Nearly 100 Arrested in Immigration Raids at Colony Ridge, Texas

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Key Takeaways

Nearly 100 individuals were arrested in a targeted immigration operation in Colony Ridge, Texas, on February 24, 2025.
69 of those arrested had prior criminal records, including serious charges like child sexual abuse; a larger investigation is underway.
The operation marks “phase one” of broader enforcement efforts prioritizing public safety and targeting high-risk undocumented individuals.

In a sweeping immigration enforcement action, nearly 100 individuals were apprehended in a targeted operation in Colony Ridge, Texas 🇺🇸, on February 24, 2025. The mission, carried out by federal and state law enforcement agencies, highlighted ongoing efforts to address criminal activity and unlawful residency in the region. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, in collaboration with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), announced the arrests, describing them as a pivotal first step in a larger investigation.

Details of the Operation

Nearly 100 Arrested in Immigration Raids at Colony Ridge, Texas

The operation unfolded early in the morning, involving DPS troopers and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents. According to Governor Abbott, former Trump Administration border enforcement official Tom Homan played a crucial role in advising and coordinating the months-long planning efforts. The raid focused on specific suspects in Colony Ridge and marked the beginning of what has been called “phase one” of a broader enforcement plan.

Tom Homan, who joined the operation directly on-site, emphasized the meticulous nature of the mission. While the total number of arrests is still being finalized, approximately 90 individuals were taken into custody. Of those, about 69 had prior criminal records, including serious charges such as child sexual abuse. Homan underscored that this was part of a deeper criminal investigation and that future actions were expected.

One of the most significant arrests involved Florentin Chevez-Luna, a 39-year-old Salvadoran national previously deported three times. Chevez-Luna was apprehended based on allegations of sexual abuse of a minor spanning eight years. This specific case highlights the critical focus of the operation—targeting individuals with threatening criminal histories.

Tactics and Approach

During the operation, law enforcement employed a mix of strategies, including traffic stops along key roads in Liberty County and targeted apprehensions at worksites. Notably, agents avoided conducting house raids, opting instead for public settings such as County Road 3549 and County Road 3540. This approach was designed to limit community disruption while focusing resources on apprehending specific individuals.

Homan stressed that the operation did not aim to indiscriminately target the broader Colony Ridge population. “We know exactly what we are looking for and the crimes they committed,” he said. Despite these assurances, concerns and fears within the local community were evident.

Local Reactions and Community Impact

Colony Ridge, a sprawling 33,000-acre residential area predominantly inhabited by Latino residents, has rapidly grown over the past decade. Home to nearly 40,000 people, the development has often been embroiled in political and legal controversies over immigration-related tensions. The latest raid has further stirred these debates.

Local officials, including Liberty County Judge Jay Knight, expressed surprise, with Knight admitting he was unaware of any local involvement in the operation. Residents of Colony Ridge reported mixed reactions. For some, concern dominated after witnessing arrests that included business owners for lacking proper documentation. For example, the arrest of a local tire shop owner raised anxiety among those working in or operating similar businesses.

Immigration advocacy groups quickly stepped in. FIEL Houston, a nonprofit organization, advised affected residents of their legal rights. The group distributed messages on social media, emphasizing, “You don’t have to open the door. Remain silent.” Such advocacy efforts aim to protect vulnerable residents amid heightened enforcement actions.

Recent Developments in the Area

This operation follows a February 12 incident where three undocumented immigrants were apprehended near Colony Ridge, transporting 350 pounds of methamphetamine. All three individuals had been deported at least four previous times. This recent case, combined with the February 24 raid, underscores the operational importance law enforcement agencies are placing on Colony Ridge as part of broader efforts to curb illegal activity.

Additionally, Colony Ridge developers have faced criticism in the past, including lawsuits alleging predatory practices targeting Latino buyers with misleading promises about property ownership. The area’s growth and its demographic composition have drawn increased scrutiny, particularly from political leaders. In September 2023, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick characterized Colony Ridge as being akin to a “sanctuary city” during a DPS helicopter tour of the area. Such statements have amplified debates over the community’s role in larger immigration enforcement discussions.

