Abbott And DHS Team Up For New Strategy In Colony Ridge

Man speaking wearing a suit with gray hair

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has taken decisive action by launching a joint operation with the Department of Homeland Security to tackle illegal immigration in Colony Ridge, a community that has garnered attention for its high illegal immigrant population and alleged cartel links.

Key Takeaways

Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced an immigration operation targeting Colony Ridge, involving Texas DPS troopers, special agents, and Homeland Security investigations.
The operation focuses on targeting criminals and illegal immigrants in Colony Ridge.
Colony Ridge covers over 33,000 acres in Liberty County, Texas, approximately 30 miles from Houston.
The community is predominantly Latino and home to more than 75,000 residents, many of whom are non-U.S. citizens.
Some lawmakers and conservative influencers claim Colony Ridge is a hub for cartel activity.

Operation Details

The collaborative enforcement operation, which has been in the planning stages with former President Trump’s border czar Tom Homan, aims to address criminal activities tied to illegal immigration. The initiative has sparked anxiety among residents due to potential deportations and the presence of law enforcement. Governor Abbott said, “Colony Ridge is being targeted today. Texas DPS Troopers & Special Agents are assisting Homeland Security Investigations with an operation in Colony Ridge this morning. They are targeting criminals & illegal immigrants.”

Streets in Colony Ridge have seen increased law enforcement presence, resulting in a number of vehicle stops, particularly affecting workers headed to their jobs. This level of scrutiny has prompted criticism, with organizations like FIEL Houston describing the operation as a “wave of terror” against the community. They advise residents to remain vigilant and avoid engaging with law enforcement. The operation also sparked fears about deportation among residents, as reports emerge of ICE agents arresting individuals.

Background on Colony Ridge

Colony Ridge, located in unincorporated Liberty County, spans over 33,000 acres of land. The community, characterized by its largely Latino population, includes more than 75,000 residents, a significant number of whom are non-citizens. The area has drawn attention from conservative influencers and Texas legislators who portray it as a base for cartel activities. While some on the right describe it as a “no-go” zone, law enforcement agencies have not officially supported this narrative. The DOJ and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau have also filed suit against the developer for allegedly targeting Hispanics with unfavorable loans.

Mounting pressure for robust immigration enforcement continues as measures similar to this ongoing operation in Colony Ridge have been the trademark of broader plans initiated during the Trump administration, including nationwide ICE raids. Governor Abbott’s overarching initiative, Operation Lone Star, aims at solidifying border security, with the state also pursuing reimbursement for these hefty enforcement expenses from federal coffers. The operation marks another significant point in Texas’ persistent effort to tackle illegal immigration challenges.

Local Impact and Wider Implications

The operation has sparked a strong response from local residents and civil rights organizations, noting fears and disruptions caused by such enforcement actions. “We stand in solidarity with our community by informing them of their rights and denouncing the wave of terror directed at the Colony Ridge communities by the governor,” said Cesar Espinosa, highlighting the community’s anxiety about law enforcement interactions.

Governor Abbott’s operation, alongside other ongoing efforts, embodies the state’s determination to actively participate in immigration enforcement. This showcases Texas’ commitment to securing its borders and reinforcing the state against unlawful activities linked to illegal immigration.