Travis County calls for ‘constitutional and humane’ treatment of immigrants

Last week, amid nationwide protests against the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, Hays County passed a resolution affirming its support for the “constitutional and humane treatment of migrants.” Travis County followed suit in its meeting this week, passing a resolution that reaffirms what the U.S. Supreme Court has already affirmed in cases such as Plyler v. Doe in 1982, which granted undocumented children the right to attend public school: “That constitutional rights extend to all individuals in the United States, regardless of their immigration status.”

The resolution focuses on the manner in which people are detained, urging that any agency involved in the “transfer or detention” of people in Travis County “must wear body cameras, display clear name identification and agency affiliation, and refrain from concealing their faces, unless required for health related reasons.”

A proposed bill in California would legally mandate that Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents refrain from wearing masks, which is not currently illegal, but has ignited rage because it helps agents avoid accountability. Travis County’s resolution also asks that all agencies operating within the county “adhere to a clear, consistent and constitutionally grounded process when detaining or relocating individuals regardless of immigration status,” including prompt public notification of “who was taken, the legal authority under which the action occurred, the destination of the individual and the justification for the action.”

Upon the adoption of Hays County’s resolution, Judge Ruben Becerra acknowledged, “We’re not gonna be able to mandate what chiefs and constables and sheriffs do. We are saying this is what we believe should be done.” 

Public speakers in support of Travis County’s resolution pointed to the staunch anti-immigrant sentiment coming out of the White House as a mandate for taking a strong stance locally. Alicia Perez-Hodge, district director of LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens), said, “The message coming out of Washington is not only lies, but it also has infiltrated here in Texas, when they talk about an invasion, when they talk about crime, and they stereotype immigrants.” 

They also spoke to the established immigrant population in Austin and its contributions. Paul Saldaña, co-founder of HABLA (Hispanic Advocates Business Leaders of Austin), said, “It’s important to note that the immigrant community plays a significant role in Austin’s economy and workforce, with immigrants contributing to local taxes and having considerable spending power.” As of June 2025, according to the Migration Policy Institute, there are approximately 366,00 immigrants residing in the Austin metro area, a little more than 15% of the total population. Saldaña pointed out that Austin’s immigrant population has the highest spending power and pay more taxes compared to other Texas cities like Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio that have a higher share of immigrants.

“There’s a growing amount of fear and anxiety, not only in our immigrant community, but also in our Latino community in general, given the new waves of hate and ignorance in today’s political environment,” said Saldaña. “Too many are feeling emboldened, if not proud, of their prejudice, and they think that we’re powerless to stop them. But as pointed out in the resolution that Commissioner Gómez has read, we can do something to stop them.”

“These individuals come here for the same reasons that the Irish did, that the Japanese did, that the Chinese did, that the Polish did – for economic opportunities and the opportunity for a better life for them and their children,” said Perez-Hodge. “This is a human need.”

Pflugerville Council Member Rudy Metayer, the son of Haitian immigrants, said, “I will tell you firsthand what’s happening in our community and our country is affecting our children. My own daughters (are) talking about this, wondering if their grandparents are going to get deported, wondering if ICE is gonna come by our house, wondering if they’re okay and they’re safe in their own community.”

Metayer continued, “Efforts like this make a demonstrative impact to everyone in the community, making sure that they understand that you’re heard and you’re respected by your community leaders.”

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