Rep. Joaquin Castro is drawing mixed online reactions after describing an unannounced inspection of the San Antonio ICE Check-In facility in Texas. In a post on X, the Democratic congressman said he saw about 40 men held in two rooms, most of whom had been picked up that morning on their way to work, and claimed ICE was targeting hardworking people rather than the “worst of the worst.” The post has prompted widespread discussion and criticism in the replies.
In the post, Castro wrote that he had just finished an unannounced inspection of the San Antonio ICE Check-In facility. He stated he saw “40 men packed into 2 holding rooms,” that “most had been picked up in the morning, on their way to work,” and that “their dusty work boots were off to the side. One pair had an American flag on it.”
He added that he spoke with families who knew someone was held inside and said, “ICE isn’t going after the worst of the worst in San Antonio. They’re targeting hardworking folks who are trying to make an honest living for their families.”
The accompanying photos show Castro at the facility, including one of him standing outside near a ramp and barriers, another of him seated inside a waiting area writing on a notepad beneath a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement sign, and others of him speaking with people outdoors near the building. The images do not show the interior holding rooms or the men described in the text.
Responses Pour In After Castro’s Facility Walk-Through
Many others rejected the characterization of those held and called for enforcement, commenting, “Lmao, they are criminals who should be deported yesterday,” “Illegal is illegal,” and “There is NOTHING honest about being an illegal alien… Deport ALL illegal aliens.”
Additional replies focused on broader impacts or priorities, including “Americans are hard-working people with families whose opportunity is being stolen by illegals” and calls to “Deport them ASAP.”
Some users expressed support for Castro’s account, with one writing, “Thank you, @JoaquinCastrotx.”
The post has added to ongoing online discussion of immigration enforcement. Some users have focused on the conditions described, while others have centered on questions of legal status and priorities.
