Staff Report
BUDA — The cities of Buda and Kyle informed residents of federal immigration and customs enforcement (ICE) activity within city limits Thursday, Jan. 15.
The city of Buda stated that ICE intended to temporarily park a transport vehicle at Buda City Hall as a central location, while conducting investigations in surrounding areas. Following the information, the city requested that the transport bus be relocated to free up limited public parking. The agents complied.
According to the news release, the city of Buda and the Buda Police Department are not involved with this operation. The city said that it will continue to prioritize transparency by providing information “that is accurate and confirmed as it becomes available to us,” the release stated.
Later that day, the city of Kyle shared that at approximately 7:45 a.m., the Hays County Sheriff’s Office received a call from Homeland Security/ICE requesting assistance for an individual being detained by federal authorities.
Members of the Kyle Police Department were notified of the request and responded to the scene to provide support to emergency medical services (EMS). The individual was transported to the hospital by EMS in the accompaniment of Homeland Security personnel, said the release.
The releases noted that the city of Kyle and KPD are not involved with this operation or any other ICE operations and were not made aware of this operation prior to the 911 dispatch request.
Additionally, the Hays Free Press scouted areas at 10 a.m. suggested by residents that claimed to spot ICE in both Kyle — the Public Safety Center, downtown Kyle and Kyle City Hall — and Buda — The City of Buda Municipal Complex and downtown Buda — and did not find any unusual activity.
