1 00:00:08,790 --> 00:00:09,989 Board members for the Austin 2 00:00:09,990 --> 00:00:11,249 Independent School District are 3 00:00:11,250 --> 00:00:13,089 considering an outside nonprofit to 4 00:00:13,090 --> 00:00:14,429 handle three of its middle schools 5 00:00:14,430 --> 00:00:16,589 with chronic failing grades. 6 00:00:16,590 --> 00:00:17,729 Another failing grade for these 7 00:00:17,730 --> 00:00:18,849 campuses would give the Texas 8 00:00:18,850 --> 00:00:20,749 Education Agency the authority to 9 00:00:20,750 --> 00:00:22,809 take over the district as a whole. 10 00:00:22,810 --> 00:00:24,129 More about community meetings 11 00:00:24,130 --> 00:00:26,089 happening this week and the Texas 12 00:00:26,090 --> 00:00:28,289 Attorney General has notified AISD 13 00:00:28,290 --> 00:00:29,849 of a complaint alleging the district 14 00:00:29,850 --> 00:00:32,228 violated the state's bathroom bill. 15 00:00:32,229 --> 00:00:34,029 More about those stories coming up 16 00:00:34,030 --> 00:00:35,569 on today's show. 17 00:00:35,570 --> 00:00:37,469 The Austin Signal is a production 18 00:00:37,470 --> 00:00:39,589 of KUT News, hosted by 19 00:00:39,590 --> 00:00:40,749 Jerry Quijano. 20 00:00:40,750 --> 00:00:42,689 Plus, South by Southwest officially 21 00:00:42,690 --> 00:00:44,409 kicks off tomorrow, but the 22 00:00:44,410 --> 00:00:46,109 unofficial showcases and house shows 23 00:00:46,110 --> 00:00:48,149 have plenty to offer up as well. 24 00:00:48,150 --> 00:00:50,009 Come hear about one benefiting a 25 00:00:50,010 --> 00:00:51,709 women's correctional facility here 26 00:00:51,710 --> 00:00:53,489 in the Austin area. 27 00:00:53,490 --> 00:00:55,669 Those stories and a whole lot more, 28 00:00:55,670 --> 00:00:57,509 up next on Austin Signal. 29 00:01:07,280 --> 00:01:08,419 Howdy out there! 30 00:01:08,420 --> 00:01:10,299 You are tuned in to Austin 31 00:01:10,300 --> 00:01:12,399 Signal from listener-powered public 32 00:01:12,400 --> 00:01:14,379 radio, KUT News. 33 00:01:14,380 --> 00:01:16,539 I'm your host, Jerry Quijano. 34 00:01:16,540 --> 00:01:18,419 It is the 11th day of March, 35 00:01:18,420 --> 00:01:20,239 thank you for making us part of your 36 00:01:20,240 --> 00:01:22,239 day. We started out our Wednesday 37 00:01:22,240 --> 00:01:23,999 with showers and thunderstorms here 38 00:01:24,000 --> 00:01:26,119 in Austin and across the area. 39 00:01:26,120 --> 00:01:27,979 Unfortunately, it appears that that 40 00:01:27,980 --> 00:01:29,259 rain is leaving us for a good chunk 41 00:01:29,260 --> 00:01:31,859 of time with some warmer days ahead. 42 00:01:31,860 --> 00:01:33,059 The National Weather Service is 43 00:01:33,060 --> 00:01:34,859 forecasting a high right above 90 44 00:01:34,860 --> 00:01:37,039 degrees on Sunday, BYE BUD In 45 00:01:37,040 --> 00:01:39,179 classic Texas fashion, the high just 46 00:01:39,180 --> 00:01:41,139 24 hours later on Monday 47 00:01:41,140 --> 00:01:42,999 is expected to top out 48 00:01:43,000 --> 00:01:44,839 in the mid-60s. 49 00:01:44,840 --> 00:01:46,199 We will of course keep you updated 50 00:01:46,200 --> 00:01:48,079 on the latest right here 51 00:01:48,080 --> 00:01:49,760 on Austin Signal. 52 00:01:50,820 --> 00:01:52,599 Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton 53 00:01:52,600 --> 00:01:54,279 has notified the Austin Independent 54 00:01:54,280 --> 00:01:55,719 School District of an alleged 55 00:01:55,720 --> 00:01:57,619 violation of Senate Bill 8, 56 00:01:57,620 --> 00:01:59,659 colloquially known as the Bathroom 57 00:01:59,660 --> 00:02:01,599 Bill, limiting transgender Texans' 58 00:02:01,600 --> 00:02:03,339 use of public bathrooms in 59 00:02:03,340 --> 00:02:04,769 government buildings. 60 00:02:04,770 --> 00:02:06,129 The announcement seems to be the 61 00:02:06,130 --> 00:02:07,729 first major enforcement action of 62 00:02:07,730 --> 00:02:09,909 the new state law, and comes after 63 00:02:09,910 --> 00:02:11,769 another investigation the AG's 64 00:02:11,770 --> 00:02:14,349 office said it planned against AISD. 65 00:02:14,350 --> 00:02:16,169 For more, we're joined now by Acacia 66 00:02:16,170 --> 00:02:17,729 Coronado. She is the education 67 00:02:17,730 --> 00:02:19,769 reporter for Austin Current, KUT's 68 00:02:19,770 --> 00:02:21,629 collaborator on The Signal, 69 00:02:21,630 --> 00:02:23,569 and a partner with KUT newsroom in 70 00:02:23,570 --> 00:02:24,389 covering Austin. 71 00:02:24,390 --> 00:02:26,049 Welcome back to the show, Acacia. 72 00:02:26,050 --> 00:02:27,059 Thanks for having me. 73 00:02:27,060 --> 00:02:28,999 So let's talk about this alleged 74 00:02:29,000 --> 00:02:30,959 violation, what's in 75 00:02:30,960 --> 00:02:32,159 that? 76 00:02:32,160 --> 00:02:34,039 So according to the attorney 77 00:02:34,040 --> 00:02:36,299 general's office, the violation 78 00:02:36,300 --> 00:02:38,119 states that a 79 00:02:38,120 --> 00:02:40,199 student used a restroom that is 80 00:02:40,200 --> 00:02:42,059 not consistent with their sex 81 00:02:42,060 --> 00:02:43,399 at birth. 82 00:02:43,400 --> 00:02:44,699 And that followed a complaint that 83 00:02:44,700 --> 00:02:46,879 was made to the AG's office. 84 00:02:46,880 --> 00:02:47,979 Yes. 85 00:02:47,980 --> 00:02:49,059 So the attorney general's office 86 00:02:49,060 --> 00:02:50,579 said they were investigating this 87 00:02:50,580 --> 00:02:51,939 because they received a complaint 88 00:02:51,940 --> 00:02:53,479 through the tip line that the 89 00:02:53,480 --> 00:02:55,379 attorney's general's office set up 90 00:02:55,380 --> 00:02:57,359 to report these things once 91 00:02:57,360 --> 00:02:59,279 the law went into effect in 92 00:02:59,280 --> 00:02:59,829 December. 93 00:02:59,830 --> 00:03:01,729 Okay, that law is in effect 94 00:03:01,730 --> 00:03:03,329 now, what are the penalties 95 00:03:03,330 --> 00:03:05,169 associated for violating 96 00:03:05,170 --> 00:03:06,959 Senate Bill 8? 97 00:03:06,960 --> 00:03:08,839 So the penalties that are 98 00:03:08,840 --> 00:03:11,119 in Senate Bill 8 say that it's 99 00:03:11,120 --> 00:03:13,299 a $25,000 violation 100 00:03:13,300 --> 00:03:15,119 fee for the first time 101 00:03:15,120 --> 00:03:18,279 and then $125,000 102 00:03:18,280 --> 00:03:20,879 fee for subsequent violations. 103 00:03:20,880 --> 00:03:22,839 However, the notice that 104 00:03:22,840 --> 00:03:24,659 Austin ISD was given according to 105 00:03:24,660 --> 00:03:26,539 the attorney general's office was 106 00:03:26,540 --> 00:03:28,659 that it will incur a $5,000 107 00:03:28,660 --> 00:03:30,579 penalty per day that the violation 108 00:03:30,580 --> 00:03:31,049 continued. 