Special to the NEWS
BROWNSVILLE, TX—Earlier this week, Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr., and Cameron County Sheriff Manuel Treviño met with local federal partners to receive a briefing on recent enforcement activity in throughout the region.
Judge Treviño emphasized that federal partners confirmed that immigration operations in Cameron County are targeted and specific, focusing on individuals already known to the agency who have final orders of removal or no legal status in the United States.
According to a statement issued by Judge Treviño, these actions are not broad, sweeping, or random enforcement efforts, nor are they conducted as rolling pickups at workplaces, schools, or local businesses.
“Our community deserves clarity,” Judge Treviño, stated in a press release. “Our federal partners have assured us that these operations are limited in scope and directed only at individuals already identified through existing processes. There is no indication of widespread or indiscriminate enforcement activity in Cameron County, nor do we expect such to occur.”
Judge Treviño also underscored the importance of maintaining calm and avoiding the spread of misinformation.
“I encourage our residents to rely on verified information and to remain focused on their daily routines. Cameron County will continue to communicate with our federal partners and ensure that accurate information is shared with the public.”
The County Judge’s Office will continue monitoring the situation and will provide updates as appropriate.
Recent reports and eyewitness accounts indicate increased federal immigration enforcement activity in Cameron County and across the Rio Grande Valley, particularly at workplaces, construction sites, and local businesses, as indicated in the press release.
In an earlier statement, Judge Treviño said that while Cameron County has not received formal notification of these activities, it is important to address the concerns they have raised in our community.
“As County Judge, I am responsible for ensuring public safety, stability, and respect for the rule of law. I urge all federal law enforcement personnel operating in our region to act with professionalism, restraint, and respect for human life and civil rights,” the prior statement read.
“Calm, measured enforcement and clear communication are essential to maintaining public trust and preventing unnecessary escalation,” he added.
“At this time, Cameron County has not received direct information about the scope or nature of local ICE activity. We respectfully request that any federal law enforcement presence—including but not limited to DHS and ICE—share timely information and coordinate with county and local authorities,” Judge Treviño went on to state.”
Transparency and cooperation with local leadership are critical to preventing confusion, fear, and confrontation, he added.
The statement went on to read, public trust in law enforcement is essential to community well-being. Cities across Cameron County and the Rio Grande Valley consistently rank among the safest in the nation, a testament to the strong, cooperative relationships between residents and local law enforcement agencies.
According to the statement, preserving that trust must remain a priority. Recent events elsewhere in the country, including the deaths of two U.S. citizens during federal enforcement activity in Minnesota, underscore what is at stake when operations lack restraint, transparency, or coordination.
Any loss of life is tragic, and such outcomes highlight the importance of due process, accountability, and respect for constitutional protections, Judge Treviño went on to state.
“It is equally critical that any federal enforcement activity respect the civil rights of all residents and strictly adhere to the rule of law. No individual should be targeted or detained on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, or immigration status, and the rights of lawful residents and U.S. citizens must always be protected,” he noted.
The statement went on to read: Cameron County remains committed to maintaining a safe, stable environment in which the law is enforced without fear or division. We must avoid actions that erode public trust or turn communities into battlegrounds.
“Our residents deserve calm leadership, coordination, and accountability,” Judge Treviño concluded.
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