Contractor Laborers Caught in Worksite Enforcement Action
ICE Detains 27 Workers on the morning of June 26, 2024, at Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK). U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents apprehended the laborers for suspected immigration violations. ICE is currently processing all individuals for administrative immigration offenses, and their proceedings remain ongoing.
According to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the detentions were part of a “worksite enforcement operation” in response to suspected violations of U.S. employment laws by the contractor.
Detentions Linked to Suspected Employment Violations
Federal agents arrived on campus around 7 a.m. and remained for about two hours. University officials confirmed that the detained individuals were not students or university employees. They were working solely under the employment of Cotton Commercial.
A university statement released later that day emphasized this distinction, clarifying that the university had no direct ties to the detained workers beyond the contracted building repairs. TAMUK campus police also coordinated with federal agents during the operation to maintain campus security.
Repairs Followed May Fire in Student Hub
The workers began remediation efforts after a fire on May 25 damaged the west wing of the second floor of the Memorial Student Union. This building is a central hub on campus, housing dining services, the bookstore, various offices, and a post office.
Although Cotton Commercial was overseeing the repair efforts, the company has yet to issue a public statement regarding the ICE operation or the status of the detained workers.
Majority of Workers Still in ICE Custody
In a June 30 update, an HSI spokesperson confirmed that 22 of the 27 individuals remain in ICE custody. ICE detains 27 workers as part of its enforcement action and is currently processing them for administrative immigration violations. Their immigration proceedings are still ongoing.
This enforcement action reflects broader national trends in immigration policy enforcement. ICE has increased operations targeting undocumented workers since former President Donald Trump’s administration, where aggressive detentions and workplace crackdowns became more routine.
Larger Trends in Texas and Construction Workforce
Texas continues to be a focal point for immigration-related enforcement due to its large undocumented population and its labor market. According to the Pew Research Center, about 8% of Texas households in 2022 included at least one undocumented immigrant. Moreover, the Migration Policy Institute reports that 30% of undocumented workers in the state are employed in the construction sector—highlighting the significant presence of immigrant labor in vital infrastructure and development roles.
This recent incident in Kingsville raises further questions about contractor accountability, hiring practices, and the human toll of immigration enforcement in labor-heavy industries.
Community Reactions and What’s Next
TAMUK has not reported any disruptions to campus operations following the federal action. However, the incident has sparked quiet discussions among students and staff about the legal responsibilities of third-party contractors and the broader implications of such immigration crackdowns.
As of now, the detained individuals await their immigration court hearings, and Cotton Commercial’s response remains pending. University officials plan to review future contractor agreements more closely to ensure compliance with labor and immigration laws.