EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) – Concerns over immigration enforcement and detention operations continue to grow in the Borderland as local protesters gathered outside the federal courthouse Saturday, calling for an end to what they describe as aggressive ICE policies.
The protest was held as part of the National Raza Day of Action Against ICE, a coordinated series of demonstrations taking place in cities including Las Cruces and across the country.
Dozens of demonstrators held signs and chanted outside the federal building in downtown El Paso, urging federal, state, and local leaders to intervene.
Organisers with El Chuco Habla, a grassroots advocacy group, say the protest is a response to ICE raids, detentions, and family separations under the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
“We did not cross the border, the border crossed us,” said Carlos Azeves, an organiser with El Chuco Habla, as he addressed the crowd.
Protesters also raised concerns about detention infrastructure expanding in El Paso County.
Those concerns intensified this week after public records acquired by KFOX14/CBS4 confirmed the Department of Homeland Security purchased an entire industrial block in the Eastwind Industrial subdivision in Socorro for more than $122 million, acquiring land along Eastwind Avenue for a new federal detention centre.
The City of Socorro confirmed Friday that it was not involved in the land sale and does not have the authority to prevent the federal government from purchasing land.
However, city leaders acknowledged residents’ concerns and emphasised their commitment to transparency and public safety.
“If there’s not going to be enough water, then they should deny the request to build there,” said protester Cindy Cruz, who called on local officials to take a stronger stance against further detention expansion.
Socorro officials said the city still retains authority to enforce public health and safety standards and advocate for infrastructure protections, even though federal law limits local control over federal facilities.
To address community concerns, the City of Socorro has called a special City Council meeting for Feb. 11, where council members will consider an ordinance to establish fees for private contractors operating detention facilities to cover police, fire, and emergency service costs.
City leaders say they are also coordinating with local, state, and federal agencies on fire and life-safety oversight and encouraging residents to attend the upcoming meeting and participate in public comment.
Meanwhile, organisers with El Chuco Habla say Saturday’s protest is just the beginning, as advocates continue urging local and state leaders across the region to oppose expanded detention operations and demand more humane immigration policies.
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