“It’s scary to see everything that’s happening around us, people getting terrorized by masked men,” said Juan Martinez.
SAN ANTONIO — An Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation in a south-side neighborhood Tuesday afternoon left residents alarmed and fearful, as neighbors watched federal agents descend on a home near the 3000 block of Commercial Avenue and West Ansley Boulevard.
Several residents said the large law enforcement presence was overwhelming and unsettling, especially amid heightened national attention on immigration enforcement.
“It’s scary to see everything that’s happening around us—people getting terrorized by masked men,” said Juan Martinez, who recorded part of the operation after encountering it while driving through his neighborhood.
Martinez said he was surprised by the number of officers involved and disturbed by how close the activity was to his home.
“It freaked me out that I saw this pretty much down the street from my house,” he said. “I just saw an overwhelming amount of cops at one house. I was like, what’s going on? It’s a little bit scary.”
Erika Martinez also witnessed the operation and said she remained nearby intentionally, concerned about the treatment of those involved.
“That’s why I stayed parked here,” she said in Spanish. “Because I said they are abusing people, and I stayed just in case something happened.”
Residents said the incident heightened fears already present in the community, particularly for families with children.
“It’s closer to our kids,” Martinez said. “It hits closer to home.”
The operation comes just one week after San Antonio City Council held a special session to address ICE’s presence in the city. More than 180 people signed up to speak during public comment, many expressing fear and frustration over immigration enforcement actions.
One speaker told council members the fear extends beyond City Hall.
“I know it’s terrifying. I’m terrified right now,” the speaker said. “ICE might be taking down the names of speakers here, but you know who is more scared than any of us? The people that aren’t here. They’re our neighbors who are worried ICE will knock down their door next.”
The mayor and several council members addressed the concerns during the meeting, but no formal action was taken. City leaders said the session was intended to give residents a platform to voice their concerns amid recent ICE activity in the Alamo City.
Erica Margulies, a San Antonio resident, said she came to the scene of Monday’s operation to help monitor the situation and support neighbors.
“People I know have disappeared,” Margulies said. “Friends, family don’t come home from work. They don’t come home from school. We don’t know where they’re going. They’re hard to track.”
The Department of Homeland Security was contacted for details about the operation but did not respond before the story aired.