109 00:03:31,050 --> 00:03:33,289 Did it say why it was only 5,000 110 00:03:33,290 --> 00:03:34,469 if the first is supposed to be 111 00:03:34,470 --> 00:03:35,369 25,000? 112 00:03:35,370 --> 00:03:36,229 It did not. 113 00:03:36,230 --> 00:03:37,509 Do we know which school in the 114 00:03:37,510 --> 00:03:38,689 Austin Independent School District 115 00:03:38,690 --> 00:03:41,139 this complaint was filed against? 116 00:03:41,140 --> 00:03:43,159 So according to the 117 00:03:43,160 --> 00:03:45,019 attorney general's office statement, 118 00:03:45,020 --> 00:03:46,899 it was a parent from 119 00:03:46,900 --> 00:03:48,719 Austin High School that submitted 120 00:03:48,720 --> 00:03:49,289 the complaint. 121 00:03:49,290 --> 00:03:51,289 Okay, what have you heard so far 122 00:03:51,290 --> 00:03:53,249 from Austin ISD officials in regards 123 00:03:53,250 --> 00:03:55,069 to this 124 00:03:55,070 --> 00:03:56,259 alleged complaint? 125 00:03:56,260 --> 00:03:58,039 So Austin ISD has said that they 126 00:03:58,040 --> 00:03:59,879 received the notification from 127 00:03:59,880 --> 00:04:01,179 the attorney general's office and 128 00:04:01,180 --> 00:04:02,319 they said that will respond 129 00:04:02,320 --> 00:04:03,320 accordingly. 130 00:04:03,770 --> 00:04:05,989 You also reported this week about 131 00:04:05,990 --> 00:04:07,849 the options AISD board members 132 00:04:07,850 --> 00:04:09,209 are considering for three schools 133 00:04:09,210 --> 00:04:11,089 with continued failing grades. 134 00:04:11,090 --> 00:04:12,349 Can you remind us what schools those 135 00:04:12,350 --> 00:04:14,249 are and what is being considered 136 00:04:14,250 --> 00:04:15,209 for them? 137 00:04:15,210 --> 00:04:17,129 Yeah, so those schools are Burnet, 138 00:04:17,130 --> 00:04:19,028 Webb, and Doeby Middle Schools, and 139 00:04:19,029 --> 00:04:20,869 it was added to 140 00:04:20,870 --> 00:04:23,009 their schedule for Thursday's 141 00:04:23,010 --> 00:04:25,169 information meeting that the board 142 00:04:25,170 --> 00:04:27,049 hosts to 143 00:04:27,050 --> 00:04:28,889 discuss the possibility of 144 00:04:28,890 --> 00:04:30,389 partnering with Texas Council for 145 00:04:30,390 --> 00:04:32,229 International Studies, who 146 00:04:32,230 --> 00:04:34,249 has also brought on Region 147 00:04:34,250 --> 00:04:35,989 1 Education Service Center as an 148 00:04:35,990 --> 00:04:37,409 advising partner. 149 00:04:37,410 --> 00:04:38,909 What do we know about this group and 150 00:04:38,910 --> 00:04:40,529 their history with schools here in 151 00:04:40,530 --> 00:04:41,530 Texas? 152 00:04:42,150 --> 00:04:44,209 Texas Council for International 153 00:04:44,210 --> 00:04:45,649 Studies has worked with several 154 00:04:45,650 --> 00:04:47,769 districts including Edgewood, 155 00:04:47,770 --> 00:04:50,809 Longview and San Antonio ISDs. 156 00:04:50,810 --> 00:04:51,829 They actually, all the schools 157 00:04:51,830 --> 00:04:53,149 listed on their websites are 158 00:04:53,150 --> 00:04:55,469 partnerships under the SB 1882 159 00:04:55,470 --> 00:04:57,869 program, which allows districts 160 00:04:57,870 --> 00:05:00,109 to partner with 161 00:05:00,110 --> 00:05:02,089 outside organizations to operate a 162 00:05:02,090 --> 00:05:04,249 school, either for innovation 163 00:05:04,250 --> 00:05:06,249 or to turn around a school that 164 00:05:06,250 --> 00:05:08,329 might be failing for continuous 165 00:05:08,330 --> 00:05:09,629 years. Okay. 166 00:05:09,630 --> 00:05:10,819 Um, so. 167 00:05:10,820 --> 00:05:12,899 The Texas Council for International 168 00:05:12,900 --> 00:05:14,959 Studies has 15 169 00:05:14,960 --> 00:05:17,599 partnerships across the state, 170 00:05:17,600 --> 00:05:20,199 and some of these include 171 00:05:20,200 --> 00:05:22,519 schools in San Antonio 172 00:05:22,520 --> 00:05:24,819 that are 173 00:05:24,820 --> 00:05:26,739 still at a lower 174 00:05:26,740 --> 00:05:28,699 rating, and they also 175 00:05:28,700 --> 00:05:30,959 include schools that have 176 00:05:30,960 --> 00:05:32,919 kind of improved and gone down 177 00:05:32,920 --> 00:05:34,529 and improved and go down. 178 00:05:34,530 --> 00:05:36,289 Was this the only group considered 179 00:05:36,290 --> 00:05:38,359 for this kind of initiative? 180 00:05:38,360 --> 00:05:40,179 So we are not 181 00:05:40,180 --> 00:05:42,179 clear yet on whether there 182 00:05:42,180 --> 00:05:44,739 were other groups considered. 183 00:05:44,740 --> 00:05:45,679 We have requested to the school 184 00:05:45,680 --> 00:05:48,099 district how many groups 185 00:05:48,100 --> 00:05:50,379 applied to operate the 186 00:05:50,380 --> 00:05:51,699 three middle schools. 187 00:05:51,700 --> 00:05:53,899 However, we have been 188 00:05:53,900 --> 00:05:55,759 sent to an attorney general's ruling 189 00:05:55,760 --> 00:05:57,579 on whether that information can 190 00:05:57,580 --> 00:05:59,279 be released because the district 191 00:05:59,280 --> 00:06:01,459 said that their bid process 192 00:06:01,460 --> 00:06:03,579 is technically not closed until they 193 00:06:03,580 --> 00:06:04,580 for the contract. 194 00:06:05,539 --> 00:06:07,379 So we were 195 00:06:07,380 --> 00:06:09,339 still waiting to find out out of 196 00:06:09,340 --> 00:06:11,539 how many they selected them and 197 00:06:11,540 --> 00:06:13,419 what made them the 198 00:06:13,420 --> 00:06:14,099 winner. 199 00:06:14,100 --> 00:06:16,099 Okay, uh, will the community 200 00:06:16,100 --> 00:06:17,979 have an opportunity to discuss this 201 00:06:17,980 --> 00:06:19,549 new consideration? 202 00:06:19,550 --> 00:06:21,069 Yeah, so community meetings are 203 00:06:21,070 --> 00:06:23,009 being held at all three of the 204 00:06:23,010 --> 00:06:24,949 middle schools for the parents 205 00:06:24,950 --> 00:06:27,309 of those middle schools later today. 206 00:06:27,310 --> 00:06:29,169 And then tomorrow at the 207 00:06:29,170 --> 00:06:31,129 board meeting, there's still 208 00:06:31,130 --> 00:06:33,289 the public comment section at 209 00:06:33,290 --> 00:06:35,009 the beginning of the board meetings. 210 00:06:35,010 --> 00:06:37,109 So community can also voice 211 00:06:37,110 --> 00:06:38,469 their thoughts then. 212 00:06:38,470 --> 00:06:39,849 And it sounds like there's still a 213 00:06:39,850 --> 00:06:41,249 little bit of this process to be 214 00:06:41,250 --> 00:06:42,109 played out. 215 00:06:42,110 --> 00:06:43,929 How soon might a plan like this 216 00:06:43,930 --> 00:06:46,569 move forward or how soon do 217 00:06:46,570 --> 00:06:48,509 officials hope that they might be 218 00:06:48,510 --> 00:06:49,689 able to put this kind of plan into 219 00:06:49,690 --> 00:06:50,729 action? 