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PHOTO BY DAVE WILSON
Protesters hold their signs in Dripping Springs.
PHOTO BY DAVE WILSON
A protestor waves to passing cars.
Over the past several weeks, there have been reports of increased activity by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Hays County and the surrounding areas. In response to that and to reports from around the country, there have been increasing public protests, including one in Dripping Springs on Jan. 10.
On Thursday, Feb. 15, the city of Buda and the Kyle Police Department (KPD) made statements about federal immigration Enforcement operations that had occurred in their jurisdictions, saying they were not involved in those or other ICE operations.
According to the Kyle Police Department Facebook page, the Hays County Sheriff ’s Office received a call from Homeland Security / ICE at about 7:45 a.m. on Feb. 15 requesting ambulance assistance for an individual being detained by federal authorities. KPD responded to the scene to provide support to EMS. The individual was transported to the hospital by EMS in the accompaniment of Homeland Security personnel.
Also on Thursday morning, ICE agents asked the City of Buda if ICE could park a transport vehicle at City Hall to use as a central location for conducting operations in the surrounding area, according to the City of Buda. The city posted on its Facebook page that it requested that the bus be relocated to free up the limited public parking, and the agents complied.
“The City of Buda and the Buda Police Department are not involved with this operation,” the statement also said.
Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra praised both cities for their transparency in a post on his social media.
“When federal activity creates uncertainty, speaking plainly and confirming facts isn’t easy - but it’s the most helpful thing a city can do,” Becerra wrote. “Being out front relieves pressure so residents don’t have to rely on rumor or fear. That kind of transparency builds trust. And trust is what keeps a community steady.”
