A viral ICE arrest outside a San Antonio Walmart raised questions about enforcement. Nearby city leaders say misinformation is driving fear and call for clarity.
SAN ANTONIO — A video shared by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and aired on Fox News is raising new questions about immigration enforcement around San Antonio and fueling confusion in nearby communities, including Castle Hills.
The video shows a tense confrontation outside the Walmart at 12639 Blanco Road, near Wurzbach Parkway, on Tuesday, Jan. 13.
In the video, ICE agents surround a vehicle in the parking lot. When the driver does not comply, the car backs into one ICE vehicle, then drives forward and strikes another. Agents are seen drawing their guns and banging on the window before the driver exits the vehicle and is taken to the ground. The video cuts off shortly afterward.
A witness told KENS 5 she recorded the tail end of the arrest around 10:15 a.m. Tuesday. She said the individual was placed into an ICE vehicle parked behind him.
The Texas Department of Public Safety said its troopers were not involved in the arrest, but assisted after the incident with the inventory and towing of the suspect vehicle.
Although the arrest occurred in San Antonio, social media posts circulating online have listed Castle Hills among places where ICE agents were “spotted,” heightening concern among residents.
Castle Hills Mayor J.R. Trevino said those claims are inaccurate and are being driven by misinformation.
“I think the biggest issue is there’s a lot of misinformation out there,” Trevino said. He added that residents have sent his office photos labeled “ICE in Castle Hills,” even though the images were taken outside city limits.
Trevino emphasized that Castle Hills has no formal agreements with ICE, and said the city has not been briefed on federal enforcement activity.
“We have no formal arrangements other than to support as legally necessary and make sure that if we’re showing up, it’s to de-escalate a situation,” Trevino said.
Castle Hills Police Chief Gary R. McHone issued a similar statement, saying the department has not entered into any voluntary cooperation agreements, including those under the federal 287(g) program.
“The Castle Hills Police Department’s mission is to provide local law enforcement services focused on public safety and community policing,” McHone said. “Any interaction with federal agencies occurs only as required by law or through standard, limited cooperation that is common among law enforcement agencies.”
McHone added that the department remains committed to serving all members of the community while maintaining trust and complying with state and federal law.
Meanwhile, nearby Balcones Heights voted December 16 to move forward with a memorandum of understanding with ICE under the federal 287(g) program. The program allows trained local officers to assist ICE, primarily by identifying people already in custody who may be in the country illegally.
Texas law now requires most counties to enter into agreements with ICE by the end of 2026 — a move supporters say improves public safety, but critics argue undermines community trust and raises civil rights concerns.
U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro criticized ICE’s recent actions and said Congress is expected to vote next week on ICE funding.
“As a nation, we’re going to have immigration enforcement,” Castro said. “But it’s not going to be done by this reckless agency in this lawless way.”
San Antonio City Councilwoman Misty Spears, whose district includes the Blanco and Wurzbach area, condemned violence against law enforcement officers while acknowledging heightened community concern.
“Regardless of anyone’s stance on immigration or their immigration status, violence against law enforcement officers is absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our city,” Spears said in a statement.
San Antonio City Council is scheduled to hold a public meeting Jan. 22 to address community concerns about increased ICE activity and how local police are involved. The meeting will be open for public comment.