Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, September 24, 2026
Fernanda Nunez-Cazares, District Press Secretary
fernanda.nunez-cazares@mail.house.gov
Cell: (619) 209-1834
Parker Hailey, Press Assistant
Cell: (802) 272-9313
Rep. Cuellar Seeks Answers Following Recent ICE Incidents in Austin and Alamo
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, released the following statement regarding the recent ICE-related incidents in Austin and Alamo, Texas
“Since Sunday’s ICE-related shooting in Austin, TX, I immediately began working with my subcommittee to find answers as Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, including whether or not the agent involved was wearing a body worn camera – technology I advocated for when finalizing the DHS appropriations bill for 2026.
It is unfortunate that we are still awaiting clarification from ICE given the recent public reporting that the shooting involves a new recruit and was not using a body camera, despite clear instruction and funding from Congress as well as prior confirmation from ICE that body cameras had been deployed to all ICE agents in Texas. We have also asked several questions about the agencies involved in this investigation and the role they will play, confirmation on whether the agent(s) involved will remain in Texas for the duration of the investigation as well as their current duty status, why Mr. Perez was moved to a detention facility with a bullet remaining in their body, and the future outlook of procuring dashboard cameras as well as justification for the prioritization of non-criminals for deportation.
Further, I have been equally engaged in the on-camera assault on two U.S. citizen teenagers by ICE agents in Alamo, TX as well as the recent deportation of Teresa de Jesus Ochoa Briseno. We are awaiting further clarification from ICE on the events of that day and if and when the agent’s body-worn camera footage may be released to Congress.”
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Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. is a senior member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee. Previously, he served as a Texas State Representative and Texas Secretary of State. Sign up to receive Dr. Cuellar’s Email Newsletters.
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