Developer’s Support for the Operation

Despite this scrutiny, Colony Ridge’s CEO, John Harris, publicly supported the February 24 raids. “We are grateful for the efforts of Governor Abbott, Tom Homan, and all those involved in rooting out criminal illegals in Texas,” Harris stated. He pointed to the continuing presence of DPS officers in the area over the past two years, underscoring his belief that the development remains a safe community for its size. Such statements, however, conflict with the growing concerns expressed by some residents and advocates.

Political Climate and Broader Context

The Colony Ridge operation also reflects heightened political attention on immigration enforcement in Texas and across the U.S. Governor Abbott has consistently prioritized immigration issues, often using social media to signal upcoming actions. The February raid fulfills earlier indications by Abbott and other state leaders to ramp up enforcement in communities perceived as hubs for criminal activity.

Notable state leaders have previously anticipated such actions. For instance, State Rep. Janis Holt identified Colony Ridge as a primary focus area earlier this year. The operation appears aligned with broader state-level commitments to pursue stricter immigration enforcement measures.

Such policy-driven raids carry wide-reaching implications for immigrants living in Texas—both those targeted by law enforcement and those indirectly affected. Community dynamics, including trust in local and state officials, may be reshaped by these actions. The use of traffic stops and other public tactics, though effective in targeting specific criminals, also raises questions about their impact on the greater population’s sense of security and stability.

Implications for Colony Ridge and Beyond

As described by Homan, the February 24 operation is just the start of a larger investigation. While further enforcement measures have not been formally announced, the existence of a “phase one” strongly suggests more actions are on the horizon. These could significantly influence the demographic makeup of Colony Ridge and pose challenges to local businesses relying on undocumented labor.

The operation may also add fuel to the legal challenges surrounding Colony Ridge’s developers, with critics likely to use this event to strengthen their arguments about exploitation and the development’s role in immigration dynamics. At the same time, supporters of stricter immigration laws may view these raids as a blueprint for similar actions across Texas.

Moving Forward

The February 24 arrests highlight both the complexities and consequences of enforcement-focused immigration policies. Nearly 100 apprehensions, including individuals with serious criminal charges, demonstrate the operation’s immediate effectiveness in improving public safety. However, the broader impact on families, businesses, and community trust remains to be fully seen.

Governor Abbott’s commitment to such efforts, along with the involvement of Tom Homan and collaboration with federal authorities, signals a determined push toward heightened immigration enforcement throughout Texas. This approach may lead to further operations and policy discussions in the months to come.

For more information on U.S. immigration enforcement policies and how these efforts align with federal guidelines, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) official website. Additionally, as reported by VisaVerge.com, such operations could soon expand to other areas, reinforcing Texas’s role in addressing national immigration concerns.

In conclusion, the Colony Ridge operation serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing debates surrounding immigration enforcement. While the arrests may offer a sense of resolution for some, their lasting effects on the community and the intricate web of immigration law are far from settled.

Learn Today

Immigration Enforcement → Government actions or measures aimed at regulating and controlling immigration, often focusing on undocumented individuals or criminal activities.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) → A division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security responsible for investigating immigration, customs, and transnational crimes.
Undocumented Immigrants → Individuals residing in a country without legal authorization or proper immigration documentation.
Deportation → The formal removal of a non-citizen from a country due to violations of immigration or other laws.
Sanctuary City → A jurisdiction that limits cooperation with federal immigration authorities to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation.

This Article in a Nutshell

In a strategic February 24 raid, Texas law enforcement and federal agencies arrested nearly 100 individuals in Colony Ridge. Targeting suspects with severe criminal histories, including a deported Salvadoran accused of child abuse, the operation underscored Governor Abbott’s intensified immigration enforcement. Advocates warn of community tensions, while officials promise further action.
— By VisaVerge.com