ICE Mum on Presence at Upcoming San Antonio Events

Officials decline to say if immigration agents will be at major celebrations like the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo and Fiesta

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials have declined to say whether they will have any presence at San Antonio's upcoming marquee celebrations, including the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo and Fiesta. Event organizers say they do not conduct or direct federal law enforcement operations, and any such activity would be handled independently by the appropriate agency. The governor's office voiced support for using immigration enforcement tools, while a local congressman expressed concern that the community may be fearful of ICE showing up at public events.

Why it matters

The potential for ICE presence at major San Antonio events has raised concerns about public safety and community relations, as the city aims to maintain a welcoming environment for all attendees. The events draw large crowds from around the world, and organizers emphasize their focus on providing a family-friendly atmosphere.

The details

ICE officials did not specify whether they plan to have any operations at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, which attracts around 1.5 million visitors annually, or the Fiesta San Antonio celebration. Event organizers say they work closely with local and state public safety partners but do not direct federal law enforcement activities. The governor's office voiced support for using immigration enforcement tools, while a local congressman expressed concern about the community's potential fear of ICE presence at public events.

  • The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is scheduled for February 2026.
  • Fiesta San Antonio is scheduled for April 16-26, 2026.

The players

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws in the United States.

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo

An annual event that attracts approximately 1.5 million visitors from 94 countries.

Fiesta San Antonio Commission

The organization that oversees the Fiesta San Antonio celebration, a 100-plus event festival held annually in the city.

Governor Greg Abbott

The Republican governor of Texas who voiced support for using immigration enforcement tools.

U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro

A Democratic congressman representing San Antonio who expressed concern about the community's potential fear of ICE presence at public events.

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What they’re saying

“Our focus remains on providing a family-friendly environment for the community to continue our mission of educating the youth of Texas. The Rodeo does not conduct or direct federal law-enforcement operations, and any such activity would be handled independently by the appropriate agency as per federal law.”

— Chris Derby, Chief Marketing Officer, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo (KSAT)

“The Fiesta San Antonio Commission continues to work with City and SAPD Officials to finalize all safety and security plans for Fiesta 2026 (April 16 to 26). Each of our Participating Member Organizations is required to submit a detailed safety plan for each event, and procedures for handling emergency situations are at the forefront of those plans.”

— Ferne Burney, San Antonio Fiesta Commission President (KSAT)

“Governor Abbott fully supports using every necessary tool and strategy to aid in the Trump Administration's deportation of illegal immigrants. Texas is a law-and-order state, and it works hand in glove with the Trump Administration every single day to uphold the laws of this country. Texas will continue to assist the Trump Administration in arresting, detaining, and deporting illegal immigrants.”

— Andrew Mahaleris, Press Secretary for Governor Greg Abbott (KSAT)

“I want people to know that if they have issues with immigration or are fearful, for some reason, that they can reach out to us and reach out to me in my office. But, secondly, I'm sorry that as Americans — and as San Antonians — that it's come to this.”

— U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro (KSAT)

What’s next

The Fiesta San Antonio Commission and San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo organizers will continue working with city and law enforcement officials to finalize security plans for their respective events in 2026.

The takeaway

The potential for ICE presence at major San Antonio events has raised concerns about maintaining a welcoming environment for all attendees, as event organizers emphasize their focus on providing family-friendly celebrations that bring the community together.