Greg Abbott announces operation against immigrants in Texas

• Immigration Operation in Texas
• Fear Grows in Households
• Governor Issues Statement on Social Media

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced an immigration operation in Colony Ridge, a community north of Houston with a high Latino population.

Abbott stated on social media that the operation is a joint effort between state forces and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The governor emphasized that the objective is to capture “criminals and illegal immigrants” and noted that the operation is the result of months of planning with Tom Homan, Donald Trump’s border czar.

«I have worked with Tom Homan on this for months,» Abbott wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

New ICE Operation in Texas

Colony Ridge Is Being Targeted Today.

Texas DPS Tropers & Special Agents Are Assisting Homeland Security Investigations, With An Operation in Colony Ridge This Morning.

They are targeting criminals & illegal immigrants.

I have Worked with Tom Homan On This for Months.

– Greg Abbott (@Gregabbott_TX) February 24, 2025

The raids began Monday morning in Colony Ridge, a Liberty County neighborhood with over 40,000 residents, 42% of whom are Hispanic, according to the 2024 Census.

This area has been labeled by conservative politicians as a «sanctuary for undocumented immigrants» and a «crime-ridden zone.»

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Since Trump took office in January, fear has gripped the community, but Abbott’s announcement has intensified concerns among residents.

«It’s been a stressful day for the community here. A lot of police and ICE presence,» wrote Lidia, a Colony Ridge resident, in a message to Univision Noticias.

Immigrant Families Resort to Extreme Measures

Lidia and her husband, Daniel, have lived in Texas for years without documentation and have adopted extreme precautions to avoid encounters with immigration authorities.

Since January, they have avoided unnecessary outings, ensured they do not commit traffic violations, and reduced their social media activity to steer clear of alarming rumors.

«Our own people spread fear,» Daniel said, referring to Facebook posts about ICE presence in the area.

Abbott’s narrative about crime in Colony Ridge contrasts with testimonies from residents and local law enforcement.

A Liberty County Sheriff’s Office deputy previously stated that their primary responses in the area involve theft, petty crime, and traffic violations.

«Overall, everyone here is good people,» the deputy told Houston Landing in August 2024.

Daniel and Lidia mentioned that they have only been victims of theft once in nearly ten years of living in the area.

Despite Abbott’s claims, residents insist that their hard work has contributed to the area’s growth.

«Whether they admit it or not, we built this community. There was nothing here before,» Lidia said.

Daniel, who works as an electrician in Colony Ridge, shared that his family pays approximately $5,000 in property taxes annually for the lots they purchased in 2015.

«We are not criminals. We just want to work and support our family,» Daniel emphasized.

The climate of fear caused by ICE operations has also hurt the local economy.

Since January, Daniel’s weekly income has dropped drastically from $2,000 to $500, due to the uncertainty among clients.

«It’s really tough right now. People are afraid to invest; instead, they’re selling their homes and lots out of fear,» he said.

The event rental business in Texas that helped supplement the immigrant family’s income has also suffered.

«People don’t want to host parties here anymore because their families from Houston are too scared to come,» Daniel explained.

One client even refused to pay for a decoration job, warning Daniel: «Stop asking me for money, or I’ll call immigration on you.»

Despite their fears, Daniel and Lidia hope to legalize their status soon. Their U.S.-born daughter will turn 21 in a few months, allowing her to apply for permanent residency on their behalf.

Until then, they remain cautious and continue following the precautions they adopted in January to avoid immigration authorities.

«We have become hermits,» Daniel concluded in his interview with Univision Noticias.

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