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Impact of ICE Deportations on Criminal Prosecutions in El Paso

El Paso Matters•Monday, December 22, 2025 at 6:55 PM•Texas Tribune

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The surge in deportations by ICE is significantly affecting criminal prosecutions in West Texas, particularly in El Paso. District Attorney Sarah Stogner highlighted the case of Manuel Chairez-Montes, who was deported before he could testify against his assailant, Adan Yanez Porras, leaving the case unresolved. This trend is causing fear among undocumented immigrants, who are avoiding police and court involvement, which in turn hampers the ability of prosecutors to secure convictions. The situation has led to a rise in impunity for criminals targeting the immigrant community, as victims are reluctant to report crimes or testify. Local officials are exploring solutions, including identification cards for undocumented witnesses to protect them from ICE during legal proceedings.

Key Details: • Victim Manuel Chairez-Montes was deported before trial, impacting the case against Adan Yanez Porras. • Prosecutors are struggling to secure testimonies from undocumented witnesses due to fear of deportation. • ICE arrests have increased significantly, complicating criminal prosecutions in Texas. • District Attorney James Montoya noted that many undocumented victims are not reporting crimes. • Harris County has introduced witness identification cards for undocumented victims to aid in legal protection.

el-paso deportation immigration criminal-justice witness-protection

People & Organizations

El PasoSarah StognerAdan Yanez PorrasJames MontoyaSean TeareWest TexasHarris CountyLubbockICETexas District Attorney's Office

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