Balcones Heights pauses ICE vote

The City of Balcones Heights left its 287(g) immigration partnership unresolved on Monday. Council members did not take a final vote on whether to drop the agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The delay comes after a group of residents and political leaders gathered outside City Hall on Hillcrest Drive earlier in the evening.

Rebecca Flores, who heads the Bexar County Democratic Party’s Immigration Committee, spoke at the demonstration. She was joined by Texas Sen. Jose Menendez and dozens of other community members. The gathering followed an August appeal from state and federal lawmakers. That group urged six Bexar County cities, including Balcones Heights, to reconsider their 287(g) arrangements. China Grove, Hollywood Park, St. Hedwig, Sandy Oaks, and Von Ormy were also named in that request.

The 287(g) Task Force Model allows trained local officers to handle specific immigration duties during routine policing. ICE oversees these interactions. The federal agency states the program improves cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. Flores argued the deal strains community trust. She noted that eighty percent of Balcones Heights residents are from minority groups.

"This is so harmful to their community," Flores said. She also raised concerns about immigration detention and its impact on families. Menendez echoed her call to end the agreement. He warned that the partnership might discourage people from visiting local businesses or reporting crimes. "I think it’s a mistake. I think they should stop," Menendez said.

Menendez’s office is located at Wonderland of the Americas, a property owned by the city. He stated he may reconsider his lease if the city keeps the agreement. "I cannot be in a city that allows its law enforcement to become immigration officers," he said. Resident advocate Adam Castillo also spoke at the meeting. He urged council members to prioritize community concerns over financial incentives. "Hopefully the council will listen to us and side with us instead of the money," Castillo said.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security offers participating agencies reimbursement for certain officer salaries, benefits, and overtime. Agencies may also receive equipment and technology stipends based on program requirements. Other residents spoke during the council meeting, repeating the concerns raised by Flores and Menendez. KSAT attempted to interview the mayor and other council members during the meeting but was unable to do so. The city also did not provide a written statement to the newsroom.

As of Monday evening, the other five Bexar County cities named in the August appeal had not changed their decisions to work with federal immigration authorities. U.S. Reps. Marc LaHood, Carrie Isaac, and Chip Roy did not respond to requests for comment. Their offices were contacted during the August appeal and before Monday’s council discussion. The debate over local police roles in immigration enforcement continues.