Many in South Texas are questioning when ICE raids could begin in the area.
FROM KIII:
Author: Lidia Herrera
Published: 9:40 PM CST January 23, 2025
Updated: 9:44 PM CST January 23, 2025
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — With the increase in ICE raids this is raising concerns across the country. Many in South Texas are asking the question not if but when they could begin in South Texas.
According to the Pew Research Center, 11% of the countries undocumented immigrants reside in Texas.
The president of the Corpus Christi American Federation of Teachers, Nancy Vera said she has witnessed the impact immigration policies have on children but now that ICE agents will be able to come on campus she said this could be a traumatic issue for everyone.
“The fact that our schools are no longer sacred sanctuary is of concern and the fact that our teachers will have to be on the front line is also a concern,” Vera said. “The traumatizing event of having a person from ICE or some other come in with handcuffs, a gun, or even rifles to pick up a child who is four or five-years-old or even three-years -old because we have three-years-old in our schools and that is a great concern.”
Corpus Christi immigration attorney, Debra Rodriguez said the phones haven’t stopped ringing this week. She offers advice for anyone stopped by an ICE agent.
“First off, all I think one of the most important things is be sure to not say you are a USA citizen if you are not. But you’re not required to offer any information just because you’re asked a question,” Rodriguez said. “So you do have the right to remain silent, you do have the right to an attorney.”
Vera said the union has released materials to prepare teachers and families in the event ICE agents do go onto campuses.
“We have published several documents that tell the families what their rights are. We have the immigrant and refugee children, know your rights. And as far as teachers are concerned, we encourage them to call the union so that we can prepare them for these raids,” Vera said.
With ICE raids beginning across the country, Rodriguez said many people are nervous.
“These are scary times but talk to an immigration attorney, tell them your story, find out what you can do in your particular case. But live life, don’t let these uncertain time take the joy away,” Rodriguez said.
Vera wants the immigrant community to know they’re not alone.
“We care about their children, we care about them, we care about their treatment as human beings,” Vera said. “And we’re fighting tooth and nail to ensure that they’re treated with dignity.”
Vera said a town hall meeting is in the works to educate anyone who might be affected by new immigration policies. The date of that event will be announced once it’s finalized.