Shelter sees drop in women seeking help in-person due to ICE raids 

MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) - As the  immigration crackdown from the federal government continues across the U.S., Rio Grande Valley advocates tell ValleyCentral it is creating a climate of fear that's affecting more than just undocumented people.

It's also impacting victims of domestic violence — many who are now too afraid to reach out for help. A local shelter says there is a lot to learn about the troubling trend.

Cecilia Mata with Mujeres Unidas says fewer victims are seeking help in person.

“Domestic violence victims are also afraid to report in general because of the fear factor,” Mata said. “Now, I think this just adds another barrier to that.”

However, their phone lines are still ringing non-stop.

“They are still calling as the victims are still there,” she adds. “Victims are reporting violence, but they are reluctant to come forward because of being afraid of them being detained and deported.”

She says that reluctance could put lives, including those of children, at even greater risk.

“Sometimes you have the murder-suicides at the homes and things like that in our community,” Mata said. “We have an average of 10 people that get murdered every year as a result of family violence. We are hoping this does not increase our numbers.”

Just in McAllen alone, more than 1,200 cases of domestic violence were reported in 2024 based on McAllen Police Department statistics. 

Of the victims, 66.5% were women and 33.5% were men. However, some of the most serious cases were against women.

Mata stresses that Mujeres Unidas offers support regardless of immigration status. Their shelter and legal services are open to all victims of domestic abuse. 

But she admits, the immigration crackdown adds another layer of difficulty.

“For us, we are still providing the information but for them it may be a barrier,” Mata said. “An additional barrier as they already have fear and they have poverty, they have transportation problems so now the fear of even reaching out to the people who could help them, which are law enforcement mainly, they may be more in fear and reluctant to report it.”

If you or anybody you know is seeking help, Mujeres Unidas can be contacted by calling (956) 664-2826.