Central Texas ICE operations called ‘not American’ as concern of future raids grows

AUSTIN, Texas — The organization Mano Amiga and U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett have voiced strong opposition to recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Central Texas. Natasha Martin from Mano Amiga expressed concern over the impact of these operations, stating, “Fear is definitely the emotion that is at the forefront of the community.” Martin added that ICE’s actions are “eroding community trust, and it is putting vulnerable families at risk.”

Rep. Doggett criticized ICE agents after viewing footage of an arrest in Hays County, which reportedly resulted in a detainee being injured. “ICE is going out and deliberately causing violent situations,” Doggett said, emphasizing that such actions are “not American.”

Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, defended ICE officers, stating they are trained in “driving training, firearm training, de-escalation training.”

While Doggett supports the removal of undocumented immigrants causing trouble, he insists on demanding more information from ICE.

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Most notably, transparency when it comes to notifying the appropriate officials, saying, “what we can do is continue to demand more information from them,” and that a lack of notification, “It’s unfair to them. It’s unfair to our neighbors to have these kinds of mask operations dragging people out of cars and homes.”

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s office did not directly respond to inquiries about whether they were notified ahead of the operations, but reiterated support for the Trump administration’s deportation efforts. Press Secretary Andrew Mahaleris stated the following:

Governor Abbott fully supports using every tool and strategy to aid in the Trump Administration’s deportation of illegal immigrants, and city and county officials across the state should fully cooperate in those efforts. Texas is a law-and-order state, and it works hand in glove with ICE every single day to uphold the laws of this country. Texas will continue to assist the Trump Administration in arresting, detaining, and deporting illegal immigrants.

Doggett announced he would not support an upcoming appropriations bill for the Department of Homeland Security, advocating instead for border security. Meanwhile, Austin city leaders plan to review local police policies regarding compliance with ICE.