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 joined 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.

The main gate at Camp Pendleton. (Roger Wilson / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Inmigrantes que conducen por entregas o por equivocación a Camp Pendleton son detenidos y arrestados por ICE

March 9, 2026 at 9:17 a.m.

Los jueces han dictaminado que ICE detuvo ilegalmente a inmigrantes y solicitantes de asilo que se encontraban legalmente en Estados Unidos

They made a delivery to Camp Pendleton, or maybe a wrong turn. Then they were arrested by ICE.

March 8, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Judges have ruled ICE unlawfully detained legal immigrants who tried to access the military base inadvertently or for work.

General, medical and Ready Lanes during morning traffic at the San Ysidro Port of Entry on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025 in Tijuana, Baja California. (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Oficiales de CBP encuentran a una mujer en un tanque de gasolina en el cruce fronterizo de San Ysidro

March 7, 2026 at 4:27 p.m.

La mujer supuestamente estaba desorientada y fue llevada a un hospital para recibir tratamiento, mientras que el conductor fue arrestado

Traffic at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. (Alejandro Tamayo / U-T file)

CBP officers find woman in gas tank at San Ysidro border crossing

March 7, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

She was discovered after an officer saw a human foot sticking out of the tank.

Selling Girl Scout cookies from their booth table in front of a local grocery store in Bonita, Souri Khouphongsy (r), 10, a junior with Girl Scout Troop #4773, offers her twin sister, Serenity Khouphongsy (l), 10, to split up the last batch of 8 cookies to sell. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Las Girl Scouts de San Diego demandan a un gigante de la comida rápida; alegan incumplimiento del contrato de galletas

March 6, 2026 at 2:28 p.m.

La demanda alega que Ferrero U.S.A., empresa matriz del productor de galletas Girl Scout Little Brownie Bakers

Selling Girl Scout cookies from their booth table in front of a local grocery store in Bonita, Souri Khouphongsy, right, 10, a junior with Girl Scout Troop #4773, offers her twin sister, Serenity Khouphongsy, to split up the last batch of eight boxes to sell Wednesday. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Girl Scouts San Diego sues snack food giant, alleges cookie contract breach cost council $1.1 million

March 6, 2026 at 5:45 p.m.

The San Diego-Imperial Council alleged Ferrero U.S.A.'s actions put the 2025 cookie season in jeopardy.

A still image taken from a surveillance video during a January 2021 hearing in San Diego Superior Court shows then-San Diego County sheriff’s Deputy Aaron Russell fatally shooting Nicholas Bils in May 2020 outside the San Diego Central Jail in downtown. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Condenan a ex agente del sheriff de San Diego por violación de los derechos civiles en un tiroteo fatal de 2020

March 4, 2026 at 9:22 a.m.

Aaron Russell, quien anteriormente cumplió una condena de prisión por un cargo estatal de homicidio involuntario

Former San Diego sheriff’s deputy convicted of civil rights violation in fatal 2020 shooting

March 3, 2026 at 4:35 p.m.

Aaron Russell was convicted in the shooting death of Nicholas Bils, after a previous jury had deadlocked in the case.

Newspapers hang on display for sale a day after the Mexican army killed "El Mencho."

El capo mexicano “El Mencho” ha muerto. ¿Se desatará una violenta batalla por el control en Tijuana?

March 3, 2026 at 8:56 a.m.

El cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación ya tiene un historial de enfrentamientos con el cártel de Sinaloa por el dominio en Baja California

Mexican cartel kingpin ‘El Mencho’ is dead. Will a violent battle for control follow in Tijuana?

March 2, 2026 at 6:45 a.m.

The Jalisco New Generation cartel has a history of skirmishes with the Sinaloa cartel for dominance in Baja California, a lucrative trafficking route.

San Diego, CA – February 1: Jeane Wong of the San Diego Bike Brigade looks on during a weekly vigil for the people that ICE have detained at the Otay Mesa Detention Center on February 1, 2026 in San Diego, CA. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

El DHS afirma que ataques a agentes federales han aumentado. Los procesos judiciales en San Diego muestran otro matiz

February 28, 2026 at 9:44 a.m.

