Texas National Guard Ordered to Remain Silent on ICE Facility Activities

Guard members stationed at an ICE detention center near San Antonio have been barred from speaking to members of Congress or the media about their duties.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 8:55pm

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In advance of a planned visit by members of Congress, Texas National Guard troops stationed at an ICE facility in Pearsall, Texas have been ordered not to answer questions from elected officials or the media about their activities. The written order from the Texas Military Department bars guard personnel from speaking publicly about their mission in support of ICE and instructs them to refer all inquiries to the guard's public affairs office.

Why it matters

This order raises concerns about transparency and oversight of the National Guard's involvement in immigration enforcement activities. The integration of the Texas National Guard into federal immigration operations has drawn criticism from some lawmakers who want to understand the specific nature of the guard's support roles.

The details

U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, a Democrat from San Antonio, is scheduled to visit the South Texas ICE Processing Center in Pearsall on Friday, along with Rep. Maxine Dexter, an Oregon Democrat. Castro said he wants to question guard members about their daily responsibilities, the protocols governing their interactions with detainees, and how they coordinate with ICE officials and private contractors. However, the written order instructs guard members to avoid 'speculation or discussion of the mission with unauthorized individuals'.

  • On Wednesday, the San Antonio Express-News reported that Texas guard members in civilian clothes were 'embedded' in ICE facilities to support the Trump administration's campaign to detain and deport immigrants.
  • On Friday, Reps. Joaquin Castro and Maxine Dexter are scheduled to visit the South Texas ICE Processing Center in Pearsall.

The players

Joaquin Castro

A Democratic U.S. Representative from San Antonio, Texas who is scheduled to visit the South Texas ICE Processing Center in Pearsall.

Maxine Dexter

A Democratic U.S. Representative from Oregon who is scheduled to visit the South Texas ICE Processing Center in Pearsall along with Rep. Joaquin Castro.

Texas Military Department

The state agency that oversees the Texas National Guard and issued the written order barring guard personnel from speaking publicly about their mission in support of ICE.

Todd M. Lyons

The acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Greg Abbott

The Governor of Texas.

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What they’re saying

“The integration of the Texas National Guard into the federal immigration enforcement apparatus raises critical questions about jurisdictional boundaries and the specific nature of their support roles.”

— Joaquin Castro, U.S. Representative (San Antonio Express-News)

“To gain a comprehensive understanding of the facility's current operational environment, it is essential that we hear firsthand from Texas National Guard members.”

— Joaquin Castro, U.S. Representative (San Antonio Express-News)

What’s next

Rep. Joaquin Castro has requested the opportunity to speak directly with the Texas National Guard personnel stationed at the South Texas ICE Processing Center in Pearsall. He is awaiting a response from ICE Acting Director Todd M. Lyons on whether this request will be granted.

The takeaway

This order silencing Texas National Guard troops at an ICE detention facility raises serious concerns about transparency and oversight of the military's involvement in immigration enforcement operations. It underscores the need for elected officials to have direct access to gather information and ensure appropriate boundaries between the military and federal immigration agencies.