SAN ANTONIO – Malyssa Hickman is a vendor preparing for Fiesta.
The store she works for will be selling all sorts of apparel, and even shot glass boots with people’s names engraved in them during the Fiesta de los Reyes in Market Square.
“I don’t think anybody in the market provides that either,” said Hickman.
The 10-day event for Fiesta is normally a good time for visitors, but after a shooting that happened in 2024, fences and security checkpoints were introduced. Hickman said she noticed more officers.
“It makes it less likely for things to happen,” said Hickman.
“We’re actively trying to be proactive for any type of incident that you’ve seen across the nation that have occurred,” said San Antonio Police Fiesta De Los Reyes Commander Robert Vara.
According to SAPD, this is the first year a “Rescue Task Force” will be on hand. Basically, these will be teams of first responders stationed at various positions in the downtown area who can instantly respond to emergencies. The teams are made up of firefighters, EMS, and officers.
As for officers’ presence, Vera says there will be around 90 officers at the event every day, just like last year.
Another new addition is the mesh around the fences. Officers say it is designed to help prevent people from passing things through them.
“Okay, it might help a little, but last year we saw people pass things over the fence,” said Hickman.
Police told us, if you see something, report it.
Lastly, instead of five entrances like they had last year, they will only have four. Two around Dolorosa Street, one along South Santa Rosa Street, and one along West Houston Street.
Police say items like guns and knives are not allowed, and vapes and backpacks are not allowed either. If you have a vape, you will be told to take it home, and only handheld bags will be allowed.
We asked whether ICE agents would be active during the event. They did not answer that, but they did say they will be working with federal law enforcement partners if needed for safety.