De los 22 casos locales que involucran a agentes de inmigración los fiscales han desestimado 10 casos

A Drug Enforcement Administration wanted poster offering a $5 million reward for information leading to the capture or conviction of Alfonso “Aquiles” Arzate. (courtesy of DEA and U.S. Department of State)

Se revelan cargos de narcotráfico en San Diego contra el supuesto jefe del cártel de Tijuana, “La Rana”

February 27, 2026 at 9:03 a.m.

"Los días de René Arzate García como narcoterrorista están contados", declaró James Nunnallee

A Drug Enforcement Administration wanted poster offering a $5 million reward for information leading to the capture or conviction of René “La Rana” Arzate (Courtesy of DEA and U.S. Department of State)

Narco-terrorism charges unsealed in San Diego against alleged Tijuana cartel boss ‘The Frog’

February 26, 2026 at 8:28 p.m.

Authorities also announced $5 million bounties on the Arzate Garcia brothers.

Jeane Wong of the San Diego Bike Brigade looks on during a weekly vigil for detainees at the Otay Mesa Detention Center on Feb. 1. Wong was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a federal officer last year. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

DHS says assaults on federal officers have spiked. San Diego prosecutions show more nuanced view.

February 22, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Of the 22 local cases involving immigration or border officers under Trump, prosecutors have ultimately dismissed assault charges in 10.

This image made available by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation shows three photos of Michael James Pratt, the founder of a California-based porn empire that coerced young women into filming adult videos. (FBI via AP, File)

Juez de San Diego ordena al propietario de GirlsDoPorn pagar $75.6 millones en restitución

February 17, 2026 at 10:05 a.m.

Los fiscales reconocieron que Michael Pratt no podrá pagar todo lo que debe

GirlsDoPorn owner ordered to pay $75.6M in restitution by San Diego judge

February 16, 2026 at 5:31 p.m.

Michael Pratt was sentenced last year to 27 years in prison.

Trafficker who survived assassinations, was linked to purest fentanyl in San Diego sentenced to prison

February 13, 2026 at 7:06 p.m.

Aaron ‘El Kobi’ Kobisher was sentenced for his involvement in a drug-trafficking ring that operated out of San Diego and Tijuana.

A San Diego Police Department officer patrols along El Cajon Boulevard near Hoover High School on Jan. 6, 2022. (Sam Hodgson / U-T file)

Ex-Hoover High administrator sentenced to 8 years for possessing child sexual abuse material

February 13, 2026 at 4:29 p.m.

Charles DeFreitas was also sentenced to 12 years of supervised release upon exiting prison.

A photo shows the shooting scene where two deputies opened fire on a theft suspect in 2022 in El Cajon. The deputies were near the law enforcement SUV, the suspect was near the middle of the street and a National City detective struck by the gunfire was near the silver vehicle circled in blue ink. (courtesy of U.S. District Court filing)

Records show San Diego deputies in friendly-fire case saw fellow officers before shooting at suspect

February 13, 2026 at 3:05 p.m.

San Diego County asking judge to dismiss National City officer's case.

District Attorney Summer Stephan, backed by prosecutors and police officials, announced on Monday the results of an undercover operation targeting open-air drug dealing in the East Village. (Courtesy of San Diego County District Attorney’s Office)

Operación encubierta en el East Village de San Diego resulta en acusaciones de drogas y armas para 37 personas

February 10, 2026 at 9:20 a.m.

La 'Operación Barrendero' se centró específicamente en los traficantes callejeros que, según las autoridades, operaban descaradamente y sin temor a ser arrestados.

Undercover operation in San Diego’s East Village results in drug, weapons indictments for 37

February 9, 2026 at 5:20 p.m.

The operation targeted street-level dealers in attempt to make downtown more safe.

FILE - In this June 17, 2018 file photo provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, people who've been taken into custody related to cases of illegal entry into the United States, sit in one of the cages at a facility in McAllen, Texas. Immigrant children described hunger, cold and fear in a voluminous court filing about the facilities where they were held in the days after crossing the border. Advocates fanned out across the southwest to interview more than 200 immigrant parents and children about conditions in U.S. holding facilities, detention centers and a youth shelter. The accounts form part of a case over whether the government is complying with a longstanding settlement over the treatment of immigrant youth in custody. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Rio Grande Valley Sector via AP)

Un juez de San Diego ordena el regreso de tres familias deportadas y determina que el ICE utilizó “mentiras, engaños y coacción”

February 9, 2026 at 7:53 a.m.

