Author: Jaime E. Galvan, KHOU 11 Staff, Maria Aguilera, Anne James
Published: 10:51 AM CST February 24, 2025
Updated: 4:45 PM CST February 24, 2025
NEW CANEY, Texas — Texas Department of Public Safetytroopers and special agents assisted Homeland Security Investigations with an operation in Colony Ridge Monday morning, Gov. Greg Abbott announced on social media.
The governor said the initiative aims to apprehend “criminals & illegal immigrants” in the Liberty County housing development.
“Colony Ridge is being targeted today,” Abbott posted on social media platform X. “Texas DPS Troopers & Special Agents are assisting Homeland Security Investigations, with an operation in Colony Ridge this morning. They are targeting criminals & illegal immigrants. I have worked with Tom Homan on this for months.”
Residents captured images and video of what appeared to be law enforcement officials making arrests in multiple neighborhoods. Roberto Alfaro witnessed a truck being pulled over at 7 a.m. in front of his home and photographed what seemed to be officers with men whose hands were behind their backs.
“They basically forced them out. My neighbor, he was screaming at them, basically saying that to not speak, to not resist,” Alfaro said.
The incident has left his parents fearful.
“They were just scared,” Alfaro said. “They were crying.”
Colony Ridge, in an official statement, expressed gratitude for efforts to remove “criminal illegals in Texas.” The development noted that DPS officers have been working in the area for more than two years, saying “they know who the bad guys are” and that they “fully support these efforts.”
Homeland Security personnel were observed throughout the area, a presence many residents noted was unusually high. DPS troopers were stationed at several points along local roads for hours.
Pastor William Llana of San Esteban Episcopal Church expressed concern over the characterization of the community.
“I know good people in this area, good families, not all are criminals,” he said.
Llana reported receiving numerous calls from worried congregation members following the operations.
When contacted for additional information, Abbott’s office stated they had none to provide at this time. Inquiries to DPS were redirected to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which has not yet responded.
Full statement from John Harris, Colony Ridge CEO:
“We are grateful for the efforts of Governor Abbott, Tom Homan and all those involved in rooting out criminal illegals in Texas. In fact, DPS officers have been working throughout Colony Ridge for more than two years. They know who the bad guys are, so we are fully supportive of these efforts.
We also know that Colony Ridge remains one of the safest communities of its size anywhere in Texas, and we are proud of our residents and their desire to make this community a vibrant, happy, and safe place to live. “
Who is Tom Homan?
President Donald Trump has designated Homan as his “border czar.”
This 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 state and federal law violations. According to the attorney general’s office, the developers engaged in misleading sales, marketing, and lending practices, targeting foreign-born and Hispanic consumers with limited credit access. The lawsuit claims that purchasers were often sold land lacking essential infrastructure, leading to high foreclosure rates and financial losses for buyers.
What is Colony Ridge?
Colony Ridge, located approximately 30 miles northeast of Houston, is home to an estimated 40,000 residents, many of whom are Hispanic immigrants. The community has been a focal point of controversy with Republican leaders labeling it a hotspot for undocumented immigrants and crime. Developers have been accused of selling relatively inexpensive plots of land over the past decade, often to individuals with limited or no access to traditional credit.
As of now, specific details regarding arrests or further actions resulting from the operation have not been disclosed. The situation is ongoing, and updates are expected as authorities continue their efforts in the area