220 00:06:50,730 --> 00:06:52,789 Yeah, so the deadline to apply 221 00:06:52,790 --> 00:06:54,489 for one of these partnerships is 222 00:06:54,490 --> 00:06:55,789 March 31st. 223 00:06:55,790 --> 00:06:57,809 So the district has to name 224 00:06:57,810 --> 00:06:59,429 their partner and apply with their 225 00:06:59,430 --> 00:07:00,829 partner by then. 226 00:07:00,830 --> 00:07:02,369 They have a scheduled voting meeting 227 00:07:02,370 --> 00:07:04,429 on March 26th, which 228 00:07:04,430 --> 00:07:06,309 is when we're expecting 229 00:07:06,310 --> 00:07:07,689 that they will take the vote, 230 00:07:07,690 --> 00:07:09,109 whether to move forward or not with 231 00:07:09,110 --> 00:07:10,129 this partnership. 232 00:07:10,130 --> 00:07:11,669 And the implementation of it would 233 00:07:11,670 --> 00:07:13,179 be in the next school year. 234 00:07:13,180 --> 00:07:14,399 We have been talking with Acacia 235 00:07:14,400 --> 00:07:15,919 Coronado, she is the education 236 00:07:15,920 --> 00:07:18,039 reporter for Austin Current, KUT's 237 00:07:18,040 --> 00:07:20,019 collaborator on the Austin Signal, 238 00:07:20,020 --> 00:07:21,639 and a partner with KUT Newsroom in 239 00:07:21,640 --> 00:07:22,699 covering the city. Thank you for 240 00:07:22,700 --> 00:07:23,829 your reporting, Acacia. 241 00:07:23,830 --> 00:07:24,830 Thank you so much for having me. 242 00:07:31,690 --> 00:07:33,149 This is Austin Signal, thank you for 243 00:07:33,150 --> 00:07:34,729 tuning in. Since the start of the 244 00:07:34,730 --> 00:07:36,449 second Trump administration, 245 00:07:36,450 --> 00:07:37,969 immigration crackdowns have been in 246 00:07:37,970 --> 00:07:39,309 the news and affecting communities 247 00:07:39,310 --> 00:07:41,269 and families across the nation, as 248 00:07:41,270 --> 00:07:43,289 well as right here in Texas. 249 00:07:43,290 --> 00:07:44,989 Austin-based documentarian Louise 250 00:07:44,990 --> 00:07:46,909 von Asa has taken a closer look at 251 00:07:46,910 --> 00:07:48,429 this by talking with the folks being 252 00:07:48,430 --> 00:07:50,029 directly affected. 253 00:07:50,030 --> 00:07:51,509 She's the director of the new 254 00:07:51,510 --> 00:07:53,609 documentary Ice America's 255 00:07:53,610 --> 00:07:55,149 Hunt for Migrants. 256 00:07:55,150 --> 00:07:56,489 Louise, thank for being here with us 257 00:07:56,490 --> 00:07:57,209 on Austin Signal. 258 00:07:57,210 --> 00:07:58,179 Thank you for having me. 259 00:07:58,180 --> 00:08:00,279 Also joining us is Mando Rayo, 260 00:08:00,280 --> 00:08:02,239 host of the Tacos of Texas podcast. 261 00:08:02,240 --> 00:08:03,939 He is featured in the documentary as 262 00:08:03,940 --> 00:08:05,059 well. Mando, thanks for coming on 263 00:08:05,060 --> 00:08:07,039 The Signal. Happy to be back. 264 00:08:07,040 --> 00:08:09,639 Louise, I'm gonna start with you. 265 00:08:09,640 --> 00:08:11,459 Obviously ICE detentions and 266 00:08:11,460 --> 00:08:13,279 ICE activities have been in the 267 00:08:13,280 --> 00:08:15,419 news for the last number 268 00:08:15,420 --> 00:08:16,339 of months. 269 00:08:16,340 --> 00:08:18,039 What made you want to document 270 00:08:18,040 --> 00:08:19,419 what's happening with US 271 00:08:19,420 --> 00:08:21,119 immigration, particularly here in 272 00:08:21,120 --> 00:08:22,769 Texas right now? 273 00:08:22,770 --> 00:08:24,729 Well, I started 274 00:08:24,730 --> 00:08:26,349 to have this idea for a documentary 275 00:08:26,350 --> 00:08:28,449 back in I believe it was March, 276 00:08:28,450 --> 00:08:30,049 I was in Europe because I'm 277 00:08:30,050 --> 00:08:31,709 originally from Belgium and I was 278 00:08:31,710 --> 00:08:33,029 promoting my other documentary 279 00:08:33,030 --> 00:08:33,569 there. 280 00:08:33,570 --> 00:08:33,959 Okay. 281 00:08:33,960 --> 00:08:35,859 And whenever I was talking 282 00:08:35,860 --> 00:08:37,678 about ICE, nobody really 283 00:08:37,679 --> 00:08:39,538 knew what ICE was, 284 00:08:39,539 --> 00:08:41,519 which surprised me because up here 285 00:08:41,520 --> 00:08:43,359 in the United States, it was 286 00:08:43,360 --> 00:08:45,519 such a big topic. 287 00:08:45,520 --> 00:08:47,359 So I was like, okay, this is a story 288 00:08:47,360 --> 00:08:49,319 I feel like I need to tell 289 00:08:49,320 --> 00:08:52,379 here. This needs to be known. 290 00:08:52,380 --> 00:08:55,079 And so I flew back, talked to Mando, 291 00:08:55,080 --> 00:08:56,579 because we worked together on the 292 00:08:56,580 --> 00:08:58,579 podcast, listened to his story 293 00:08:58,580 --> 00:08:59,859 and then, you know, talked to 294 00:08:59,860 --> 00:09:01,439 Network in Belgium and then started 295 00:09:01,440 --> 00:09:02,489 making that documentary. 296 00:09:02,490 --> 00:09:04,689 Yeah, speaking of that story, Mando, 297 00:09:04,690 --> 00:09:06,549 you are affected by this as 298 00:09:06,550 --> 00:09:07,669 well. 299 00:09:07,670 --> 00:09:09,449 Your story is shared in the doc. 300 00:09:09,450 --> 00:09:10,549 Can you tell us a little bit about 301 00:09:10,550 --> 00:09:11,289 that experience? 302 00:09:11,290 --> 00:09:12,469 Yeah, yeah. 303 00:09:12,470 --> 00:09:13,869 During the first Trump 304 00:09:13,870 --> 00:09:14,870 administration, 305 00:09:15,830 --> 00:09:17,149 you know, I was petitioning for my 306 00:09:17,150 --> 00:09:18,049 wife. 307 00:09:18,050 --> 00:09:19,709 She's originally from Honduras. 308 00:09:19,710 --> 00:09:22,049 And we're kind of at the last 309 00:09:22,050 --> 00:09:24,069 part of the interview 310 00:09:24,070 --> 00:09:25,049 process. 311 00:09:25,050 --> 00:09:26,889 And I turn over my birth 312 00:09:26,890 --> 00:09:29,609 certificate and the ICE agent there 313 00:09:29,610 --> 00:09:31,649 says that basically turns it around 314 00:09:31,650 --> 00:09:32,769 and says, well, we're going to have 315 00:09:32,770 --> 00:09:34,169 to do an investigation on you 316 00:09:34,170 --> 00:09:36,029 because you were born along 317 00:09:36,030 --> 00:09:38,689 the border in the 70s. 318 00:09:38,690 --> 00:09:40,529 And it was 319 00:09:40,530 --> 00:09:42,929 caught off guard, caught surprise. 320 00:09:42,930 --> 00:09:45,329 Quickly after that, you know, 321 00:09:45,330 --> 00:09:47,509 I mean, I'm a US citizen. 