SAN ANTONIO – Following Gov. Greg Abbott’s announcement to expand immigration enforcement, major Texas cities are complying with the directive.
Abbott announced on Sunday through X, formerly known as Twitter, that Texas Department of Public Safety troopers and special agents will assist the Department of Homeland Security in “targeting and removing illegal immigrants.”
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A major point of contention is whether Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will raid schools, churches and hospitals through federal orders.
How the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, San Antonio police are responding
In a press conference on Sunday, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said he is not “concerned” with going into churches or schools.
“You know, people should be free to worship or get an education if they’re legal enough to get into the school system, let them go to school in peace,” Salazar said. “What I can tell you is: the sheriff’s office, we’re going to obey the law, but we’ve also got to respect people’s rights.”
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San Antonio Police Chief William McManus met with the Homeland Security Investigations and ICE officials on Monday.
SAPD’s public information office shared the following statement on the meeting:
“SAPD has a long history of cooperating with Federal authorities on enforcement of immigration laws. We will continue to do that consistent with applicable law and availability of resources. Given that some of the contemplated enforcement actions have never been attempted, the City’s participation in any enforcement activity will be facilitated by effective communication and planning with Federal authorities.”
Salazar also spoke to CNN on Tuesday at a sheriff’s conference in Washington, D.C. where he was asked about potential ICE raids in Bexar County.
“We have not been asked to participate in any raids back home,” Salazar said. “I can tell you my folks are just going on about our regular everyday business.”
Watch his interview with CNN below.
4,500 migrants arrested so far, ICE says
The statements come after changes by the Trump administration allowing officers to arrest migrants at sensitive locations like schools and churches.
Since President Donald Trump took office on Jan. 20, he has tightened efforts to secure the southern border and end illegal immigration.
ICE started to report a daily “enforcement update” on social media that documents the number of arrests and detainers lodged.
More than 4,500 migrants have been arrested since Trump took office for his second term, according to ICE.
In a news release on Monday, Abbott’s office said the Texas Tactical Border Force will deploy to the border.
The force includes 400 additional soldiers, and C-130s and Chinook helicopters. The soldiers will join thousands of Texas National Guard soldiers already deployed on the border.
KSAT inquired with ICE about the occurrence or potential arrival of immigration raids in San Antonio but has not yet received a reply.