Midland/Odessa and Pecos U.S. Courthouse Holiday Closure for Thanksgiving and Christmas

October 7, 2026 by David Cano
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By Order of the Court, the Midland/Odessa and Pecos Division will be closed on Wednesday, November 25, 2026 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm, Friday, November 27, 2026, Thursday, December 24, 2026, and Thursday, December 31, 2026. This order affects the offices of the United States District Courts, the United States Magistrate Courts, the United States District Clerk’s Office, the United States Probation Office, the United States Pretrial Services Office, and the United States Federal Public Defender’s Office. For more information, click the title of this news Continue reading →

El Paso U.S. Courthouse Holiday Closure for Thanksgiving and Christmas

October 7, 2026 by Toni
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By Order of the Court, the El Paso Division will be closed on Wednesday, November 25, 2026 beginning at 12:00pm, Friday, November 27, 2026, Thursday, December 24, 2026, and Thursday, December 31, 2026. This order affects the offices of the United States District Court, United States Magistrate Courts, the United States District Clerk’s Office, the United States Probation Office, and the United States Pretrial Services Office. For more information, click the title of this news item to view the El Paso Order.

Waco U.S. Courthouse Holiday Closure for Thanksgiving and Christmas

October 7, 2026 by Toni
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By Order of the Court, the Waco Division will be closed on Wednesday, November 25, 2026 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm, Friday, November 27, 2026, Wednesday, December 23, 2026 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm, Thursday, December 24, 2026, and Thursday, December 31, 2026. This order affects the offices of the United States District Court, United States Magistrate Courts, the United States District Clerk’s Office, the United States Probation Office, the United States Pretrial Services Office, the United States Bankruptcy Court, and the United States Federal Public Defender’s Continue reading →

INCLEMENT WEATHER ALERT: Waco Courthouse Closure

October 1, 2026 by Toni
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Due to the inclement weather forecasted within the area and the National Weather Service’s  storm warning for rain accumulation and for the safety of our employees, it is hereby ORDERED that the Waco offices of the United States District Courts, the United States Magistrate Courts, the United States District Clerk’s Office, the United States Probation Office, the United States Pre-Trial Services Office, and the United States Federal Public Defender shall be closed on Thursday, October 1, 2026 from 9:00am to 5pm. Waco Delayed Opening.

Public Notice: Reappointment of U.S. Magistrate Judge, El Paso, Texas

August 10, 2026 by Toni
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The current term of the office of United States Magistrate Judge Robert C. Castaneda is due to expire on March 31, 2027.  The United States District Court is required by law to establish a panel of citizens to consider the reappointment of U.S. Magistrate Judge Castaneda to a new eight-year term.  Comments are invited from members of the bar and the public as to whether U.S. Magistrate Judge Castaneda should be recommended by the panel for reappointment by the Court.  All comments should be directed Continue reading →

Pro Se Law Clerk Positions

July 20, 2026 by Toni
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Due to a significant increase in civil filings, the Western District of Texas is currently accepting applications for multiple Pro Se law clerk positions.  These positions will be allocated to the chambers of district judges in the Austin, Del Rio, El Paso, Midland, San Antonio, and Waco divisions.  Based on current data, funding for the positions is expected to last at least until December 31, 2028, and may be renewed thereafter, depending on the availability of funds.  The positions are open for an immediate start.  Continue reading →

INCLEMENT WEATHER ALERT: Del Rio Courthouse Delayed Opening

July 16, 2026 by Matthew Carpenter
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Due to the inclement weather forecasted within the area and the National Weather Service’s  storm warning for rain accumulation and for the safety of our employees, it is hereby ORDERED that the Del Rio offices of the United States District Courts, the United States District Clerk, the United States Probation, the United States Pre-Trial Services, and the United States Federal Public Defender shall have a delayed opening on Thursday, July 16, 2026 opening at 11:00 am. Del Rio Courthouse Delayed Opening.

Jury Phone Scams – Spoofers Using Government Phone Numbers

June 24, 2026 by David Cano
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​We have had recent reports that potential jurors are receiving scam phone calls regarding jury duty.  The U.S. Marshals and the FBI are alerting the public of several nationwide imposter scams involving individuals claiming to be U.S. marshals, court officers, or other law enforcement officials. During these calls, scammers attempt to collect a fine in lieu of arrest due to a claim of identity theft, failing to report for jury duty, or other offenses. Scammers use many tactics to sound and appear credible. They sometimes Continue reading →

Updated Password Standards on all existing Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) accounts

June 12, 2026 by Toni
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Beginning August 17, 2026, PACER users who have not updated their password in the last 18 months will be randomly selected to update their password to comply with the updated password standards. Strong passwords are essential in safeguarding systems from unauthorized access.  According to the updated standards, new passwords must contain: 14-45 characters. At least one lowercase letter, one uppercase letter, and one special character (all special characters are allowed). Not contain any part of your first name, last name, username, or email address. IMPORTANT: Continue reading →