Las familias, todas ellas afectadas de alguna manera por la política de separación familiar de la primera administración Trump

People in immigration detention after being separated at the border under a policy in 2018. (

San Diego judge orders 3 deported families returned, finds ICE used ‘lies, deception, coercion’

February 6, 2026 at 1:44 p.m.

The families were legally paroled into U.S. and protected by a settlement agreement in the family separate case.

Judge denies trial delay for ex-San Diego deputy who cited ‘political climate’ after Minnesota shootings

February 5, 2026 at 11:55 a.m.

Aaron Russell argued tensions around shootings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti would not allow him a fair trial.

Ex-San Diego deputy who shot fleeing man seeks trial delay, citing shootings by feds in Minnesota

February 3, 2026 at 5:16 p.m.

Aaron Russell argues he can't get fair trial after the shootings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti by ICE.

President Donald Trump walks on the South Lawn upon his arrival to the White House, Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Una subvención contra la explotación infantil en San Diego está en riesgo debido a las condiciones de Trump, según demanda

February 3, 2026 at 8:47 a.m.

San Diego y San José alegan que la administración Trump utiliza fondos del Grupo de Trabajo sobre Delitos contra Niños en Internet

San Diego anti-child exploitation grant at risk due to Trump conditions, lawsuit says

February 2, 2026 at 5:04 p.m.

The city filed a lawsuit alleging the Trump administration is using Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force funding to coerce cooperation on immigration enforcement.

ACLU: La administración Trump sigue deteniendo y deportando a familias protegidas por el acuerdo de separación

January 31, 2026 at 8:40 a.m.

Un juez de San Diego decidirá si la administración Trump continúa violando el histórico acuerdo sobre la separación de familias

Automatic knives are on display at Bonds House of Cutlery/Knives & More on Jan. 27, 2017, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

9th Circuit upholds California ban on switchblades in San Diego lawsuit

January 30, 2026 at 4:36 p.m.

The opinion upholds a San Diego judge's prior ruling that the switchblade ban is constitutional.

ACLU: Trump administration still detaining, deporting families protected by separation settlement

January 29, 2026 at 7:19 p.m.

A San Diego judge will rule whether the Trump administration continues to violate a historic family-separation settlement.

La Costa Canyon High math teacher arrested on suspicion of possessing child sexual abuse material

January 28, 2026 at 4:11 p.m.

Joseph Zyburt, who also has taught at MiraCosta College, was booked into jail Wednesday morning.

Profesor de La Costa Canyon High arrestado bajo sospecha de posesión de material de abuso sexual infantil

January 28, 2026 at 4:31 p.m.

Joseph Zyburt, quien también ha impartido clases en MiraCosta College, ingresó en prisión el miércoles por la mañana.

Ex-Navy detective convicted of choking sailor is sentenced in child sex-exploitation case

January 27, 2026 at 4:21 p.m.

Jonathan LaRoche was sentenced to 20 years, plus 15 years of supervised release.

Two men and a woman were arrested after investigators served search warrants at two brothels in Walnut last month, a detective confirmed Wednesday. File photo

Operación contra el tráfico sexual deja 105 arrestos en San Diego; fue dirigida a posibles compradores

January 27, 2026 at 8:44 a.m.

El personal policial de California arrestó a 120 personas, incluidas 105 en el condado de San Diego, durante una operación de seis días, la semana pasada, dirigida a presuntos compradores...

Anti-sex trafficking operation nets 105 arrests in San Diego targeting would-be buyers

January 26, 2026 at 3:53 p.m.

Authorities in San Diego and three other California counties used a new law that criminalizes loitering with the intent to purchase sex.

A black Toyota Tundra is crashed outside the El Cajon Police Department part of an officer involved shooting in El Cajon in El Cajon on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024 in San Diego, California. (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Agentes del orden de San Diego absueltos de responsabilidad penal en 5 tiroteos fatales y 3 muertes bajo custodia

January 26, 2026 at 1:27 p.m.

La Fiscalía del Distrito tomó estas decisiones tras revisar el uso de la fuerza en los casos.

