Editor’s Note: This story is part two of a three-part series covering ICE operations in El Paso.
A wave of immigration enforcement operations across the borderland has sparked a unified response from local officials and community members, culminating in citywide protests and legislative action.
On Jan. 30, hundreds of El Pasoans participated in the National Shutdown, a nationwide strike protesting recent actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The movement saw students walk out of classes at several local campuses, including Eastwood and Bel Air. Sahara Rodriguez, a graduate political science student, noted the personal stakes for many of the younger participants.
Citizens of El Paso come together to protest the ongoing U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) expansion as it continues to impact the city. (Sadie Briones)
“I think they were wanting to protect their friends and neighbors,” Rodriguez said. “They are kids, and they are seeing everything going on and they are worried.”
The unrest follows reports of ICE activity at local construction sites and the federal government’s acquisition of warehouse space.
According to federal documents, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is scouting locations for an expansion of detention capacity, including potential facilities in the El Paso area. One student, who wished to remain anonymous to protect their privacy amid the heightened enforcement climate, noted that the visibility of the movement is changing the landscape for those afraid to speak out.
“I feel some people might have some sort of fear to protest [against ICE],” the student said. “But if they see more and more protests, they might have a little bit of more courage to join. Everywhere you look, it’s basically going to be like a protest going on.”
The momentum moved from the streets to City Hall on Feb. 3, where the El Paso City Council addressed the concerns of dozens of residents.
During the public session, community leaders, including El Paso attorney Joanne Bernal, emphasized the moral weight of the issue.
“El Paso has a moral obligation to lead in the immigration debate,” Bernal said.
Following the testimony, the City Council unanimously approved Item 34, a measure co-sponsored by City Representatives Lily Limón and Chris Canales, directing the City Manager and City Attorney to review options to prevent the construction of new ICE facilities within city limits.
Rodriguez believes the student activism pushed the council to act.
“I want [to] trust that our city councilors… are good people and saw that as something that had to be done,” Rodriguez said. “But I also think they were listening to the youth and seeing a lot of kids going out, certainly gave them a push to do that.”
Representative Canales emphasized during the Feb. 3 session that maintaining a distinction between local law enforcement and federal immigration enforcement is vital for community stability.
“Public safety depends on trust,” Canales said.” Maintaining a clear distinction between local law enforcement and federal immigration enforcement matters. Cities function best when rules are clear, expectations are predictable, and residents understand what their local government is responsible for and what it is not.”
Representative Isabel Salcido-Rocha also acknowledged the complexity of the situation, stating that many immigrants come seeking “safety, stability [and] opportunity”.
While she supported the measure, she expressed concern that the city must be “very careful” in its legal approach. Rocha added that immigrants are “the fabric of our community” and deserve to be treated with “dignity and compassion”.
However, the path to blocking federal agencies is legally complex. While the city explores its options, federal officials maintain that expanded detention space is necessary.
In a statement, ICE noted that facilities are designed to meet regular detention standards and that the agency is actively working to increase capacity.
As the city attorney’s office begins its review, the borderland remains at the center of a national tug-of-war between federal mandate and local resistance, with the next update on the city’s legal strategy expected later this spring.
Adrian Gonzalez Jr. is a staff reporter for The Prospector. He may be reached at [email protected]
