Around 10 a.m. today, the City of Buda in neighboring Hays County alerted residents U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were in the area.
Public Information Officer Michelle Henley told MyCanyonLake.com that nobody knew ICE was in town until employees showed up for work and found an ICE transport bus parked at city hall.
An ICE official asked whether the agency could leave the vehicle there for the day, but Buda officials declined, saying public parking spaces are limited.
Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra swiftly followed up on Facebook, crediting city officials for showing leadership.
“When federal activity creates uncertainty, speaking plainly and confirming facts is not easy — but it is the most helpful thing a city can do. Being out front takes pressure, so the public doesn’t have to rely on fear.”
Several hours later, the Kyle Police Department received a call from Homeland Security/ICE requesting ambulance assistance for a person detained by federal authorities. In a Facebook post, police said neither the City of Kyle nor the police department are involved with today’s sweep by ICE nor were they aware of ICE’s presence prior to the incident.
What would City of New Braunfels and Comal County officials do if an ICE bus showed up at city hall or the courthouse?
Spokespersons for the City of New Braunfels and Comal County did not respond to requests for comment.
Pct. 4 Commissioner Jen Crownover, who represents Canyon Lake on Commissioners Court, said she “highly doubts” the county would follow suit with Buda or Hays County officials.
“Laws are enforced in Comal County,” she said. “…We suport law enforcement and the agencies enforcing the law. Rogue laws, no. But true law, yes.”
Precinct 1 Commissioner Doug Leecock told MyCanyonLake.com he is unaware of any activity or any “impending announcements regarding ICE.”
He represents the southside of Canyon Lake.
Comal County Sheriff Mark Reynolds said he is aware of some ICE activity in Comal County but did not provide a timeline or further details.