The District Attorney's Office announced Friday that it has cleared San Diego County law enforcement officers in five fatal shootings, including one that occurred in December 2024 when the driver of a Toyota Tundra used the truck to attack police outside El Cajon Police Department headquarters. (Alejandro Tamayo / U-T file)

San Diego law enforcement officers cleared of criminal liability in 5 fatal shootings, 3 in-custody deaths

January 26, 2026 at 2:01 p.m.

The District Attorney's Office made the determinations after reviewing the use of force in the cases.

San Diego Police officers bring the arrested protestors to the police van at City Administration Building on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026 in San Diego, CA. (Michael Ho / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Activistas arrestados tras atrincherarse en las oficinas del alcalde de San Diego

January 23, 2026 at 10:21 p.m.

El grupo de seis dijo que estaban preocupados por cualquier interacción entre la policía y los agentes de inmigración.

San Diego police officers escort out of City Hall protesters arrested after barricading themselves in the waiting room of Mayor Todd Gloria’s office Friday,. (Michael Ho / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Activists arrested after barricading in offices of San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria

January 23, 2026 at 7:14 p.m.

The group of six said they were concerned about any interactions between police and immigration agents.

La Mesa police arrest teen suspected of shooting cannabis delivery driver during robbery

January 23, 2026 at 9:23 a.m.

Police said the suspected gunman shot driver without warning on Jan. 5.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission seal. (Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images/TNS)

La Jolla couple facing criminal charges, SEC suit over alleged $100 million pump-and-dump scheme

January 22, 2026 at 5:17 p.m.

Brett and Deborah Rosen, through RB Capital Partners, allegedly ran complicated pump-and-dump scheme involving penny-stock companies.

La Jolla couple charged with $100 million securities fraud scheme

January 24, 2026 at 11:24 p.m.

A federal indictment alleges that Brett and Deborah Rosen ran a market manipulation scheme since 2020 involving financing, promoting and selling the stock of six publicly traded companies through their...

The Mexican Air Force on Tuesday flew 37 alleged cartel figures to the U.S. and turned them over to U.S. Marshals. Five of the 37 appeared Wednesday in federal court in San Diego. (Courtesy of U.S. Department of Justice)

Presunto líder en caso de “narcoterrorismo” mexicano, y otros expulsados por México, comparecen ante un tribunal de San Diego

January 22, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.

Entre los 37 presuntos líderes de cárteles expulsados por el gobierno mexicano el martes se encontraba Pedro Inzunza Noriega

Alleged leader in Mexican ‘narco-terror’ case, others expelled by Mexico appear in San Diego court

January 21, 2026 at 8:32 p.m.

The five suspected drug traffickers were among 37 expelled from Mexico on Tuesday.

Alleged cartel leader, 3 others arrested in Chula Vista pizzeria cold-case slaying

January 20, 2026 at 3:05 p.m.

Prosecutors said Ryan Cunningham, 22, had inadvertently walked through a party attended by suspect Jose Roque-Garcia.

Presunto líder de un cártel y otras tres personas arrestados por asesinato en pizzería de Chula Vista

January 20, 2026 at 4:15 p.m.

Los arrestos se produjeron un año después de que la Fiscalía del Distrito solicitó ayuda pública para resolver el asesinato de Ryan Cunningham, de 22 años.

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Man dies 2 weeks after being subdued, restrained by El Cajon police

January 19, 2026 at 3:59 p.m.

El Cajon officers restrained man's wrists and ankles, and he soon became non-responsive.

Man and woman slain, 3 young children found unharmed in nearby vehicle in Grant Hill

January 19, 2026 at 3:29 p.m.

San Diego police said the man and woman were found lying in the road on 27th Street near Imperial Avenue.

President Donald Trump boards Air Force One Friday at Joint Base Andrews, Md. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Trump pardons South Bay businesswoman convicted of fraud after he granted her clemency once before

January 16, 2026 at 3:41 p.m.

Trump granted full pardons to Adriana Camberos and her brother Thursday, as well as a local portable toilet businessman.

Leonard Glenn Francis, aka “Fat Leonard,” poses for a mugshot after being caught on Sept. 20, 2022, by Interpol in Venezuela. (Interpol Caracas)

Appeals court rules ‘Fat Leonard’ must serve full sentence in Navy corruption scandal

January 13, 2026 at 4:49 p.m.

