Federal immigration enforcement actions following a Thanksgiving week attack that killed a National Guard member have raised concerns among Afghan residents in the Houston area, where community members, attorneys, and advocates report arrests during home visits and delays in immigration processing.
Houston-area Afghan residents said federal authorities have conducted enforcement operations at private residences in recent weeks, detaining Afghan immigrants and placing them into immigration custody.
Afghan families in the Houston area reported fear of possible home visits and concern about separation from relatives who lack permanent legal status.
Local organizations that provide legal and social services to Afghan immigrants said they increased outreach efforts, organized information sessions, and advised families on their legal rights during interactions with immigration officers.
Attorneys and advocates in Houston said they plan to pursue available legal options for Afghan immigrants who face detention or delayed processing and will continue monitoring federal immigration actions affecting the local Afghan community.