322 00:09:47,510 --> 00:09:48,570 Case anybody ask. 323 00:09:51,959 --> 00:09:53,059 Yeah, yeah. 324 00:09:54,580 --> 00:09:56,639 And back then, 325 00:09:56,640 --> 00:09:58,319 you know, during the first Trump 326 00:09:58,320 --> 00:09:59,799 administration, they were 327 00:09:59,800 --> 00:10:01,659 specifically targeting people born 328 00:10:01,660 --> 00:10:03,099 along the border. 329 00:10:03,100 --> 00:10:05,839 And so I 330 00:10:05,840 --> 00:10:07,799 reapplied for my passport 331 00:10:07,800 --> 00:10:09,599 and then it was denied. 332 00:10:09,600 --> 00:10:11,479 And so for four years, I 333 00:10:11,480 --> 00:10:13,019 was basically stateless. 334 00:10:13,020 --> 00:10:15,379 I had to prove I was a U.S. 335 00:10:15,380 --> 00:10:17,499 Citizen, which was 336 00:10:17,500 --> 00:10:18,500 crazy. 337 00:10:19,270 --> 00:10:21,249 Yeah, Louise, in your documentary 338 00:10:21,250 --> 00:10:23,369 you speak with a DACA recipient who 339 00:10:23,370 --> 00:10:25,289 was detained in El Paso at 340 00:10:25,290 --> 00:10:27,169 the airport ahead of a work trip. 341 00:10:27,170 --> 00:10:28,489 She managed to capture her 342 00:10:28,490 --> 00:10:30,109 interactions with ICE officials and 343 00:10:30,110 --> 00:10:31,549 let her partner know that an ICE 344 00:10:31,550 --> 00:10:32,889 official had taken her DACA card and 345 00:10:32,890 --> 00:10:34,389 was not giving it back. 346 00:10:34,390 --> 00:10:36,049 Let's listen to a brief clip from 347 00:10:36,050 --> 00:10:37,729 that documentary highlighting those 348 00:10:37,730 --> 00:10:38,730 interactions. 349 00:10:39,810 --> 00:10:40,729 Okay, I'm asking you some 350 00:10:40,730 --> 00:10:42,789 immigration documents here, 351 00:10:42,790 --> 00:10:43,779 do you have a visa? 352 00:10:43,780 --> 00:10:45,759 Have a work permit. 353 00:10:45,760 --> 00:10:48,139 What you have in hand is my work 354 00:10:48,140 --> 00:10:49,140 authorization. 355 00:10:49,630 --> 00:10:50,630 I'll see you on the far side, okay? 356 00:10:51,579 --> 00:10:53,619 Sochil is allowed to live and work 357 00:10:53,620 --> 00:10:56,319 legally in the US under DACA, 358 00:10:56,320 --> 00:10:58,319 a program that protects people who 359 00:10:58,320 --> 00:10:59,759 were brought here as children. 360 00:11:00,860 --> 00:11:01,939 Go ahead, go through screening. 361 00:11:01,940 --> 00:11:02,739 I'll see you on the first side. Do 362 00:11:02,740 --> 00:11:03,740 you not want to take your airplane ride? 363 00:11:05,400 --> 00:11:06,539 Are you threatening me? 364 00:11:06,540 --> 00:11:07,419 No, I'm not threatening you. 365 00:11:07,420 --> 00:11:08,239 I'm asking you, do you want to take 366 00:11:08,240 --> 00:11:09,339 your airplane ride? If you do, go 367 00:11:09,340 --> 00:11:10,340 though screening. 368 00:11:12,890 --> 00:11:14,069 When I saw the message, I didn't 369 00:11:14,070 --> 00:11:14,949 know what had happened. 370 00:11:14,950 --> 00:11:16,249 I was kind of like waiting to hear 371 00:11:16,250 --> 00:11:17,329 from her and then I texted her back 372 00:11:17,330 --> 00:11:18,929 like, what happened, did they let 373 00:11:18,930 --> 00:11:20,329 you on the plane? 374 00:11:20,330 --> 00:11:21,449 Go ahead and turn off your phone, 375 00:11:21,450 --> 00:11:22,709 you can come in with those answers, 376 00:11:22,710 --> 00:11:24,209 okay? For what? 377 00:11:24,210 --> 00:11:25,229 We're going to question you in 378 00:11:25,230 --> 00:11:26,939 regards to your documents. 379 00:11:26,940 --> 00:11:28,688 What's the questioning for? 380 00:11:28,689 --> 00:11:29,929 Don't do all the talk about it. 381 00:11:29,930 --> 00:11:31,399 What's the questioning for? 382 00:11:31,400 --> 00:11:33,839 Uh, how do you, how you got the 383 00:11:33,840 --> 00:11:34,840 format authorization? 384 00:11:35,960 --> 00:11:38,279 I need to have my lawyer here. 385 00:11:38,280 --> 00:11:39,079 That's right 386 00:11:39,080 --> 00:11:41,159 I can wait for my lawyer. 387 00:11:41,160 --> 00:11:42,539 While you can't see your lawyer, 388 00:11:42,540 --> 00:11:43,579 let's just go by plane ticket. 389 00:11:43,580 --> 00:11:45,099 So we're already past screening, so 390 00:11:45,100 --> 00:11:46,099 it doesn't work that way. 391 00:11:46,100 --> 00:11:47,449 We're gonna go downstairs. 392 00:11:47,450 --> 00:11:50,009 Okay, Louise, how did you connect 393 00:11:50,010 --> 00:11:50,819 with Xochitl? 394 00:11:50,820 --> 00:11:52,759 Um, actually, um, I got 395 00:11:52,760 --> 00:11:54,759 connected with a journalist up in El 396 00:11:54,760 --> 00:11:56,599 Paso, a friend, and 397 00:11:56,600 --> 00:11:58,139 then he told me, Hey, you should 398 00:11:58,140 --> 00:11:59,799 check out this case, which I had 399 00:11:59,800 --> 00:12:01,379 already read about it, but then he 400 00:12:01,380 --> 00:12:03,459 connected us and then, um 401 00:12:03,460 --> 00:12:05,339 we were able to, uh, speak to 402 00:12:05,340 --> 00:12:07,819 the, to such hills partner Desiree 403 00:12:07,820 --> 00:12:09,779 and I found their 404 00:12:09,780 --> 00:12:10,639 story. 405 00:12:10,640 --> 00:12:13,059 These are such innocent people. 406 00:12:13,060 --> 00:12:15,179 Like they're literally working 407 00:12:15,180 --> 00:12:17,399 on a community farm. 408 00:12:17,400 --> 00:12:18,519 They love flowers. 409 00:12:18,520 --> 00:12:20,839 They're like such sweet people. 410 00:12:20,840 --> 00:12:22,579 And they're caught up in the system. 411 00:12:22,580 --> 00:12:25,119 And we really wanted to show like, 412 00:12:25,120 --> 00:12:27,059 who are all these people that 413 00:12:27,060 --> 00:12:28,619 are being swept up with this like 414 00:12:28,620 --> 00:12:29,859 hard immigration crackdown because 415 00:12:29,860 --> 00:12:31,499 it's not like what they were 416 00:12:31,500 --> 00:12:32,559 promoting. It's like, we're going 417 00:12:32,560 --> 00:12:33,819 after, you know, the worst of the 418 00:12:33,820 --> 00:12:34,459 worst. 419 00:12:34,460 --> 00:12:35,899 Well, we're going to have a link to 420 00:12:35,900 --> 00:12:37,939 the documentary in our podcast show 421 00:12:37,940 --> 00:12:39,079 notes for today. 422 00:12:39,080 --> 00:12:40,979 I wanted to also ask you about 423 00:12:40,980 --> 00:12:42,879 Amanda, this attorney that you 424 00:12:42,880 --> 00:12:44,779 talk to and share her 425 00:12:44,780 --> 00:12:45,619 story. 426 00:12:45,620 --> 00:12:46,919 How did you get connected with her 427 00:12:46,920 --> 00:12:48,079 and what was that experience like? 428 00:12:48,080 --> 00:12:50,459 I actually got connected through her 429 00:12:50,460 --> 00:12:52,379 through an event that Mando had 430 00:12:52,380 --> 00:12:53,599 organized together with American 431 00:12:53,600 --> 00:12:54,600 Gateways. 