San Antonio, Texas, January 23, 2026
The San Antonio City Council held a special session to discuss the city’s cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, leading to significant public protests. Residents expressed strong opposition to ICE’s activities, highlighting concerns over legal obligations under Senate Bill 4. City Attorney Andy Segovia explained that local law enforcement is required to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, limiting the city’s options. The council aims to enhance community engagement and uphold residents’ rights through ‘Know Your Rights’ initiatives.
San Antonio City Council Holds Tense Meeting on ICE Operations
San Antonio, Texas – On January 22, 2026, the San Antonio City Council convened a special session to address the city’s cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The meeting was marked by intense public outcry and legal discussions regarding the city’s obligations under state law.
Public Outcry and Legal Discussions
During the session, numerous residents voiced strong opposition to ICE’s presence in San Antonio, expressing concerns over the agency’s operations and their impact on the community. The crowd’s reactions were particularly directed at Commissioner Grant Moody, whose remarks were met with loud boos and chants, leading to multiple recesses during the meeting. Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones emphasized the importance of balancing public trust with public safety and ensuring residents understand their rights during these challenging times.
City’s Legal Obligations Under Senate Bill 4
City Attorney Andy Segovia informed the council that Senate Bill 4 (SB 4), enacted in 2017, mandates local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. This includes assisting with detentions and providing information about individuals’ immigration status when requested. The law prohibits cities from adopting policies that interfere with federal immigration enforcement, limiting the city’s ability to alter its cooperation with ICE. Despite these constraints, city officials have supported “Know Your Rights” education campaigns to inform residents of their legal rights during interactions with authorities.
Background on ICE’s Presence in San Antonio
San Antonio has experienced a significant ICE presence since the Trump administration intensified immigration enforcement efforts in early 2025. The city is home to a federal courthouse handling immigration cases and is surrounded by ICE detention and processing facilities. This increased activity has led to heightened community concerns and prompted calls for transparency and accountability from local officials.
Next Steps and Community Engagement
In response to the public’s concerns, the City Council has committed to further community engagement and transparency regarding ICE operations. While the council’s ability to change its cooperation with ICE is limited by state law, officials are exploring avenues to support residents and address their concerns within the legal framework. The city continues to encourage residents to participate in “Know Your Rights” campaigns and to stay informed about their legal protections.
Conclusion
The special session underscored the community’s deep concerns over ICE’s activities in San Antonio and highlighted the complexities local officials face due to state mandates. Ongoing dialogue and community engagement remain crucial as the city navigates these challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the purpose of the San Antonio City Council’s special session on January 22, 2026?
The special session aimed to address the city’s cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and to provide a platform for residents to express their concerns and understand their rights during interactions with federal immigration authorities.
What is Senate Bill 4 (SB 4), and how does it affect San Antonio’s cooperation with ICE?
Senate Bill 4, enacted in 2017, requires local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, including assisting with detentions and providing information about individuals’ immigration status upon request. This law limits the city’s ability to alter its cooperation with ICE.
How has the community responded to ICE’s presence in San Antonio?
The community has expressed strong opposition to ICE’s operations, with residents voicing concerns over the agency’s impact on the community. Public meetings have been marked by intense reactions, including loud boos and chants directed at officials supporting ICE’s presence.
What steps is the San Antonio City Council taking in response to community concerns about ICE?
The City Council is committed to further community engagement and transparency regarding ICE operations. While the council’s ability to change its cooperation with ICE is limited by state law, officials are exploring avenues to support residents and address their concerns within the legal framework.
What are “Know Your Rights” education campaigns, and how do they relate to this issue?
“Know Your Rights” education campaigns are initiatives designed to inform residents, particularly immigrants, about their legal rights during interactions with authorities like ICE. The city supports these campaigns to empower residents and ensure they are aware of their protections under the law.
Key Features of the San Antonio City Council’s Special Session on ICE Operations
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose of the Session | Address the city’s cooperation with ICE and provide a platform for residents to express concerns and understand their rights. |
| Community Response | Strong opposition to ICE’s presence, with residents voicing concerns over the agency’s impact on the community. |
| Legal Framework | Senate Bill 4 mandates local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, limiting the city’s ability to alter its cooperation with ICE. |
| City’s Actions | Commitment to further community engagement and transparency regarding ICE operations, exploring avenues to support residents within the legal framework. |
| Educational Initiatives | Support for “Know Your Rights” education campaigns to inform residents of their legal rights during interactions with authorities. |
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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.
