ICE deportations ramp up, Texas prosecutors losing key witnesses
Texas prosecutors in Harris, El Paso and other counties report that increased ICE deportations and immigration enforcement actions have caused them to lose key witnesses in criminal cases, including murder prosecutions. District attorneys say witnesses have been detained, deported or become too afraid to appear in court, leading to weakened cases and, in some instances, reduced charges or dismissals. Local officials report ongoing efforts to coordinate with federal authorities, reassure immigrant communities and adapt prosecution strategies as they track the impact of immigration enforcement on criminal trials.