Leonard Francis has lost appeal to overturn the 15-year sentence handed down by a San Diego federal judge.

The amphibious assault ship USS Essex returns to sea Feb. 17, 2006 shortly after arriving in Subic Bay, Philippines. (Photo by Michael D. Kennedy/U.S. Navy via Getty Images)

Marinero estadounidense de origen chino, declarado culpable de espionaje en San Diego, ha sido condenado a más de 16 años

January 13, 2026 at 12:03 p.m.

Los fiscales argumentaron que la codicia motivó a Jinchao Wei a vender secretos militares a China

Chinese-born U.S. sailor convicted of espionage in San Diego sentenced to more than 16 years

January 12, 2026 at 6:59 p.m.

Jinchao Wei was convicted last year by San Diego federal jury

Santana High School freshman Andy Williams is shown in a
sheriff’s car in San Diego, Calif., Monday, March 5, 2001, after
allegedly opening in a high school bathroom killing two people and
wounding 13. District Attorney Paul Pfingst identified the shooter
as Charles Andrew Williams and said he would be charged as an adult
with murder, assault with a deadly weapon and gun possession. He
will be arraigned on Wednesday. Fellow students said they knew the
shooter as Andy Williams. (AP Photo/The San DiegoUnion Tribune,
Nelvin C. Cepeda) NO SALES, MANDATORY CREDIT, MAGS OUT, TV OUT, SAN
DIEGO COUNTY OUT, COMMERCIAL ONLINE OUT

La sentencia en el caso del tirador de Santana High School se ajusta a una evolución al enfoque de los delincuentes juveniles

January 12, 2026 at 5:51 p.m.

Andy Williams, que ahora tiene 39 años, será sentenciado nuevamente como menor de edad por la masacre que cometió cuando tenía 15 años.

Santana High School freshman Charles "Andy" Williams is shown in a sheriff's car in San Diego March 5, 2001, after opening fire at school, killing two people and wounding 13. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / U-T file)

Santana High shooter ruling follows evolving approach to juvenile offenders

January 11, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Andy Williams, now 39, is set to be resentenced as a juvenile for the deadly rampage he committed when he was 15.

FOR USE ANYTIME WITH YEAR-END 2001–FILE–Brian Kays kneels in front of Santana High School after placing flowers on top of the entrance sign in Santee, Calif., March 5, 2001, following a shooting on the campus. Two students were killed and 13 other people injured when a freshman allegedly opened fire at Santana High School in the San Diego County town of Santee. Charles “Andy” Williams, 15, is facing trial as an adult on murder charges. (AP Photo/Nick Ut, File)

Víctimas reaccionan con decepción y frustración ante posible liberación del autor del tiroteo en Santana High

January 8, 2026 at 9:33 a.m.

Una nueva sentencia podría dejar en libertad a Charles Andrew “Andy” Williams, 25 años después de la masacre

A mourner kneels in front of Santana High School after placing flowers on top of the entrance sign in Santee on March 5, 2001. (AP Photo/Nick Ut, File)

Victims react with disappointment, frustration at possible release of Santana High shooter

January 8, 2026 at 6:58 a.m.

A new ruling could set Andy Williams free, 25 years after mass shooting killed two and wounded 13.

The city of San Diego alleges that federal personnel illegally built this razor wire barrier on city-owned land near the U.S.-Mexico border. (Image from lawsuit via U.S. District Court)

San Diego demanda al gobierno federal por una barrera fronteriza con alambre de púas en una propiedad de la ciudad

January 7, 2026 at 9:21 a.m.

La ciudad afirma que los marines construyeron ilegalmente la barrera en la zona natural protegida del valle de Marron, a pesar de un acuerdo de protección

Pedro Inzunza Noriega, 62. (Courtesy of U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control)

México detiene a un presunto narcotraficante buscado en un novedoso caso de narcoterrorismo en San Diego

January 7, 2026 at 8:56 a.m.

Pedro Inzunza Noriega fue capturado aproximadamente un mes después de que su hijo, también coacusado en el caso de San Diego

San Diego sues federal government over razor wire border barrier on city-owned property

January 6, 2026 at 4:22 p.m.

