U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were present in Fort Worth over the weekend to seek out specific individuals, according to a confirmation provided by an agency spokesperson. The federal agency issued a statement on Monday evening acknowledging its presence in the area. Earlier that same day, local law enforcement officials indicated they were aware of the operation but offered limited details to the public.
In a written statement, the agency noted that it conducts standard, intelligence-driven daily enforcement in the Dallas metro area. The statement emphasized that the agency will continue to make arrests routinely across the United States and that individuals who violate U.S. immigration law are subject to arrest and detention, regardless of their criminal histories.
Reports of ICE activity in the Riverside neighborhood, located northeast of downtown, circulated on social media on Saturday. Video footage from the scene showed at least four agents leaving a taqueria parking lot while bystanders shouted at them and demanded they leave. One vehicle was labeled as ICE, while others were unmarked.
An agency spokesperson stated that no arrests were made during this specific incident but warned that anyone who assaults, obstructs, or violently attacks officers may face arrest and prosecution. The agency added that while it respects the right to peacefully express views, interference with lawful enforcement endangers both officers and the public.
Fort Worth Police Department spokesperson Daniel Segura clarified in a Monday morning statement that the department does not conduct or direct ICE operations. He confirmed that police were informed the agents were seeking specific individuals and that the activity was not random. Segura urged residents not to interfere with ICE officers or their operations.
Two members of the Fort Worth City Council, Carlos Flores and Jeanette Martinez, addressed the reports on social media over the weekend, each confirming the local presence of ICE. Flores stated in a Facebook post that agents were seeking specific individuals and were not conducting broad enforcement operations.
