Balcones Heights City Council postpones vote on ICE partnership

The City of Balcones Heights did not make a final decision on Monday regarding its partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The city deferred a vote on whether to rescind its agreement under the federal 287(g) program.

Hours before the council meeting began, community members and advocates gathered outside Balcones Heights City Hall. The group urged city leaders to reconsider the city’s participation in the federal program. The demonstration took place on the evening of Monday outside the building located on Hillcrest Drive.

The gathering included Rebecca Flores, who leads the Bexar County Democratic Party’s Immigration Committee. Texas Sen. Jose Menendez also attended the event. Dozens of other community members joined the group outside the city building.

This demonstration follows an August call to action from state and federal lawmakers. Those lawmakers urged six Bexar County cities to reconsider their 287(g) agreements with ICE. Balcones Heights was one of the six cities named in that appeal. The other five cities are China Grove, Hollywood Park, St. Hedwig, Sandy Oaks, and Von Ormy.

Under the 287(g) Task Force Model, trained local officers perform certain immigration enforcement duties while carrying out routine police work. ICE states the program is intended to strengthen cooperation between federal immigration authorities and local law enforcement. The arrangement operates under ICE oversight.

Flores expressed concern that the agreement could affect residents’ trust in local police. She noted that many residents fear being questioned about their immigration status. Flores stated that 80 percent of the people living in Balcones Heights are part of a minority group.

“This is so harmful to their community,” Flores said. “Eighty percent of the people that live here in Balcones Heights are minority.” She also raised concerns about immigration detention and its potential effects on families.

Sen. Menendez argued that the agreement could discourage people from visiting local businesses or reporting crimes. Menendez’s office is located at the Wonderland of the Americas, a property owned by the city of Balcones Heights. He said he may reconsider his lease if the city continues with the agreement.

“I think it’s going to really be a huge deterrent,” Menendez said. “I think it’s a mistake. I think they should stop.” He added, “I cannot be in a city that allows its law enforcement to become immigration officers.”

Financial incentives were another point of discussion during the demonstration. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security notes that eligible agencies in the 287(g) program may qualify for reimbursement of certain officer salaries, benefits, and overtime. These agencies may also receive equipment and technology stipends. The amount of funding depends on program requirements and qualifying enforcement activities.

Adam Castillo, a resident advocate, said he hopes city leaders will weigh community concerns against financial benefits. “Hopefully the council will listen to us and side with us instead of the money,” Castillo said.

Other community members spoke during the City Council meeting. They echoed the concerns raised by Flores and Menendez. KSAT attempted to speak with the Balcones Heights mayor and other City Council members during the Monday evening meeting but was unable to do so. The newsroom also requested a written statement from the City of Balcones Heights. As of Monday evening, the decisions of the six Bexar County cities identified in the August appeal had not changed.