Texas Immigration Operation Targets Colony Ridge Community

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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced that state authorities, in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security, are conducting an immigration and law enforcement operation in Colony Ridge, a large housing development known for attracting masses of undocumented immigrants. The operation, which began on Monday morning, aims to target criminals and illegal immigrants in the community. According to Gov. Abbott, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers and special agents are assisting Homeland Security Investigations in the effort. The governor also stated that he has been working with President Donald Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, on this operation for months.

The operation has sparked concern and reaction from the community, with many residents expressing fear and anxiety about the situation. Immigration advocacy groups, such as FIEL, are present in the area, reminding families of their rights and denouncing the operation as a "wave of terror" directed at the Colony Ridge community. The group's executive director, Cesar Espinosa, said that they stand in solidarity with the community and will continue to inform them of their rights. Meanwhile, some residents have reported seeing undercover agents and traffic stops, with at least one local man, Roberto Alfaro, saying that he saw agents "forcefully" arresting a Mexican national outside his house.

The backstory of Colony Ridge is complex, with the community being the subject of controversy in the past. In 2023, FOX 26 reported on the community, which has a population of around 40,000, due to claims that it had a large population of undocumented immigrants and was allegedly controlled by Mexican drug cartels. However, the co-owner of Colony Ridge, Trey Harris, denied these claims, stating that most of the property owners were U.S. citizens and that he required two forms of ID, a down payment, and a good U.S. address from buyers. The Texas Attorney General's office has also sued the developers of Colony Ridge, accusing them of deceptive sales, marketing, and lending practices.

Here is a timeline of events related to the operation: * Monday morning: Texas authorities launch operation in Colony Ridge, targeting criminals and undocumented immigrants * Monday afternoon: Gov. Abbott announces the operation on social media, stating that DPS troopers and special agents are assisting Homeland Security Investigations * Monday evening: Immigration advocacy groups respond to the operation, denouncing it as a "wave of terror" directed at the Colony Ridge community * Tuesday: Residents continue to express concern and anxiety about the situation, with some reporting seeing undercover agents and traffic stops. The following are some key policy points related to the operation: * The operation aims to target criminals and illegal immigrants in the Colony Ridge community * DPS troopers and special agents are assisting Homeland Security Investigations in the effort * The governor has been working with President Donald Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, on this operation for months * Immigration advocacy groups are reminding families of their rights and denouncing the operation as a "wave of terror" directed at the Colony Ridge community.

The situation in Colony Ridge remains tense, with the community awaiting further information from Homeland Security. The operation has also sparked a reaction from local residents, with some expressing concern about the impact on their families and communities. As the situation continues to unfold, it is likely that there will be further developments and reactions from the community and advocacy groups. Some statistical data related to the operation includes: * Thousands of undocumented immigrants are believed to be living in the Colony Ridge community * The community has a population of around 40,000 * The operation has resulted in at least one reported arrest, with surveillance video showing what appears to be DEA agents taking two men into custody after a traffic stop in a neighborhood.