432 00:12:56,000 --> 00:12:57,199 Through that organization, I was 433 00:12:57,200 --> 00:12:58,319 looking for an immigration lawyer 434 00:12:58,320 --> 00:13:00,479 because we wanted to follow, 435 00:13:00,480 --> 00:13:01,959 we wanted to see what the work looks 436 00:13:01,960 --> 00:13:03,639 like on the ground. 437 00:13:03,640 --> 00:13:04,899 And she was like, Amanda, she's 438 00:13:04,900 --> 00:13:06,879 amazing. She's like young, full of 439 00:13:06,880 --> 00:13:08,699 energy. She has her own immigration 440 00:13:08,700 --> 00:13:09,799 story with her own family. 441 00:13:09,800 --> 00:13:12,099 And she's like really out there 442 00:13:12,100 --> 00:13:14,379 working and trying to get those 443 00:13:14,380 --> 00:13:15,999 stories out. And so we thought that 444 00:13:16,000 --> 00:13:17,819 she would be an amazing person 445 00:13:17,820 --> 00:13:19,079 too. To follow. 446 00:13:19,080 --> 00:13:20,459 Yeah, and I thought it was really 447 00:13:20,460 --> 00:13:22,499 powerful because in the story or 448 00:13:22,500 --> 00:13:23,699 in the documentary, it's mentioned 449 00:13:23,700 --> 00:13:25,559 that we are seeing lots of 450 00:13:25,560 --> 00:13:27,419 ICE activities taking place on 451 00:13:27,420 --> 00:13:28,999 streets and people being detained 452 00:13:29,000 --> 00:13:30,099 that way. 453 00:13:30,100 --> 00:13:31,839 But what Amanda is doing, it's kind 454 00:13:31,840 --> 00:13:33,779 of in plain sight out just in 455 00:13:33,780 --> 00:13:34,719 a regular building, right? 456 00:13:34,720 --> 00:13:34,720 Yeah. 457 00:13:34,721 --> 00:13:36,239 Yeah. Yeah. That was something that 458 00:13:36,240 --> 00:13:37,819 like really hit me hard. 459 00:13:37,820 --> 00:13:39,859 So we filmed the scene at an 460 00:13:39,860 --> 00:13:41,500 ice check-in in San Antonio. 461 00:13:42,620 --> 00:13:44,219 And people are just waiting there 462 00:13:44,220 --> 00:13:45,859 because they have like their regular 463 00:13:45,860 --> 00:13:47,359 ice check in. 464 00:13:47,360 --> 00:13:48,519 So everybody's just waiting on 465 00:13:48,520 --> 00:13:50,839 chairs and then you get called in. 466 00:13:50,840 --> 00:13:52,719 And if those people stay in, 467 00:13:52,720 --> 00:13:54,019 that probably means they're 468 00:13:54,020 --> 00:13:55,839 detained. And if not, they're 469 00:13:55,840 --> 00:13:57,419 free to go and they have to come 470 00:13:57,420 --> 00:13:58,819 back in like another month or year 471 00:13:58,820 --> 00:14:00,359 or whatever the term is. 472 00:14:00,360 --> 00:14:02,499 But to me, it was so like, 473 00:14:02,500 --> 00:14:03,559 it really touched me how 474 00:14:04,710 --> 00:14:06,649 all of this is like you because 475 00:14:06,650 --> 00:14:08,409 you know, we've seen like all the 476 00:14:08,410 --> 00:14:10,249 violent videos all around 477 00:14:10,250 --> 00:14:11,669 us. I mean, we're flooded with it 478 00:14:11,670 --> 00:14:13,369 and the protests in response as 479 00:14:13,370 --> 00:14:14,989 well. Yeah, but this was so 480 00:14:14,990 --> 00:14:16,889 happening so quietly and 481 00:14:16,890 --> 00:14:18,749 such like it was almost like 482 00:14:18,750 --> 00:14:20,349 a machine. It was just routine. 483 00:14:21,380 --> 00:14:23,659 I want to turn it over to you. 484 00:14:23,660 --> 00:14:25,899 I know you have done some reporting. 485 00:14:25,900 --> 00:14:27,099 You've been on the Texas Standard 486 00:14:27,100 --> 00:14:28,239 talking about this as well You've 487 00:14:28,240 --> 00:14:29,339 seen the impacts of immigration 488 00:14:29,340 --> 00:14:31,199 enforcement or even just the 489 00:14:31,200 --> 00:14:32,879 threat of this type of enforcement 490 00:14:32,880 --> 00:14:34,939 on the community here in Austin What 491 00:14:34,940 --> 00:14:35,899 have you seen or what have you 492 00:14:35,900 --> 00:14:36,809 heard? 493 00:14:36,810 --> 00:14:39,109 I mean, I think people are scared. 494 00:14:39,110 --> 00:14:40,369 I think that there's a different 495 00:14:40,370 --> 00:14:42,269 culture. We're in a red state, 496 00:14:42,270 --> 00:14:43,349 right? Even though we live in 497 00:14:43,350 --> 00:14:45,389 Austin, there's the culture of 498 00:14:45,390 --> 00:14:46,449 compliance. 499 00:14:46,450 --> 00:14:48,689 There's a culture of just 500 00:14:48,690 --> 00:14:50,629 don't make waves, don't makes 501 00:14:50,630 --> 00:14:52,129 noise, and I think that's why we 502 00:14:52,130 --> 00:14:54,549 haven't seen a lot of protests here 503 00:14:54,550 --> 00:14:56,609 in central Texas, 504 00:14:56,610 --> 00:14:58,369 unlike Minneapolis, right. 505 00:14:58,370 --> 00:15:00,209 But people are scary, but they're 506 00:15:00,210 --> 00:15:02,329 trying to figure out, okay, well, 507 00:15:02,330 --> 00:15:04,309 how do I take my children 508 00:15:04,310 --> 00:15:05,929 to school? 509 00:15:05,930 --> 00:15:08,549 And being aware or 510 00:15:08,550 --> 00:15:10,749 you know, if they're street vendors, 511 00:15:10,750 --> 00:15:12,649 how do I look out for some things? 512 00:15:12,650 --> 00:15:14,709 Where's this safe place that I can 513 00:15:14,710 --> 00:15:16,669 sell my food or either go 514 00:15:16,670 --> 00:15:18,569 to work or or or buy 515 00:15:18,570 --> 00:15:20,889 food, you know So I think there's 516 00:15:20,890 --> 00:15:22,769 definitely there's a lot 517 00:15:22,770 --> 00:15:24,149 of people that are wanting to 518 00:15:24,150 --> 00:15:25,889 mobilize that are mobilizing But 519 00:15:25,890 --> 00:15:28,109 it's kind of under the radar 520 00:15:28,110 --> 00:15:30,029 Even though like we haven't 521 00:15:30,030 --> 00:15:31,649 seen a lot of activity in central 522 00:15:31,650 --> 00:15:33,329 Texas, you see that on the outskirts 523 00:15:33,330 --> 00:15:35,469 of town for sure but 524 00:15:35,470 --> 00:15:37,289 um, yeah people are 525 00:15:37,290 --> 00:15:38,339 definitely scared 526 00:15:38,340 --> 00:15:40,399 Okay, Luis, is there anything else 527 00:15:40,400 --> 00:15:42,119 about the documentary, about putting 528 00:15:42,120 --> 00:15:44,099 it together, anything else that I 529 00:15:44,100 --> 00:15:45,279 haven't asked you about that you 530 00:15:45,280 --> 00:15:46,549 would like to speak about? 531 00:15:46,550 --> 00:15:48,289 I am an immigrant myself to this 532 00:15:48,290 --> 00:15:49,929 country, right? I came here from 533 00:15:49,930 --> 00:15:51,749 Belgium, from Europe, and 534 00:15:51,750 --> 00:15:53,609 it took me five years 535 00:15:53,610 --> 00:15:55,189 to get my citizenship. 