Judge Ramsey English Cantú Responds to El Latino Headline, Calls for Accountability
EAGLE PASS, Texas — Maverick County Judge Ramsey English Cantú delivered a strong and emotional response following a recent publication by El Latino Newspaper that used the word suicide in reference to him, a claim that was not accurate.
During a livestream addressing the situation, Judge Cantú made it clear that he is alive and well and stated that the publication had crossed a line by using a term tied to real and ongoing tragedies within the community.
He emphasized the seriousness of the issue by pointing to national statistics, noting that someone dies by suicide approximately every 11 minutes in the United States. He added that nearly every family in Maverick County has been impacted in some way by the loss of a loved one, making the use of the term especially sensitive.
READ: Texas Border School District Paid Over $100K to El Latino for Media Services
El Latino Newspaper Attempts To Save Face and Changes Headline
El Latino Newspaper after receiving an overwhelming amount of backlash for what was described as a wreckless and very poor journalistic move on behalf of publisher Abdon Horta, attempted to change the headline. Compare the image of the newspaper on top and the one of the bottom.
Strong Words Directed at Publication
Judge Cantú directly addressed El Latino Newspaper and its publisher, Abdon Horta, calling the headline out of line and inappropriate. He expressed frustration with what he described as repeated actions by the publication that he believes lack consideration for the impact on individuals and families.
In his remarks, Cantú called on the community to hold local media accountable for the way information is presented. He urged residents to be mindful of which outlets they support and how those outlets operate.
Personal Impact on Family
While maintaining a firm stance, the judge also shared the personal impact the publication had on his family. He stated that the headline affected his mother to the point that she required medical attention due to the shock and distress caused by the suggestion that something had happened to her son.
Cantú later apologized for the intensity of some of his remarks during the livestream but explained that the situation had struck close to home and could not be ignored.
He noted that his mother is now recovering.
READ: Eagle Pass Officials Push Back on El Latino Newspaper Headline Using Suicide Reference
Questions Raised Over Political and Media Ties
During the livestream, Judge Cantú also raised concerns about potential connections between the publication and local political activity. He stated that El Latino Newspaper had been supportive of his opponent, Gerardo “Jerry” Morales, and suggested there may be a financial relationship.
A review of campaign finance records shows that Morales’ campaign reported a payment of $1,500 to El Latino Newspaper.
The disclosure has led to questions within the community regarding the relationship between political campaigns and media outlets, particularly when coverage appears to favor one candidate over another.
Calls for Accountability
The incident has prompted reactions from other local elected officials, some of whom have also called on residents to denounce what they describe as irresponsible or insensitive reporting.
Cantú concluded his remarks with a direct message, reaffirming that he is alive and well and stating that disagreements should be handled directly without involving family members.
The situation has intensified ongoing conversations in Maverick County about media responsibility, political influence, and the standards expected from local publications.
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