Hispanic Texans Sue ICE Over Alleged Unconstitutional Practices

New Border Patrol checkpoints in South Texas also draw criticism from local officials

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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A group of more than 30 Hispanic residents of Texas has filed a federal lawsuit aimed at curbing what they describe as unconstitutional immigration enforcement practices by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Meanwhile, local leaders in Starr County are criticizing federal plans to establish new Border Patrol checkpoints in the predominantly Hispanic South Texas community.

Why it matters

The lawsuit and local pushback against increased immigration enforcement highlight growing concerns among Hispanic communities in Texas over federal tactics that critics argue undermine civil liberties and contribute to fear and uncertainty among lawful residents and citizens.

The details

The plaintiffs in the lawsuit, who live in communities across the Rio Grande Valley and Houston area, are seeking a court declaration that ICE may not detain U.S. citizens or require people to carry proof of citizenship while in the country, saying such practices violate constitutional protections. The complaint cites an ICE raid in Donna, in which agents allegedly detained three U.S. citizens while targeting noncitizen residents. Meanwhile, in Starr County, local leaders have criticized federal plans to establish two new Border Patrol checkpoints as unnecessary and burdensome, arguing the increased enforcement presence risks reinforcing negative stereotypes and causing traffic congestion without clear benefit.

  • The lawsuit was filed this week in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas.

The players

Hispanic Residents of Texas

A group of more than 30 Hispanic residents of Texas who filed the federal lawsuit against ICE.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal immigration enforcement agency that the lawsuit is aimed at curbing alleged unconstitutional practices by.

Eloy Vera

The Starr County Judge who has criticized the federal plans to establish new Border Patrol checkpoints in the predominantly Hispanic South Texas community.

Rio Grande City

The city in Starr County, Texas, whose officials have also criticized the federal plans for new Border Patrol checkpoints.

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What they’re saying

“We already have plenty of law enforcement here. This is harassment that could further erode trust in government among local residents.”

— Eloy Vera, Starr County Judge (Que Onda Magazine)

What’s next

The exact locations and permanence of the new Border Patrol checkpoints in Starr County remain unclear, and federal authorities have declined to discuss detailed plans publicly.

The takeaway

The lawsuit and local opposition to increased immigration enforcement in Texas highlight broader concerns among Hispanic communities about federal tactics that they argue violate civil liberties and contribute to fear and uncertainty, underscoring the need for immigration policy reform and greater protections for civil rights.