The city says U.S. Marines illegally built the barrier in the Marron Valley wilderness despite a longstanding protective agreement.

Mexico detains alleged trafficker wanted in novel San Diego narco-terrorism case

January 6, 2026 at 11:07 a.m.

Pedro Inzunza Noriega was the first suspected trafficker charged with narco-terrorism under a new designation.

Woman struck by car in El Cajon dies after weekslong hospitalization

January 5, 2026 at 3:44 p.m.

Susana Gascon was gravely injured Dec. 6.

A tree trimmer prepares Tuesday to cut branches on a tree at the corner of Marlborough Avenue and Wightman Street in City Heights where earlier branches fell and killed 61-year-old Roberto Ruiz Salmeron. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

San Diego man was outside own home when falling branches killed him Christmas Eve

December 26, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.

Roberto Ruiz Salmeron, 61, died outside his home on Marlborough Avenue.

The Rev. Brian Frulla, right, offers communion to parishioners during Christmas Eve Mass at St. Therese Catholic Church in Del Cerro. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Sacerdotes católicos recientemente ordenados para San Diego reflexionan sobre su primera temporada navideña

December 26, 2025 at 11:48 a.m.

El trío de sacerdotes fue ordenado en junio tras haber estudiado juntos en el seminario de la Universidad de San Diego

Father Brian Frulla (r) offers communion to parishioners during Christmas Eve Mass at St. Therese Catholic Church in the Del Cerro Community of San Diego. Frulla is one of three men who were ordained in June and celebrated mass as new priests. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

‘Something beautiful about Christmas’: San Diego’s newest Catholic priests reflect on first holiday season

January 14, 2026 at 1:23 p.m.

The trio of new priests attended seminary together at USD and were ordained in June.

Crews clear debris after branches from tree at the corner of Marlborough Avenue and Wightman Street in City Heights fell and killed a man during high winds on December 24, 2025 in San Diego, CA. One branch fell on a patio, left, and another split from the tree at right striking the victim. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Man killed by fallen tree in City Heights amid strong Christmas Eve winds

December 25, 2025 at 6:48 p.m.

The incident occurred around 10:55 a.m. on the corner of Marlborough Avenue and Wightman Street.

A person was shot by a San Diego County sheriff’s deputy on Sunday afternoon near an outdoor event close to the Imperial Beach pier. (Sideo)

Un agente del Sheriff mata a tiros a un hombre cerca de un evento concurrido en Imperial Beach

December 23, 2025 at 8:55 a.m.

Un testigo dijo que el hombre que recibió el disparo sostenía un pequeño cuchillo de obsidiana, estilo souvenir.

Sheriff’s deputy fatally shoots man near Imperial Beach gathering

December 22, 2025 at 11:32 a.m.

Officials said the man advanced at deputies with a knife.

Police tape on March 27, 2024, blocks the scene of a shooting on Santa Carolina Road in the Otay Ranch section of Chula Vista. (Phillip Molnar / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

2 teen gang members plead guilty in cartel-linked Chula Vista shootings

December 18, 2025 at 7:13 p.m.

The Sinaloa cartel hired two 15-year-old boys from a Los Angeles street gang to carry out a hit on a rival early last year.

Triston Sanderson, seen here, joined 17 other student pilots on Tuesday in filing a $36 million lawsuit in San Diego federal court alleging fraud and other claims against American Airlines and San Diego-based Coast Flight Training. (Courtesy of Triston Sanderson via Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight law firm)

Una demanda de $36 millones alega discriminación en la academia de American Airlines en San Diego

December 18, 2025 at 9:08 a.m.

Los demandantes afirman haber sufrido abusos raciales en la Academia de Cadetes de American Airlines

$36 million suit alleges unmet promises, discrimination at American Airlines academy in San Diego

December 17, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Plaintiffs say American Airlines Cadet Academy was not as advertised

FILE – A sign stands outside the U.S. Department of Labor’s headquarters, May 6, 2020, in Washington. The U.S. Department of Labor is asking a federal court to prevent Hyundai and two other Alabama companies from employing children illegally. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

Granja del condado de San Diego cobró ilegalmente a trabajadores por viviendas inseguras e insalubres

December 16, 2025 at 9:21 a.m.

