Community groups and residents speak at Houston City Council about ICE activities

Community organizations and residents raised concerns about recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in the city and across the country.

Speakers held a press conference Tuesday before the public comment session of Houston City Council to highlight what they described as troubling immigration enforcement practices and their effect on local families.

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The discussion followed the recent fatal shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis. Good was a United States citizen and was shot during a federal immigration operation, according to national reports.

Advocates told council members they are worried about people being detained in Houston without warrants or criminal charges. Several speakers also cited reports of enforcement activity near schools and job sites.

Civil rights attorney Randall L. Kallinen called for investigations into ICE actions and said federal agents should be held accountable when laws are violated.

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“ICE agents are not allowed to commit crimes. The Houston Police Department needs to investigate assault, official oppression, and other charges by ICE for potential prosecution before a killing occurs,” Kallinen said.