El Paso Commissioners Condemn Federal Enforcement Practices, Pass Resolution Ahead of UTEP Visit

El Paso County Commissioners on Monday adopted a resolution denouncing federal immigration-enforcement practices and expressing support for immigrant students and families ahead of a planned Dec. 4 appearance by Tom Homan at the University of Texas at El Paso.

Commissioner David Stout introduced the resolution, saying the county must "choose family over fear" and defend due process and civil liberties for residents. "If a university can host a man whose record is tied to family separation and abusive detention practices, then surely that same university can protect the students who oppose those practices," Stout said while reading the resolution's text.

The resolution cites media reporting and prior county actions, declaring that certain federal operations have used "militarized forces" and, in the county’s view, at times failed to observe due process. It urges other local governments to adopt similar affirmations of ‘‘fairness, justice and human dignity’’ and calls on Congress to pursue broader immigration reform that creates more legal pathways.

Scores of UTEP students and local advocates gave public comment before the vote. Angelica Rodriguez, president of UTEP College Democrats, said students "deserve a campus and a community free from fear, intimidation and partnerships that do not reflect the values of our border community." Marissa Limon Garza, executive director of Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center, described local legal-service needs and called for increased capacity to assist detained family members. "We know that this administration is making billions off of the separation of families," she said.

Commissioners who spoke in favor stressed that the resolution is a local expression of values, not a jurisdictional change in law. Commissioner Olguin said the county must abide by state and federal statutes while still taking a moral stance; Commissioner Butler thanked student speakers and local organizations for their work.

The court moved to a vote after public comment. The motion by Commissioner Stout, seconded by Commissioner Olegin, carried with a recorded "motion carries" announced by the clerk. Commissioners signed the resolution and posed for photos with community members after the meeting.

Next steps: commissioners said they will remain engaged with community legal-service organizations and monitor campus developments around the Dec. 4 event; no enforcement action or county-level legal change was taken during the meeting.