Se ordenó a Lucky Growers pagar más de $171,000 en salarios atrasados y se le impusieron más de $76,000 en sanciones civiles

FILE – A sign stands outside the U.S. Department of Labor’s headquarters, May 6, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

North County farm illegally charged workers for unsafe, unsanitary housing, U.S. labor agency says

December 16, 2025 at 11:19 a.m.

Lucky Growers was ordered to pay more than $171K in back wages and assessed more than $76K in civil penalties.

After second trial, jury convicts San Diego County deputy who seriously injured restrained inmate

December 12, 2025 at 8:06 p.m.

Jeremiah Flores was found guilty on both counts Friday after just a couple hours of deliberations.

San Diego judge sentences GirlsDoPorn bookkeeper who offered ‘false assurances’ to victims

December 12, 2025 at 3:45 p.m.

Valorie Moser, who was meant to be a comforting presence to victims, was sentenced to two years in prison.

‘Lo ejecutaste’: Hombre de Tijuana sentenciado a cadena perpetua por tomar rehenes y matar a adolescente de San Diego

December 11, 2025 at 2:02 p.m.

Brian Patron López fue el quinto y último acusado en enfrentar una sentencia por la muerte del adolescente.

‘You executed him’: Tijuana man sentenced to life for hostage-taking killing of San Diego teen

December 11, 2025 at 6:44 a.m.

Brian Patron Lopez was the fifth and final defendant to face sentencing in the teen's death.

People take aim with a Jaycor SA200 Pepperball Launcher in a law enforcement demonstration in a file photo. (Rodrigo Pena / The Press-Enterprise)

San Diego lawsuit challenges California’s ban on less-lethal pepperball weapons

December 10, 2025 at 1:54 p.m.

The lawsuit filed in federal court argues pepper projectile launchers are protected by the Second Amendment.

Judge rules against 2 Navy captains seeking reduced charges in ‘Fat Leonard’ corruption case

December 9, 2025 at 5:01 a.m.

David Haas and Jesús Cantú wanted their felonies reduced to misdemeanors, citing prosecutorial misconduct.

The San Diego Central Courthouse in downtown San Diego is shown. (U-T file)

Attorneys balance use of powerful AI tools with risks — including legal hallucinations

December 8, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Judges recently found that attorneys in two San Diego cases filed motions containing fake citations and quotes.

Nicholas Hoskins poses for a photo in downtown San Diego on July 11, 2024. (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

San Diego resuelve demanda con hombre que grabó a un oficial rompiendo la ventana de un auto

December 5, 2025 at 9:03 a.m.

Nick Hoskins se había negado a salir de su auto, argumentando que la Cuarta Enmienda lo protegía de una búsqueda irrazonable

San Diego settles lawsuit with man who recorded officer smashing car window

December 4, 2025 at 11:37 a.m.

Nick Hoskins had refused to exit his car on Fourth Amendment grounds during a traffic stop last year.

ENCINITAS, CA – DECEMBER 02, 2025: People sit outside at Swami’s Cafe on South Coast Highway 101 in Encinitas on Tuesday, December 02, 2025. (Hayne Palmour IV / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Swami’s Café pagará $650.000 para resolver una demanda por acoso sexual

December 3, 2025 at 8:37 a.m.

El pago es parte del decreto de consentimiento que requiere que la cadena de San Diego con 10 sucursales implemente políticas sólidas contra el acoso sexual y las represalias.

People sit outside at Swami’s Cafe on South Coast Highway 101 in Encinitas on Tuesday, December 02, 2025. (Hayne Palmour IV / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Swami’s Café to pay $650K to settle sexual harassment suit brought by U.S. employment agency

December 3, 2025 at 4:54 a.m.

The EEOC sued Swami's Café in 2023 after female employees complained

Chris Puehse, owner of Foothill Ammo, displays .45-caliber ammunition for sale at his store in Shingle Springs, Calif. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File)

Larger 9th Circuit panel to hear San Diego challenge to California’s ammunition background check law

December 3, 2025 at 5:37 p.m.

A three-judge panel previously sided with a San Diego judge in ruling that California can't require background checks for all ammunition buys.

