South Texas mayors address ongoing immigration raids

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — An alliance of mayors across South Texas is responding to the recent wave of immigration raids in the region.

The South Texas Alliance of Cities (STAC) stated the raids were carried out without notice to local municipal leaders.

"The current lack of communication and transparency has led to confusion, concern, and operational disruptions, particularly for small businesses that are the backbone of our local economies," STAC announced.

STAC shared that the raids are conducted solely by federal agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Earlier this week, ICE agents raided several businesses in Harlingen and San Benito.

For some, the fear of the immigration raids has led to a decline in business.

"Our responsibility is to advocate for the residents and businesses of our cities and ensure their voices are represented. We respectfully urge our federal partners to enhance coordination and communication with local leadership so we may continue to lead effectively and clearly," STAC continued.

The alliance is made of mayors from the following cities in South Texas.

• Mayor Javier Villalobos, City of McAllen
• Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza, City of Mission
• Mayor Norma Sepulveda, City of Harlingen
• Mayor John Cowen, City of Brownsville
• Mayor Victor D. Treviño, City of Laredo
• Mayor Ron Nirenberg, City of San Antonio
• Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr., City of Edinburg
• Mayor Adrian Gonzalez, City of Weslaco