536 00:15:55,190 --> 00:15:56,490 I got it last year in April. 537 00:15:57,810 --> 00:15:59,249 And I thought it was a pain in the 538 00:15:59,250 --> 00:16:00,789 ass to get it. 539 00:16:00,790 --> 00:16:02,629 And then making this, 540 00:16:02,630 --> 00:16:04,129 listening to all these stories, 541 00:16:04,130 --> 00:16:06,329 realizing how people are waiting 20 542 00:16:06,330 --> 00:16:08,609 years, you know, 543 00:16:08,610 --> 00:16:10,589 and still no 544 00:16:10,590 --> 00:16:11,790 movement in their case. 545 00:16:12,840 --> 00:16:15,359 I never worried about this and I 546 00:16:15,360 --> 00:16:18,339 guess I just realized what 547 00:16:18,340 --> 00:16:19,999 privilege I have just being from 548 00:16:20,000 --> 00:16:21,189 Europe. 549 00:16:21,190 --> 00:16:22,709 As an immigrant, were you scared to 550 00:16:22,710 --> 00:16:23,789 cover this topic? 551 00:16:23,790 --> 00:16:26,069 As a black person, yes, for sure. 552 00:16:26,070 --> 00:16:27,669 And I worked with, I didn't do this 553 00:16:27,670 --> 00:16:29,729 by myself. I worked like a white guy 554 00:16:29,730 --> 00:16:31,029 from Belgium, Kunti and I, he's 555 00:16:31,030 --> 00:16:32,030 really talented. 556 00:16:33,590 --> 00:16:35,569 And we made sure that he was 557 00:16:35,570 --> 00:16:37,489 always right by my 558 00:16:37,490 --> 00:16:40,329 side. And also if we had questions, 559 00:16:40,330 --> 00:16:41,629 because we did have like law 560 00:16:41,630 --> 00:16:43,389 enforcement asking us what we were 561 00:16:43,390 --> 00:16:45,849 doing, he would always be answering. 562 00:16:45,850 --> 00:16:47,549 And it definitely makes a difference 563 00:16:47,550 --> 00:16:49,129 if I'm by myself or if I am with 564 00:16:49,130 --> 00:16:50,429 like another person of color or if 565 00:16:50,430 --> 00:16:51,479 am with a white person. 566 00:16:51,480 --> 00:16:52,759 Yes, and I did have a conversation 567 00:16:52,760 --> 00:16:55,459 with my husband about this and 568 00:16:55,460 --> 00:16:56,699 with Manu and with all the people 569 00:16:56,700 --> 00:16:57,619 that were featured in the 570 00:16:57,620 --> 00:16:58,579 documentary. 571 00:16:58,580 --> 00:17:00,299 Because right now you can watch the 572 00:17:00,300 --> 00:17:02,239 documentary on YouTube. 573 00:17:02,240 --> 00:17:03,599 And at first it was geo-blogged so 574 00:17:03,600 --> 00:17:05,358 you could only watch it in Europe. 575 00:17:05,359 --> 00:17:07,299 And then we decided to not 576 00:17:07,300 --> 00:17:08,879 do that anymore because honestly I 577 00:17:08,880 --> 00:17:10,139 was scared as well for 578 00:17:10,140 --> 00:17:11,679 repercussions. 579 00:17:11,680 --> 00:17:13,358 I still am, but I think it's like 580 00:17:13,359 --> 00:17:14,459 what Manu said earlier. 581 00:17:14,460 --> 00:17:15,838 You need to speak up and you need to 582 00:17:15,839 --> 00:17:17,479 do your part. 583 00:17:17,480 --> 00:17:18,899 And I guess part of it is being 584 00:17:18,900 --> 00:17:19,900 brave. 585 00:17:20,730 --> 00:17:23,629 In some way or form, yeah. 586 00:17:23,630 --> 00:17:25,129 Well, we've been speaking with Luis 587 00:17:25,130 --> 00:17:26,649 Van Assa, director of the new 588 00:17:26,650 --> 00:17:28,429 documentary, Short Ice America's 589 00:17:28,430 --> 00:17:30,429 Hunt for Migrants, as well as Mando 590 00:17:30,430 --> 00:17:32,109 Rayo, host of the Tacos of Texas 591 00:17:32,110 --> 00:17:33,589 podcast who's featured in that 592 00:17:33,590 --> 00:17:34,849 documentary as well. 593 00:17:34,850 --> 00:17:36,269 Again, the 30-minute documentary is 594 00:17:36,270 --> 00:17:37,689 available to watch on YouTube. 595 00:17:37,690 --> 00:17:38,949 We're gonna have a link to the doc 596 00:17:38,950 --> 00:17:41,809 in the show notes and at kut.org 597 00:17:41,810 --> 00:17:43,129 slash signal. 598 00:17:43,130 --> 00:17:44,269 Luis, Mando, thank you for your 599 00:17:44,270 --> 00:17:45,089 time. Thanks, Jerry. 600 00:17:45,090 --> 00:17:46,609 Thank you so much. 601 00:17:46,610 --> 00:17:48,429 And thank you out there, forcemen, 602 00:17:48,430 --> 00:17:50,029 and part of your day here with us. 603 00:17:50,030 --> 00:17:51,409 This is Austin Signal. 604 00:17:51,410 --> 00:17:53,269 We'll be back after a break. 605 00:17:58,360 --> 00:18:01,039 This is Austin Signal, welcome back. 606 00:18:01,040 --> 00:18:03,039 Music lovers who do not have a badge 607 00:18:03,040 --> 00:18:04,899 to go to SXSW shows 608 00:18:04,900 --> 00:18:06,779 this year can still take advantage 609 00:18:06,780 --> 00:18:08,859 of dozens of unofficial events 610 00:18:08,860 --> 00:18:10,439 and house shows happening across 611 00:18:10,440 --> 00:18:11,739 town. 612 00:18:11,740 --> 00:18:13,879 For KUT's Artbeat, Ella Kopekin 613 00:18:13,880 --> 00:18:15,759 reports on one unofficial show 614 00:18:15,760 --> 00:18:17,659 that benefits people who can't 615 00:18:17,660 --> 00:18:19,180 attend the festival at all. 616 00:18:20,550 --> 00:18:21,929 Every year during South by 617 00:18:21,930 --> 00:18:23,589 Southwest, local bookers put 618 00:18:23,590 --> 00:18:25,609 together unofficial music showcases 619 00:18:25,610 --> 00:18:26,909 around Austin. 620 00:18:26,910 --> 00:18:28,589 Nicholas Reyes is the organizer of 621 00:18:28,590 --> 00:18:30,269 one showcase in East Austin that 622 00:18:30,270 --> 00:18:31,929 raises money for the Texas Prison 623 00:18:31,930 --> 00:18:33,509 Education Initiative. 624 00:18:33,510 --> 00:18:35,549 It feels like an oasis from 625 00:18:35,550 --> 00:18:36,709 the festival. 626 00:18:36,710 --> 00:18:38,049 Artists to get to see friends from 627 00:18:38,050 --> 00:18:39,149 out of town. Everyone kind of knows 628 00:18:39,150 --> 00:18:41,679 each other. It's very communal. 629 00:18:41,680 --> 00:18:43,179 The initiative, commonly called 630 00:18:43,180 --> 00:18:45,339 TPAY, is an education program 631 00:18:45,340 --> 00:18:47,379 at a women's prison in Lockhart. 632 00:18:47,380 --> 00:18:48,699 The classes are all taught by 633 00:18:48,700 --> 00:18:50,319 volunteer professors and graduate 634 00:18:50,320 --> 00:18:52,659 students from UT, like Reyes, 635 00:18:52,660 --> 00:18:54,179 an assistant math professor. 636 00:18:54,180 --> 00:18:55,719 He became a volunteer teacher at the 637 00:18:55,720 --> 00:18:57,299 prison in 2019. 638 00:18:57,300 --> 00:18:58,939 I love the students, that's my 639 00:18:58,940 --> 00:19:00,339 favorite aspect of it. 640 00:19:00,340 --> 00:19:02,259 Reyes is also an established fixture 641 00:19:02,260 --> 00:19:03,879 of the Austin music scene. 