Our Vision for Texas (and Beyond)

For over a decade, Texas has held more people in immigrant detention than any other state, serving as a dangerous blueprint for immigration enforcement nationwide. It is arguably the most hostile state toward immigrants and is home to the country's only family immigration prison.

With a new administration taking office, we have a clear path forward—one grounded in the humanity of families navigating a system that often chooses cruelty and profit over due process. However, this progress is not guaranteed unless we hold elected officials accountable to human dignity.

Where does RAICES stand?

We are calling for immediate action to protect immigrant families in Texas and across the country:

  • End Family Detention

    There is no amount of time safe enough to detain children without causing irreparable harm. Everyone deserves dignity and due process, which cannot be found behind bars built to line the pockets of private prison companies.

  • Stop Local Police From Acting as Immigration Officers

    State leaders must end 287(g) agreements that allow local police to enforce federal immigration laws. These agreements erode community trust and make our communities less safe.

  • Halt Aggressive State-Level Enforcement

    Texas officials must dismantle multi-billion-dollar initiatives like Operation Lone Star. Discriminatory racial profiling legislation, including Senate Bill 4 (SB4), must be rescinded.

  • Protect Sensitive Locations

    Texas should protect locations such as schools, hospitals, courthouses, and community centers from immigration arrests. Families must be able to access healthcare, education, and legal aid without fear.

  • Reverse Harmful State Litigation

    Historically, Texas leadership has weaponized the courts to block pro-immigrant policies and defund programs that serve noncitizens. State leaders must reverse course and instead use the legal system to protect local communities and defend fundamental human rights.

Let’s Be the Blueprint for Progressive Immigration Policy

Our vision for a humane and just immigration system begins in Texas, but its reach is nationwide.

We must not confuse change with progress. We are establishing a clear vision to hold elected officials accountable because threats to immigrant families continue to exist. Change doesn't happen overnight, but it is our duty to demand that elected officials at every level of government uphold due process and protect human rights.