Travis County DA Joins National Effort to Hold Federal Agents Accountable

Garza partners with other prosecutors to address concerns over federal overreach and misconduct.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 5:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Travis County District Attorney José Garza has joined a coalition of local prosecutors across the country aimed at holding federal law enforcement officials accountable for alleged misconduct. The newly formed Project for the Fight Against Federal Overreach plans to focus on cases where federal agents are accused of exceeding their lawful authority through tactics like warrantless entries, unlawful detentions, and coercive enforcement.

Why it matters

The coalition's formation reflects growing community concerns over increased federal immigration enforcement operations in cities like Austin, where social media rumors of ICE activity prompted official investigations and statements to calm public fears. Prosecuting on-duty misconduct by law enforcement is notoriously difficult, but the group hopes to use lawful institutions to enforce constitutional limits on federal power.

The details

Garza is one of nine district attorneys nationwide participating in the Project for the Fight Against Federal Overreach. The coalition plans to meet in February to discuss strategies for responding to what members describe as 'lawless actions' by federal officials. Garza's record in cases involving law enforcement has been mixed, with some convictions overturned on appeal, though he has secured guilty pleas from former Austin police officers in the past.

  • Garza joined the coalition in January 2026.
  • The coalition is scheduled to meet in February 2026 to discuss strategies.

The players

José Garza

The Travis County District Attorney who has joined the national coalition to hold federal agents accountable.

Ramin Fatehi

The Dallas County District Attorney who is also participating in the Project for the Fight Against Federal Overreach.

Project for the Fight Against Federal Overreach

A newly formed coalition of local prosecutors seeking to hold federal law enforcement officials accountable for alleged misconduct.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The repeated acts of violence committed by federal officials across the country are unlawful, immoral, and make us less safe.”

— José Garza, Travis County District Attorney (News release)

What’s next

The coalition is scheduled to meet in February 2026 to discuss strategies for responding to what members describe as 'lawless actions' by federal officials.

The takeaway

This coalition of local prosecutors reflects growing concerns over federal overreach and a desire to hold federal agents accountable through lawful institutions, even as prosecuting on-duty misconduct by law enforcement remains challenging.