Videos and photos from the Houston Regional Development showed people in handcuffs.
NEW CANY, Texas — The Texas Department of Public Safety and special agents helped investigate homeland security with operations in Colony Ridge on Monday morning, Gov. Greg Abbott announced on social media.
The governor said the initiative aims to arrest “criminals and illegal immigrants” in the Liberty County Housing Development.
“Colony Ridge is being targeted today,” Abbott posted on social media platform X. “The Texas DPS Troopers and special agents are running their operations at Colony Ridge this morning to support homeland security investigations. They are targeting criminals and illegal immigrants. On this along with Tom Homan. For months.”
Residents took images and video of what appears to be law enforcement officers arrested in multiple areas. Roberto Alfaro witnessed a truck being pulled at 7am in front of the house and filmed what appeared to be an officer along with a man with his hands behind him.
“They basically kicked them out. My neighbor, he was screaming at them.
The incident made his parents scare.
“They were just scary,” Alfaro said. “They were crying.”
In an official statement, Colony Ridge expressed his gratitude for his efforts to remove “Texas criminal illegals.” Development said that DPS executives have been working in the area for more than two years and “they know who the bad guys are” and “fully support these efforts.” Ta.
Homeland security officials have been observed throughout the region, with many residents saying they are extraordinarily high. DPS troopers were stationed at several points along local roads for hours.
The Rev. William Lulana of the Anglican Church of San Esteban expressed concern over the characterization of the community.
“I know good people in this field, good families, not all criminals,” he said.
Llana reported receiving numerous calls from worried congregation members after the surgery.
When contacted for additional information, Abbott’s office said there was no offering at this time. DPS inquiries have been redirected to immigration and customs enforcement, but have not yet been responded.
A full statement from Colony Ridge CEO John Harris:
“We are grateful for the efforts of Governor Abbott, Tom Homan and all those involved in eradicating criminal illegals in Texas. In fact, DPS executives have been in the middle of Colony Ridge for two years. That’s all we do. They know who the bad guys are, so we are totally supportive of these efforts.
We also know that Colony Ridge remains one of the safest communities of its size anywhere in Texas, and we want our residents and this community to be a vibrant, happy and safe place. I’m proud of their aspirations. “
Who is Tom Homan?
President Donald Trump has designated Homan as his “border emperor.”
Related: Texas AG Ken Paxton sues Colony Ridge developers claim Hispanic buyer who could not speak English has been targeted
Related: Federal lawsuit denies colony ridge developers selling bait and switch targeting Hispanics in Liberty County
The operation follows a lawsuit filed in March 2024 by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton against the developers of Colony Ridge. The lawsuit alleges deceptive trade practices, real estate transaction fraud, and other violations of state and federal laws. According to the Attorney General’s office, developers are targeted at foreign-born consumers who engage in misleading sales, marketing and lending practices and have limited credit access. The lawsuit argues that buyers often sell land that lacks essential infrastructure, with high foreclosure rates and economic losses for buyers.
What is Colony Ridge?
Located about 30 miles northeast of Houston, Colony Ridge has an estimated 40,000 residents, many of whom are Hispanic immigrants. The community was the focus of a dispute with Republican leaders who labeled it as a hotspot for undocumented immigration and crime. Developers have been accused of selling relatively inexpensive plots of land over the past decade, often to individuals who cannot restrict or access traditional credits.
To date, no specific details have been made regarding arrests or further actions resulting from the surgery. The situation is ongoing and an update is expected as authorities continue their efforts in the region.
