San Antonio, February 8, 2026
U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro has demanded an investigation into an incident in San Antonio where ICE agents entered a home without a warrant. Videos of armed agents inside the residence have raised alarms among residents about potential violations of rights. Castro condemned the actions as ‘home invasion’ and criticized Governor Greg Abbott for not taking action. The Department of Homeland Security claims the agents were pursuing a suspect in an attempted arrest. The event has sparked considerable concern within the community about federal immigration enforcement practices.
San Antonio, Texas
U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro has called for an investigation into a recent incident in San Antonio, where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents entered a private residence without a warrant. The event has raised concerns about potential violations of constitutional rights and the conduct of federal agents.
Incident Details
A series of videos shared on social media depict armed individuals entering a San Antonio home, with residents questioning their authority and repeatedly asking for identification. The agents, wearing vests labeled “POLICE,” did not present a judicial warrant for the search. During the encounter, residents requested that the agents lower their weapons due to the presence of a child in the house. The agents allegedly ignored these requests and did not disclose the identity of the individual they were seeking. In one video, an agent is heard stating, “He’s a child molester, you know that?” Another video shows a scuffle between the agents and a man, resulting in the man being wrestled to the ground. The videos do not provide context for the altercation.
Political Response
Representative Castro, who represents San Antonio’s West Side, has demanded a federal investigation into the incident. He described the actions of the ICE agents as a “home invasion” and expressed concern over the lack of a warrant. Castro also criticized Texas Governor Greg Abbott for not addressing the situation, stating that Abbott “has a lot of explaining to do to the people of Texas about why he’s enabling a corrupt and lawless ICE operation.”
Department of Homeland Security’s Statement
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees ICE, has provided a statement regarding the incident. DHS officials stated that the ICE agents were attempting to arrest a 34-year-old man, identified as Gonzalo Mejia Ortega, who allegedly resisted arrest and fled into his home. The agents entered the residence in pursuit of Ortega. DHS emphasized that the agents were carrying out an arrest warrant during the operation.
Community Impact
The incident has sparked widespread concern among San Antonio residents. Homeowner Maggie Guillen, who shared the videos on social media, expressed fear and anxiety following the event. She stated that her family “can’t even sleep in peace after what happened” and mentioned that her child is now scared of police with guns.
Background Context
This incident is part of a broader discussion about the conduct of federal immigration enforcement agencies. Concerns have been raised about the methods used by ICE agents during operations, particularly regarding the use of force and adherence to legal procedures. The San Antonio event has intensified scrutiny of immigration enforcement activities in the area and has led to calls for greater accountability and transparency within federal agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened in San Antonio?
A series of videos surfaced showing armed individuals entering a private residence without a warrant. Residents questioned their authority, and the agents did not present a judicial warrant for the search.
Who is Joaquin Castro?
Joaquin Castro is the U.S. Representative for San Antonio’s West Side. He has called for a federal investigation into the incident, describing the actions of the ICE agents as a “home invasion.”
What is the Department of Homeland Security’s response?
The Department of Homeland Security stated that ICE agents were attempting to arrest a 34-year-old man, Gonzalo Mejia Ortega, who allegedly resisted arrest and fled into his home. The agents entered the residence in pursuit of Ortega.
How has the community reacted?
The incident has caused widespread concern among San Antonio residents. Homeowner Maggie Guillen expressed fear and anxiety following the event, stating that her family “can’t even sleep in peace after what happened.”
What is the broader context of this incident?
This event is part of a larger discussion about the conduct of federal immigration enforcement agencies, particularly regarding the use of force and adherence to legal procedures. The San Antonio incident has intensified scrutiny of immigration enforcement activities in the area.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | San Antonio, Texas |
| Involved Parties | ICE agents, residents of the home, U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro, Department of Homeland Security |
| Incident Description | Armed individuals entered a private residence without a warrant; residents questioned their authority; agents did not present a judicial warrant for the search |
| Political Response | Representative Joaquin Castro called for a federal investigation, describing the actions as a ‘home invasion’ and criticizing Governor Greg Abbott for not addressing the situation |
| DHS Statement | Department of Homeland Security stated that ICE agents were attempting to arrest a 34-year-old man, Gonzalo Mejia Ortega, who allegedly resisted arrest and fled into his home; agents entered the residence in pursuit of Ortega |
| Community Impact | Incident caused widespread concern among San Antonio residents; homeowner Maggie Guillen expressed fear and anxiety following the event, stating that her family ‘can’t even sleep in peace after what happened’ |
| Broader Context | Incident is part of a larger discussion about the conduct of federal immigration enforcement agencies, particularly regarding the use of force and adherence to legal procedures; San Antonio incident has intensified scrutiny of immigration enforcement activities in the area |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
