New information comes to light regarding raid
New information surrounding the recent ICE presence on campus has serviced. The University Police Department investigated alleged thefts by two contractors with Cotton Disaster Solutions who were seen on video surveillance by the department within the MSUB. That investigation reportedly led to the discovery the contractors were possibly undocumented, and Border Patrol was notified and then the raid occurred, according to published reports. On June 26, ICE apprehended 27 contractors employed by Cotton Disaster Solutions which is remediating the MSUB after a fire. In a statement to The South Texan, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer Adriana Garza-Flores said, “The University Police Department regularly monitors security cameras across campus as part of our ongoing commitment to campus safety.” This information comes on the heals of outrage by the community of the ICE presence on campus, which also led to a protest at the university on June 30. More than two dozen demonstrators, including members of the student body and surrounding community, gathered to denounce the incident. Protesters held signs and distributed informational cards explaining what to do if approached by ICE. “I’m here to support the students. It’s shocking to me that ICE would come in and raid a college campus—it seems entirely inappropriate,” Ellison Powers, a protestor said. They also addressed the university’s response to the protest: “So far, they have been supportive. They’ve been transparent about the raid. They let us know how many people were picked up, and they also came out and welcomed us and said, ‘You’re welcome to be here.’ We’re not here to protest the university—we are here to protest ICE,” Powers continued. Pamela Myers, a protester, handed out information on what to do if ICE approaches. “They are directions on what to do when you are stopped by ICE, so that you know your rights,” Myers said. “I was sad. It’s going to discourage people from going to school here. It’s taking away our people. Whoever they are, they are our people—and they are taking them away without proper authority. It’s just like Nazi Germany: they came for one group, then another group of people. They will just keep coming,” Myers continued. Media reports indicate that 22 of the 27 individuals detained remain in custody and are pending hearings. The loss of the contractors and workdays is not expected to affect the opening of the MSUB. “The MSUB timeline is not expected to be impacted by the events of June 26, 2025,” Flores said. The South Texan reached out to University Police Chief Julian Cavazos for comment but he is currently out of office.