LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) – During a recent Laredo City Council meeting, a member from a Laredo nonprofit addressed city officials regarding their collaboration with federal agencies.
This follows the Laredo Immigrant Alliance confronting the mayor about his silence regarding claims that city resources were assisting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a raid at a construction site near Mile Marker 13 on June 26.
On Monday, August 4, Max Prado from the Laredo Immigrant Alliance addressed the city council during public comments. He stated, “Our community members are living every day in fear of being in public. They fear that one of these days, when they are out on their way to work, to get groceries, to get gas or on their way to pick up their kids, that they will be stopped, detained and deported.”
Prado specifically referred to the June 26 ICE raid, which caused chaos as individuals were seen fleeing the construction site. Some were spotted on the roof of the building, while others attempted to escape across the highway.
The raid quickly sparked controversy when the Laredo Fire Department was seen assisting ICE. This involvement was later addressed by the fire department, ICE and city officials that same day.
Prado noted that this cooperation between local and federal agents further endangers public safety and creates distrust between community members and local law enforcement.
He stated, “There is no requirement for the Laredo Police Department to always cooperate with ICE by providing indirect support to them. Whether it’s blocking a street, standing by as support or lending any equipment, there is no state law that requires that.”
In response, Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor Trevino refuted the comments, labeling them as misinformation. He emphasized that the LPD, along with the fire department, will support federal agencies whenever there is a public safety concern.
He also mentioned that law enforcement will continue to support the community, regardless of individuals’ immigration status. Laredo Chief of Police Miguel Rodriguez echoed this sentiment, presenting the current crime statistics for Laredo to the council.
“When we’re talking about immigration, our function is that whenever the mission itself, or our federal partners, gets elevated to a point where it’s a danger to them and to the public, we respond,” Rodriguez said.
The police chief added that the department will assist the public, regardless of immigration status, and encourages residents to report any crimes.
Trevinio concluded by stating that the city will maintain its collaboration with federal agencies.
For more headlines, click here.
Copyright 2025 KGNS. All rights reserved.