Park visitors at Phil Hardberger Park in San Antonio expressed concern and fear after spotting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers on the premises. Many visitors described the park as a place where they come to exercise, spend time with family, and relax.
Community Reaction
Trail runner Ella McArdle called the images of ICE officers unsettling, stating, ‘I think it is disgusting. I’m Hispanic myself. I’ve seen it impact the Hispanic community so much in San Antonio.’ Marquetta Valdez, who owns a run club that uses the park, worries that the presence of immigration officers could discourage people from joining the group.
ICE stated that its officers use ‘reasonable suspicion’ and routinely conduct law enforcement operations to protect the American public. However, the agency did not disclose whether any arrests were made at the park. ICE also denied using ‘racial profiling’ to detain people.
Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