This is one of the messages that officials in San Diego County are using as part of their campaign to prevent seniors from falling victim to scams. (Courtesy of San Diego County District Attorney’s Office)

Campaña de prevención de estafas insta a los adultos mayores de San Diego a “parar, colgar y avisar a alguien”

November 30, 2025 at 9:48 a.m.

Los funcionarios dicen que los estafadores telefónicos y en línea crean una sensación de urgencia y enfatizan la necesidad de mantener el secreto.

Scam prevention campaign urges San Diego seniors to ‘Stop. Hang up. Tell someone.’

November 25, 2025 at 6:50 p.m.

Officials say fraud is on the rise, and seniors are losing millions of dollars.

The VA Benefits Regional Office seen on Friday, March 21, 2025 in San Diego, CA. (Meg McLaughlin / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Feds: San Diego VA employee made millions coaching veterans to defraud disability program

November 21, 2025 at 1:47 p.m.

Daniel Rikkels allegedly coached one veteran to lie about being sexually assaulted

A family of 10 from Michoacán, Mexico, walk to the PedEast border crossing at the San Ysidro Port of Entry to request asylum on May 18, 2023, in Tijuana. Customs and Border Protection agents tell the family that they need to use the CBP One application to request asylum. (Ana Ramirez / U-T file)

La Corte Suprema revisará el caso de San Diego para dictaminar si EEUU rechazó ilegalmente a solicitantes de asilo

November 18, 2025 at 8:38 a.m.

La administración Trump espera que la Corte Suprema revoque los fallos de un juez de distrito de San Diego y del Noveno Circuito sobre la "medición" en la frontera.

Supreme Court to hear San Diego case in which judges ruled U.S. unlawfully turned away asylum seekers

November 17, 2025 at 5:48 p.m.

The Supreme Court case stems from lawsuit filed in 2017 in San Diego.

The facility formerly known as SPAWAR across Interstate 5 from Old Town. (John Gastaldo / U-T file)

Former military contractor sentenced in San Diego in wide-ranging SPAWAR corruption scheme

November 14, 2025 at 3:58 p.m.

Russell Thurston admitted to bribing James Soriano, a civil engineer who worked for the Department of Defense.

San Diego-based Bumble Bee Seafoods building at Petco Park in downtown San Diego on March 11. (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Forced labor suit against San Diego’s Bumble Bee Seafoods clears major hurdle toward trial

November 14, 2025 at 8:22 p.m.

A judge denied Bumble Bee's motion to dismiss the case in the first-of-its-kind lawsuit

In this April 2021 file photo, Jane Dorotik (sunglasses, at right) meets with her legal team outside the Vista Courthouse. (Charlie Neuman / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Condado de San Diego llega a un acuerdo por demanda de haber encarcelado injustamente a una mujer durante 20 años

November 11, 2025 at 8:33 a.m.

«Esta demanda busca obtener justicia para Jane en forma de compensación por la violación de sus derechos»

Jane Dorotik settles lawsuit that accused San Diego County of wrongly imprisoning her for 20 years

November 13, 2025 at 2:51 p.m.

The settlement comes three years after prosecutors dropped the murder case against her.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer. (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

San Diego CBP officer sentenced to 15 years for allowing drugs through inspection lanes

November 7, 2025 at 5:39 p.m.

Prosecutors said Diego Bonillo never once caught drugs at the Otay Mesa border crossing

Victor Marion Jr., second from right, and other members of an alleged San Diego-based money laundering cell pose with a tiger while on a trip to Thailand in 2024. The group allegedly traveled from San Diego to Thailand to learn how to manipulate elderly Americans as part of a fraud scheme. (U.S. Attorney’s Office via U.S. District Court filing)

Dueño de barbería de Miramar lideró un grupo de lavado de dinero con sede en San Diego

November 7, 2025 at 7:07 a.m.

Muchos fueron arrestados el miércoles en una serie de redadas, incluyendo una en la barbería Mecca en Miramar.

People exit and enter the San Diego Central Courthouse on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024 in San Diego. (Meg McLaughlin / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

El jurado no llega a un veredicto en el juicio contra el agente del sheriff de San Diego acusado de lesionar a un recluso que se encontraba inmovilizado

November 6, 2025 at 11:46 a.m.

Jeremiah Manuyag Flores enfrentó cargos por violar los derechos civiles de un detenido fuertemente restringido y por falsificar un documento

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