(Just The News)—Newly elected Judge Michele Oncken, presiding over the 338th District Court, appears to be the first in Harris County to deny bail to an illegal foreign national in a murder trial after new bail reform laws are in effect.
The decision is expected to be one of many in a new system voters have demanded for years. It’s also seen as a major win for Gov. Greg Abbott, who has championed bail reform and is seeking to turn Harris County red as part of a reelection bid.
Harris County First Assistant District Attorney Chandler Raine requested Oncken deny bail in a new 11D hearing process, created to allow prosecutors the opportunity to request bail be denied in certain violent crime cases.
The new process is an outworking of bail reform legislation Abbott signed into law in June, and a constitutional amendment 61% of voters passed on Nov. 4.
Raine is prosecuting Honduran national Angel Adonis Saldivar-James, 24, who is charged with murder in the shooting death of a taco truck owner in Houston on Dec. 4. The victim, Yaddua “Aless” Barraza, is described on a GoFundMe page as a “family man who worked hard and took pride in providing for his home.”
Authorities allege Saldivar-James shot Barraza through the truck window as an accomplice stole cash from a tip jar. They both fled the scene. Three days later, he committed aggravated robbery, authorities allege. Houston police arrested him on Dec. 9 after receiving a tip, according to the charges. He is currently charged with murder and aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon in two separate incidents, according to court records.
Saldivar-James, who is in the country illegally, also has a detainer request placed on him with the Harris County Jail by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Raine argued Saldivar-James should be denied bail because he represented an ongoing threat to the community because of the violent crimes he is accused of committing. Raine also argued the defendant is a flight risk because he had no ties to Houston and his identification documents appeared to be invalid.
JD’s manually curated links for God-fearing MAGA patriots
Raine presented surveillance footage of the shooting and Houston Police Department interview, which appears to show the Honduran demonstrating how he committed the violent crimes he is charged with, including standing and acting as if he were holding a gun and pointing it at his victims. HPD detective Robert Rivas testified he believed Saldivar-James had committed these types of crimes before, saying, “It tells me that he’s done this a lot.”
Oncken granted Raine’s request and denied bail. The next court date in the case is scheduled for Feb. 6, according to court records.
The hearing was held just eight months after Abbott listed bail reform as a priority for the legislature to address. State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, filed what Abbott describes as “the strongest bail reform package in Texas history.” It passed with bipartisan support.
One of the new laws, SB 9, prohibits “judges from granting bail for violent crimes like murder and rape if the prosecutor shows that the defendant is a flight risk and a danger,” Abbott said when signing it into law. “Judges who do release violent defendants on bail must explain their decision to the public in writing.”
It also authorizes prosecutors to appeal a judge’s bond decision, bars magistrates from setting bail in dangerous and high-risk cases, prevents nonprofits from using tax dollars to bail criminals out of jail, among other reforms, The Center Square reported. Sections of the law went into effect Sept. 1, others become effective Jan. 1 and April 1, 2026, according to the bill language.
Oncken’s decision was one Texas voters overwhelmingly supported in the November 2024 and 2025 elections. Last November, a bipartisan movement led by Houstonians urged Texans to vote out of office judges who repeatedly released violent offenders, The Center Square reported. Outrage has been expressed statewide over bail policies but Houstonians have led the charge for change, citing crime as a top issue in the 2024 election.
Last November, many new judges were elected, including Oncken, a former Harris County prosecutor. She was sworn into office Jan. 1, 2025.
Last month, voters passed the constitutional amendment after many again expressed outrage over judges continuing to release violent offenders onto the streets after they “promised” not to keep committing crimes.
Bypass Big Tech Censors
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.