642 00:19:03,880 --> 00:19:05,739 Known as Nicky Christmas, he started 643 00:19:05,740 --> 00:19:07,179 playing around town while he was a 644 00:19:07,180 --> 00:19:08,259 UT student. 645 00:19:08,260 --> 00:19:10,179 Before COVID, Reyes hosted a free, 646 00:19:10,180 --> 00:19:12,079 unofficial South By Music Showcase 647 00:19:12,080 --> 00:19:13,019 every year. 648 00:19:13,020 --> 00:19:14,479 The official South by organization 649 00:19:14,480 --> 00:19:16,479 brings in a lot of people from 650 00:19:16,480 --> 00:19:17,619 out of town. 651 00:19:17,620 --> 00:19:19,439 The unofficial showcases 652 00:19:19,440 --> 00:19:20,519 just give the bands more 653 00:19:20,520 --> 00:19:22,719 opportunities to play more shows. 654 00:19:22,720 --> 00:19:23,919 And this was just the biggest thing 655 00:19:23,920 --> 00:19:25,149 that I threw every year. 656 00:19:25,150 --> 00:19:27,009 In 2022, he decided to 657 00:19:27,010 --> 00:19:28,549 make the show a fundraiser for 658 00:19:28,550 --> 00:19:30,369 T-Pay. The aim is to get as many 659 00:19:30,370 --> 00:19:31,989 donations as possible. 660 00:19:31,990 --> 00:19:33,489 The money raised is divided. 661 00:19:33,490 --> 00:19:34,749 About two-thirds goes to the 662 00:19:34,750 --> 00:19:36,309 musicians, and the rest goes to 663 00:19:36,310 --> 00:19:36,929 T-pay. 664 00:19:36,930 --> 00:19:38,469 Sometimes bands will just donate 665 00:19:38,470 --> 00:19:40,669 their portion to TPEI. 666 00:19:40,670 --> 00:19:42,509 Dorothy Rao is T-Pay's program 667 00:19:42,510 --> 00:19:44,769 coordinator and only paid employee. 668 00:19:44,770 --> 00:19:46,769 They said the Texas Prison Education 669 00:19:46,770 --> 00:19:48,769 Initiative depends entirely on 670 00:19:48,770 --> 00:19:50,969 outside funding to operate. 671 00:19:50,970 --> 00:19:53,129 Calculators, notebooks, pens, 672 00:19:53,130 --> 00:19:53,929 pencils. 673 00:19:53,930 --> 00:19:54,969 We have about a hundred students 674 00:19:54,970 --> 00:19:55,869 every semester. 675 00:19:55,870 --> 00:19:56,669 And the other thing we have to pay 676 00:19:56,670 --> 00:19:58,429 for is to register them at the 677 00:19:58,430 --> 00:19:59,389 university. 678 00:19:59,390 --> 00:20:01,249 So we're paying to register each 679 00:20:01,250 --> 00:20:02,989 student so that they can get that 680 00:20:02,990 --> 00:20:04,349 college credit and that college 681 00:20:04,350 --> 00:20:05,849 transcript once they get out. 682 00:20:05,850 --> 00:20:07,549 The program helps students land on 683 00:20:07,550 --> 00:20:07,979 their feet. 684 00:20:07,980 --> 00:20:09,179 When they get out of prison. 685 00:20:09,180 --> 00:20:10,659 So after they leave, they can 686 00:20:10,660 --> 00:20:12,479 request a transcript from UT and 687 00:20:12,480 --> 00:20:14,399 they can either use this to continue 688 00:20:14,400 --> 00:20:16,579 their education or to 689 00:20:16,580 --> 00:20:18,619 show experience and job applications 690 00:20:18,620 --> 00:20:19,919 and also just to like build their 691 00:20:19,920 --> 00:20:21,139 confidence and have something they 692 00:20:21,140 --> 00:20:23,239 enjoy in an environment where 693 00:20:23,240 --> 00:20:25,239 there's often a 694 00:20:25,240 --> 00:20:26,240 lack of... 695 00:20:26,810 --> 00:20:28,449 Reyes knew his concert would have a 696 00:20:28,450 --> 00:20:30,369 bigger audience thanks to South By, 697 00:20:30,370 --> 00:20:31,769 and that could translate to more 698 00:20:31,770 --> 00:20:33,389 donations for T-Pay. 699 00:20:33,390 --> 00:20:35,289 I thought that it would be nice to 700 00:20:35,290 --> 00:20:36,529 set up donations. 701 00:20:36,530 --> 00:20:38,189 It goes a long way towards buying 702 00:20:38,190 --> 00:20:39,229 school supplies. 703 00:20:39,230 --> 00:20:40,809 Rao attended the benefit for the 704 00:20:40,810 --> 00:20:42,529 first time in 2024. 705 00:20:42,530 --> 00:20:43,629 There were a bunch of cool bands, 706 00:20:43,630 --> 00:20:45,009 the vibes, the building, it just 707 00:20:45,010 --> 00:20:46,349 feels so old school Austin and the 708 00:20:46,350 --> 00:20:47,449 way I love. 709 00:20:47,450 --> 00:20:48,909 Sunday's lineup at the Sahara Lounge 710 00:20:48,910 --> 00:20:50,569 will feature bands exclusively from 711 00:20:50,570 --> 00:20:52,069 Texas and New York. 712 00:20:52,070 --> 00:20:53,989 The first three years, we had a big 713 00:20:53,990 --> 00:20:55,689 contingency of Mexican bands, but 714 00:20:55,690 --> 00:20:57,009 those bands are not traveling to 715 00:20:57,010 --> 00:20:58,178 Texas anymore. 716 00:20:58,179 --> 00:20:59,799 Fewer acts from outside the U.S. 717 00:20:59,800 --> 00:21:01,099 Playing the festival means more 718 00:21:01,100 --> 00:21:02,939 local bands filling in. 719 00:21:02,940 --> 00:21:04,779 Matt Galsadon is a singer and the 720 00:21:04,780 --> 00:21:06,599 lead guitarist for Queen Serene, 721 00:21:06,600 --> 00:21:08,199 one of the five Austin bands on the 722 00:21:08,200 --> 00:21:09,319 bill for the show. 723 00:21:09,320 --> 00:21:10,679 It just seems like less bands are 724 00:21:10,680 --> 00:21:11,999 coming into town now. 725 00:21:12,000 --> 00:21:13,419 The lineups are a little bit more 726 00:21:13,420 --> 00:21:15,499 low key. It is feeling a little more 727 00:21:15,500 --> 00:21:17,359 like it's a locals kind of 728 00:21:17,360 --> 00:21:18,619 festival again. 729 00:21:18,620 --> 00:21:20,139 As opposed to like being like this 730 00:21:20,140 --> 00:21:21,649 giant international thing. 731 00:21:21,650 --> 00:21:24,009 Sarah Ronan, the band's lead singer, 732 00:21:24,010 --> 00:21:25,829 said unofficial South By shows feel 733 00:21:25,830 --> 00:21:27,579 more community-oriented. 734 00:21:27,580 --> 00:21:29,419 Friends always come out, the 735 00:21:29,420 --> 00:21:31,959 lineups are actually curated, 736 00:21:31,960 --> 00:21:33,739 and there's just heart and soul 737 00:21:33,740 --> 00:21:34,999 actually put into it. 738 00:21:35,000 --> 00:21:36,599 It feels like that's what South By 739 00:21:36,600 --> 00:21:37,919 was supposed to be. 740 00:21:37,920 --> 00:21:39,759 The prison education program used to 741 00:21:39,760 --> 00:21:42,039 rely heavily on grant money, but now 742 00:21:42,040 --> 00:21:44,339 funding is mostly donation-based. 743 00:21:44,340 --> 00:21:45,779 Rao says that's why the concert is 744 00:21:45,780 --> 00:21:47,059 so important. 745 00:21:47,060 --> 00:21:48,879 Organization like this is really 746 00:21:48,880 --> 00:21:50,339 hard to sustain. 