El Paso Matters•Dec 22
Impact of ICE Deportations on Criminal Prosecutions in El Paso
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.
Crime el-paso deportation1 min read