Laredo residents urge council to condemn ICE raids and pledge protection for planned protests

Two residents used the council's public-comment period on Friday to urge the Laredo City Council to condemn recent ICE enforcement actions and to take steps to protect and support immigrant and marginalized communities.

"I'm here today to talk about the event that is happening tomorrow, the nationwide protest I have organized to send a message to our federal government that we do not condone or want a president who has the entitlement of a king," Janice Fritz told the council. Fritz asked the council to release statements condemning ICE raids and presidential actions and to "put pressure on our congressman" and Texas senators rather than honor them with ceremonial recognitions.

Max Corrado, who identified himself as a first-generation American and a Laredo resident, urged the council to stop cooperating with Operation Lone Star, saying the operation "only serves to overpolice our vulnerable communities." Corrado also criticized narratives that frame border towns as uniquely dangerous and argued that such messaging undermines trust with communities that he said make up about "30% of Laredo population." He asked the council to promise protection for a planned protest and to take local actions that could reduce fear among residents.

City officials did not announce any formal action in response to the requests during the meeting. The speakers framed their remarks as appeals for the council to use its local influence to pressure state and federal elected officials and to consider statements or other nonbinding actions the city could take. No vote or formal council resolution on immigration enforcement or protection of protesters was made during the meeting.

The comments came during the public-comment portion of a special council meeting; speakers emphasized that their remarks reflected their views as private constituents.