747 00:21:50,340 --> 00:21:51,659 Fundraising is really hard and it 748 00:21:51,660 --> 00:21:52,919 takes away a lot of time and energy 749 00:21:52,920 --> 00:21:54,639 that can be put towards other things 750 00:21:54,640 --> 00:21:56,539 like teaching and like getting 751 00:21:56,540 --> 00:21:57,959 new volunteers and starting new 752 00:21:57,960 --> 00:21:58,899 classes. 753 00:21:58,900 --> 00:22:00,029 The benefit show is one of. 754 00:22:00,030 --> 00:22:01,869 Two yearly fundraisers for T-Pay 755 00:22:01,870 --> 00:22:03,309 and the only one in person. 756 00:22:03,310 --> 00:22:03,979 Just being able to f- 757 00:22:03,980 --> 00:22:06,039 confident in our 758 00:22:06,040 --> 00:22:07,939 financial stability to be able to 759 00:22:07,940 --> 00:22:09,239 continue to do what we're already 760 00:22:09,240 --> 00:22:10,809 doing would be really amazing. 761 00:22:10,810 --> 00:22:12,269 Reyes wants to keep putting on the 762 00:22:12,270 --> 00:22:14,229 annual showcase indefinitely, 763 00:22:14,230 --> 00:22:15,649 maybe even a few times a year. 764 00:22:15,650 --> 00:22:17,069 I'll be doing this every South by 765 00:22:17,070 --> 00:22:19,669 Southwest forever. 766 00:22:19,670 --> 00:22:21,829 I am hoping to do a 767 00:22:21,830 --> 00:22:23,589 counterpoint to this event in 768 00:22:23,590 --> 00:22:24,309 winter. 769 00:22:24,310 --> 00:22:26,289 And the TPAY leadership is just as 770 00:22:26,290 --> 00:22:27,909 invested in keeping the event going 771 00:22:27,910 --> 00:22:29,069 as Reyes. 772 00:22:29,070 --> 00:22:29,959 Getting to. 773 00:22:29,960 --> 00:22:31,799 See so many bands I like, 774 00:22:31,800 --> 00:22:33,619 be with my friends, and 775 00:22:33,620 --> 00:22:35,419 support an organization that I 776 00:22:35,420 --> 00:22:36,839 really care about is like such a 777 00:22:36,840 --> 00:22:38,499 beautiful combination, a beautiful 778 00:22:38,500 --> 00:22:39,779 soup of everything that I like about 779 00:22:39,780 --> 00:22:40,559 Austin. 780 00:22:40,560 --> 00:22:42,079 A South By show that's just as much 781 00:22:42,080 --> 00:22:43,739 about the people playing as the 782 00:22:43,740 --> 00:22:45,659 cause they're playing for. 783 00:22:45,660 --> 00:22:47,519 For KUT's Artbeat, I'm Ella 784 00:22:47,520 --> 00:22:48,520 Kopeikin. 785 00:22:53,370 --> 00:22:55,389 South by Southwest EDU 786 00:22:55,390 --> 00:22:57,069 is underway right now. 787 00:22:57,070 --> 00:22:58,749 South by SouthWest Conference and 788 00:22:58,750 --> 00:23:00,769 festivals run from tomorrow through 789 00:23:00,770 --> 00:23:02,049 next Wednesday. 790 00:23:02,050 --> 00:23:03,809 You can keep up with more art beat 791 00:23:03,810 --> 00:23:07,189 coverage at KUT.org. 792 00:23:07,190 --> 00:23:08,809 And our colleagues at KU-TX are 793 00:23:08,810 --> 00:23:10,729 gearing up for day one 794 00:23:10,730 --> 00:23:12,229 out at Schultz Garden. 795 00:23:12,230 --> 00:23:14,089 Doors open up at 730 in 796 00:23:14,090 --> 00:23:16,089 the morning with music starting at 797 00:23:16,090 --> 00:23:18,069 8 o'clock with Quinton, an Austin 798 00:23:18,070 --> 00:23:20,059 artist. Speaking of those 799 00:23:20,060 --> 00:23:21,559 Austin artists, you know, kind of 800 00:23:21,560 --> 00:23:23,199 re-emerging at South By. 801 00:23:23,200 --> 00:23:24,579 We're going to start off the music 802 00:23:24,580 --> 00:23:26,299 with an Austin artist. 803 00:23:26,300 --> 00:23:28,199 It's a $10 entry, which directly 804 00:23:28,200 --> 00:23:29,759 benefits the Central Texas Food 805 00:23:29,760 --> 00:23:31,319 Bank. That means you get to do 806 00:23:31,320 --> 00:23:33,419 something good and take in some good 807 00:23:33,420 --> 00:23:34,719 tunes as well. 808 00:23:34,720 --> 00:23:35,759 And that's just the beginning of 809 00:23:35,760 --> 00:23:37,599 what they have planned for South By 810 00:23:37,600 --> 00:23:39,179 Southwest. You can check out all the 811 00:23:39,180 --> 00:23:41,699 details at kutx.org. 812 00:23:41,700 --> 00:23:43,179 Also, it's just the beginning of 813 00:23:43,180 --> 00:23:44,599 what's happening out at Schultz 814 00:23:44,600 --> 00:23:46,119 Garden tomorrow There's gonna be 815 00:23:46,120 --> 00:23:48,099 live music from 8 until 816 00:23:48,100 --> 00:23:50,119 11 o'clock and then the 817 00:23:50,120 --> 00:23:52,159 Austin signal is going live out 818 00:23:52,160 --> 00:23:54,199 at Shultz garden tomorrow It's 819 00:23:54,200 --> 00:23:56,459 a one-hour live special show. 820 00:23:56,460 --> 00:23:58,539 It's free open to the public You 821 00:23:58,540 --> 00:24:00,439 can come out here from some of the 822 00:24:00,440 --> 00:24:01,519 great people that we're gonna be 823 00:24:01,520 --> 00:24:03,529 talking to currently slated 824 00:24:03,530 --> 00:24:05,509 to speak with Shaky Graves and 825 00:24:05,510 --> 00:24:07,409 Kid Jones, as well as some chefs 826 00:24:07,410 --> 00:24:09,309 from La Santa Barbacha, 827 00:24:09,310 --> 00:24:11,909 Ramen Del Barrio, and Die Due, 828 00:24:11,910 --> 00:24:13,549 and director and producer of a 829 00:24:13,550 --> 00:24:15,129 documentary that is premiering here 830 00:24:15,130 --> 00:24:16,729 at South By. 831 00:24:16,730 --> 00:24:18,189 Lots happening again. 832 00:24:18,190 --> 00:24:19,989 Schultz Garden tomorrow, one 833 00:24:19,990 --> 00:24:21,909 o'clock. It is free, it is open to 834 00:24:21,910 --> 00:24:23,469 the public. We're doing some radio. 835 00:24:23,470 --> 00:24:25,389 This is a community show that 836 00:24:25,390 --> 00:24:26,969 we make for you. 837 00:24:26,970 --> 00:24:28,309 And, Maya, it would be nice to see 838 00:24:28,310 --> 00:24:30,429 some of you out there tomorrow and 839 00:24:30,430 --> 00:24:32,309 to just share this experience 840 00:24:32,310 --> 00:24:34,189 for you because you are 841 00:24:34,190 --> 00:24:36,189 the reason that we do what we do 842 00:24:36,190 --> 00:24:37,629 every single day. 843 00:24:37,630 --> 00:24:39,649 So thank you for supporting this 844 00:24:39,650 --> 00:24:41,549 station and thank you tuning in 845 00:24:41,550 --> 00:24:42,689 to Austin Signal. 846 00:24:42,690 --> 00:24:44,189 Again, we'll be out at Schultz 847 00:24:44,190 --> 00:24:46,089 Garden live tomorrow, 1 848 00:24:46,090 --> 00:24:47,489 o'clock, it's free and open to the 849 00:24:47,490 --> 00:24:49,369 public. If you can't be there, tune 850 00:24:49,370 --> 00:24:50,569 in on the radio. 851 00:24:50,570 --> 00:24:52,369 I'm your host, Jerry Quijano. 852 00:24:52,370 --> 00:24:53,569 We will talk to you then.