Civil Rights Organizations, Community Leaders and Members Demand Answers on Disappearances of Dripping Springs Raid Detainees
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 03, 2025
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Civil Rights Organizations, Community Leaders and Members Demand Answers on Disappearances of Dripping Springs Raid Detainees
San Marcos, TX – Community members, local officials, faith leaders, and civil rights organizations gathered today at the Hays County Historic Courthouse to mark three months since the raid in Dripping Springs that led to the detention of 49 immigrants, including several minors.
The press conference featured Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra, former District Clerk Judge Bill Henry, representatives from the Austin Sanctuary Network and LatinoJustice PRLDEF, the Caldwell/Hays Education Fund, local clergy, and impacted community members and families. Speakers and attendees called for transparency regarding the whereabouts of the individuals taken, their conditions, and their access to due process.
On April 1, 2025, multiple law enforcement agencies conducted a raid during a birthday party in Dripping Springs, detaining dozens without clear explanation. According community leaders, families and advocates have struggled to learn why their loved ones were taken, where they are being held, and whether their rights are being respected. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the agency, along with the FBI, ICE, the San Antonio Police Department, and other partners had been investigating suspected members of the Venezuelan transnational gang Tren de Aragua. Organizers noted that, despite repeated inquiries, federal authorities have refused to share critical information about the raid or the status of those detained.
“Who can sleep through the night knowing any teenager has been separated from his mom and stuck in a detention center for more than three months while his mom has an active asylum case?,” said Peggy Morton, a volunteer with Austin Sanctuary Network asks. “Political leaders and everyone need to speak up for human rights and demand answers.”
“This raid has torn families apart and left an entire community living in fear and uncertainty,” said Karen Muñoz, Associate Counsel at LatinoJustice PRLDEF. “For three months, loved ones have been searching for answers. The refusal to provide even the most basic information about their well-being is a profound injustice that undermines trust in our institutions and violates the rights of everyone affected.
“The Declaration of Independence criticized King George for arresting people and sending them to foreign lands,” said former District Judge Bill Henry. “As we celebrate 249 years of freedom, people of good faith from across the community should speak out against these actions by The Trump administration.”
“Before we rush to judgment, we deserve transparency,” said County Judge Ruben Becerra. “ICE keeps raising alarms about ‘Tren de Aragua’ yet shows no evidence. These attacks on the vulnerable — just to boost arrest numbers — only undermine real safety. Masked, plainclothes individuals snatching up community members without ID is kidnapping — and no one should be okay with that. We stand on the Constitution, not rumors.”
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About LatinoJustice
LatinoJustice PRLDEF works to create a more just society by using and challenging the rule of law to secure transformative, equitable and accessible justice, by empowering our community and by fostering leadership through advocacy and education. For over 50 years, LatinoJustice PRLDEF has acted as an advocate against injustices throughout the country. To learn more about LatinoJustice, visit www.LatinoJustice.org
About Austin Sanctuary Network
Austin Sanctuary Network is a coalition of faith communities, immigrants, and organizations supporting those fleeing violence or facing deportation. Grounded in values of inclusion, non-violence, and respect for every individual, the network strives to create a community where love and protection are living realities. Learn more at www.austinsanctuarynetwork.org.