Rumors Abound Of Immigration Raids Scheduled Throughout Austin This Weekend

AUSTIN, TX — Immigrant advocates are spreading word of possible raids by U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement officials in Austin in light heightened efforts by conservatives to root out residents without proper documentation.

Patch was forwarded a message sent by officials of Dallas Workers Front to local immigrant advocates warning them of the supposed ICE activity while conveying advice to affected residents. The source providing the email said it was sent by a friend who once worked in the Mexican consulate in Austin who still has contacts there.

The rumors come amid a confluence of local and national machinations targeting undocumented immigrants for political gain. Gov. Greg Abbott is in an ongoing feud with Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez over her preference with limited cooperation with ICE in detaining people suspected of being undocumented, prompting the governor to cut off $1.5 million in county funds used to finance various programs unrelated to law enforcement.

Abbott had threatened to cut off those funds to force Hernandez to comply with his demands, making good on the threat on Wednesday by rescinding the grants when the sheriff stood firm in her stance. Before that, in his "state of the state" address, Abbott made the eradication of so-called sanctuary cities in the state as an emergency item of his agenda.

The White House also figures into the current state of anxiety among immigrant advocates. Donald Trump has been vocal about enforcing immigration policy, and has vowed to build a wall along the southern border with Mexico to deter entry into the U.S.

The emailed message forwarded to Patch alerts to "door to door" ICE raids occurring from Thursday through Sunday (Feb. 5).

"Apparently the White House heard about our sheriff and is looking to make us an example with a big media blitz, the email's author wrote.

Advocates suggest immigrants that might be targeted not open their doors if an ICE official has no warrant, and to ensure their children not open the door if someone comes knocking. In the event there is a warrant, it should be scrutinized for a judge's signature. Immigrant advocates also advise affected residents not to sign any documentation if materials are presented.

The same day Abbott cut off grant funds to the county, the sheriff's policy — a departure from the zealous ICE participation of her predecessor, Greg Hamilton — took effect. Upon its implementation, 37 detainees being held on ICE detainers over suspicion of being undocumented were allowed to post bail and be removed from detention, the Austin American-Statesman reported.

And after 16 hours of testimony from hundreds of residents opposed to proposed Senate Bill 4 designed to eliminate sanctuary cities and counties, the State Affairs Committee approved it early Friday morning, just 15 minutes before midnight, despite the opposition. The proposed bill next goes to the full Senate next week.

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