estaba siendo perseguido por un grupo con piedras, dice un testigo
Un testigo dijo que el hombre y su compañero estaban huyendo de un grupo que sostenía piedras.

Man who fired shots on Cowles Mountain was being chased by rock-wielding group, witness says
Police confirmed the arrest of a young man but said the incident remains under investigation

Argument sparks shooting on Cowles Mountain trail
Police said woman carrying ghost gun in fanny pack opened fire on other hikers above her

Helicopter makes emergency landing on roadway near Escondido
No injuries were reported after the private aircraft experienced engine problems

Family’s anti-terrorism suit trods new ground in targeting Sinaloa cartel for DEA agent’s killing
Lawsuit under Anti-Terrorism Act thought to be first ever against the Mexican cartel newly designated as a terrorist organization

Ex detective de la Marina sentenciado por asfixiar a marinero enfrenta nuevo cargo de explotación infantil
Jonathan LaRoche fue sentenciado el mes pasado a una prisión federal por uso indebido de la fuerza

Former Navy detective sentenced for choking sailor faces new child exploitation charge
Jonathan LaRoche, set to report to prison next month, faces new charge related to attempted production of child sex abuse material

Organización sin fines de lucro del condado de San Diego presuntamente fue utilizada como fachada para el tráfico de drogas
Autoridades afirman que Red de Apoyo Educativo en Casa de Oro no era legítima, sino utilizada por el CEO para delitos de narcotráfico

East County nonprofit allegedly used as a front for drug trafficking
Federal authorities say Educational Network in Casa de Oro was not legitimate

Familia del agente de la DEA ‘Kiki’ Camarena demanda a un cártel bajo nueva designación terrorista en San Diego
Familia de agente de la DEA asesinado en 1985 en México reclama daños y perjuicios a exlíderes del cártel de Guadalajara

Family of DEA agent ‘Kiki’ Camarena sues cartel under new terrorist designation in San Diego
Camarena's family's attorneys said Trump's designation of Sinaloa cartel as foreign terrorist organization allowed for such a suit

9th Circuit upholds California ban on large-capacity magazines in reversal of San Diego judge
Opinion overturns ruling by San Diego judge who found ban on large-capacity magazines violated Second Amendment

Condenan a hombre de Tijuana por tomar como rehén y matar a adolescente de San Diego que robaba drogas
Brian Alexis Patrón López fue declarado culpable de múltiples cargos, incluyendo el asesinato

Jury convicts Tijuana man in hostage-taking killing of San Diego teen who stole drugs
Brian Alexis Patron Lopez was found guilty of killing Miguel Anthony Rendon while engaged in drug trafficking

Operativo federal desmantela presunta red de narcotráfico en Escondido
Una enorme presencia policial para ejecutar órdenes de allanamiento coordinadas contra una supuesta red de venta de drogas

Federal operation takes down alleged Escondido drug ring
The operation initially sparked fear among some in community that federal agents were conducting immigration raids

Issa sues to block California from accepting mail-in ballots after Election Day
Rep. Darrell Issa contends mailed-in ballots should only be counted if they arrive on or before Election Day

Una demanda sin precedentes alega trata de personas por parte de Bumble Bee Seafoods de San Diego
Una demanda presentada por cuatro hombres indonesios alega que fueron obligados a trabajar

First-of-its-kind lawsuit alleges human trafficking by San Diego’s Bumble Bee Seafoods
Four Indonesian villagers allege they were forced to labor on ships in Bumble Bee's 'trusted fleet'

Supreme Court boosts effort by family of former La Mesa man to reclaim Nazi-looted painting
U.S. Supreme Court ordered 9th Circuit to reconsider fate of looted painting in light of new California law

Journalism or crime? Judge rules freelancer’s suit against San Diego police can move forward
Ed Baier and city of San Diego disagree whether his 2023 arrest was violation of his rights or if he violated his probation

San Diego’s self-described ‘king of coke’ sentenced for trafficking drugs, recruiting cartel hitmen
Prosecutors said Rudy Silva was a prolific drug trafficker who ordered a cartel 'sicario' to shoot an alleged drug thief

Wave of sexual abuse lawsuits filed against LDS church in San Diego and across California
Plaintiffs in San Diego and across state allege Mormon church failed to stop childhood sexual abuse by church leaders

Conductor de vehículo todoterreno muere en choque con otro vehículo en Dulzura
Los equipos de Cal Fire San Diego llegaron rápidamente y le realizaron R, pero el motociclista murió en el lugar.

Man dead after reported shooting in Lemon Grove park
A man was found fatally wounded Sunday afternoon after sheriff's deputies responded to a reported shooting in a Lemon Grove park.

Off-road vehicle rider dies in crash with SUV in Dulzura
Cal Fire San Diego crews arrived quickly and performed R, but the rider died at the scene

Un jurado considera a MTS parcialmente responsable por derrumbe de plataforma en un gimnasio de Barrio Logan
MTS era el propietario del almacén donde se derrumbó la plataforma sin permiso, hiriendo a docenas de personas. El jurado otorgó a los demandantes 1,25 millones de dólares.

Jury holds MTS partially responsible for 2017 platform collapse at Barrio Logan parkour gym
The jury awarded plaintiffs $1.25 million for the collapse of the unpermitted platform built inside an MTS warehouse.

Navy captains imprisoned in ‘Fat Leonard’ scandal seek details of government misconduct
David Haas and Jesús Cantú argue that prosecutorial misconduct should result in dropped felonies and misdemeanor pleas

Miles de tropas estadounidenses y mexicanas se encuentran en la frontera. ¿Dónde están y qué están haciendo?
La Guardia Nacional mexicana ha instalado puestos de control para inspeccionar vehículos mientras las tropas estadounidenses ayudan a los funcionarios fronterizos

Thousands of U.S. and Mexican troops are at the border. Here’s where they are and what they’re doing.
The Mexican National Guard has set up checkpoints to search vehicles while U.S. troops assist border officials

San Diego migrant shelter hailed as national model will shut down, with 100-plus layoffs
Jewish Family Service said new Trump istration policies have curbed migrant arrivals but highlighted need for pro bono immigration legal services

Motorcyclist killed in Chula Vista crash
It happened about 7:35 p.m. on Otay Lakes Road near La Media Road

Detective de la Marina de San Diego sentenciado por estrangular a un marinero hasta dejarlo inconsciente
Jonathan LaRoche mintió sobre su renuncia a la policía de El Cajón en la solicitud de la Marina, y luego estranguló al marino ebrio y esposado hasta dejarlo inconsciente

Trump istration removes San Diego-area U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath
The move came later than expected in a busy border district with many immigration cases

San Diego Navy detective sentenced for choking sailor unconscious, lying about prior misconduct
Jonathan LaRoche lied about his resignation from El Cajon police on Navy application

Trump’s pause on Mexican tariffs hinges on slowing fentanyl. Can Mexico’s National Guard succeed?
Mexico sent more than 3,000 National Guard troops to Baja California this week as part of deal to stave off tariffs.

El CEO de una firma financiera de La Jolla se declara culpable en un esquema de fraude internacional masivo
Carlos Santos, de Ethos Asset Management, debe más de $100 millones a empresas de todo el mundo