The operation involving local, state and federal law enforcement unfolded early Sunday near San Pedro Avenue and Basse Road.
SAN ANTONIO — One day after a large-scale immigration raid that resulted in more than 140 detentions, dozens of protesters marched along San Pedro Avenue on Monday night, voicing concerns that many of those taken into custody are not linked to criminal activity.
The raid took place Sunday near the intersection of San Pedro Avenue and Basse Road, in a lot known as a late-night gathering spot with food trucks. Federal, state and local agencies were involved in the operation. HSI leaders said the operation disrupted activity suspected of being linked to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.
“Immigrants are welcomed here. Everyone is welcomed here,” one demonstrator said during the protest.
Several protesters said they’ve heard from families of people who were detained but had no ties to the gang.
Lydia Leos told KENS 5 she knows a woman who was taken during the raid, though she says the woman was only out for the evening.
“We’re trying to find her in the system and we can’t find her,” Leos said. “She has a 2-month-old baby and a 10-year-old son with a babysitter.”
From January to June, roughly 8% of Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees had been convicted of violent crimes, according to Department of Homeland Security data analyzed by CBS News.
“I don’t trust anymore when I hear, ‘Oh, it was a drug raid,’ because so many innocent families people are getting caught up in the raid,” protester Mobi Warren said. “It’s immoral, it’s unconscionable and unconstitutional.”
Leos added, “Not everybody is here to break the law… a lot of people are here just to make a living like us.”
Counter-protesters were also present, supporting the agencies’ actions.
“I believe in the justice system,” one counter-protester, Rodriguez, said. “If there are any people that are innocent, they are going to be released. I believe wholeheartedly in America, and I think that America must be protected from criminals and terrorists.”
This operation is in part due to a new regional Homeland Security task force in South Texas focused on targeting transnational criminal organizations.
Federal agencies have not released further details on the individuals detained during Sunday’s raid.