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Hinojosa Demands ICE Footage in Texas Border Dispute

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. demands-ice-footage-in-texas-border-dispute.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, February 23rd 2026 at 12:57 GMT by El Paso Times
      Locales: Texas, UNITED STATES

El Paso, Texas - February 23rd, 2026 - The Texas gubernatorial race is intensifying, with Democratic candidate Gina Hinojosa today issuing a formal demand for the release of footage from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) pertaining to a recent incident near Eagle Pass, Texas. This demand represents a significant escalation in Hinojosa's ongoing critique of Governor Greg Abbott's border security policies and has quickly become a central issue in the campaign.

The incident near Eagle Pass, details of which remain partially obscured, reportedly involves the handling of migrants attempting to cross the border. While official reports are scarce, initial accounts suggest a potential use of force or questionable treatment of individuals in ICE custody, sparking outrage from advocacy groups and fueling accusations of human rights violations. Hinojosa's call for transparency aims to shed light on these allegations and hold those responsible accountable.

"The people of Texas deserve to know the truth about what transpired in Eagle Pass," Hinojosa declared during a press conference held earlier today. "For too long, Governor Abbott has operated with a lack of transparency, cloaking his border policies in secrecy. Withholding this critical footage only serves to deepen public distrust and raises serious questions about the actions of both state and federal law enforcement agencies. We need a full and impartial investigation, and that begins with releasing this video evidence."

Governor Abbott's office has yet to respond to Hinojosa's request. Abbott, a staunch advocate for stricter border control, has consistently defended his policies, implemented under the banner of "Operation Lone Star," as vital to protecting Texas from illegal immigration and associated criminal activity. He argues that the federal government has failed to adequately address the situation at the border, forcing the state to take matters into its own hands. However, critics argue that these policies have led to increased militarization of the border, a strain on state resources, and, as evidenced by the Eagle Pass incident, potential abuses of power.

The debate surrounding the Eagle Pass incident has resonated nationally, attracting the attention of lawmakers from both sides of the political spectrum. Several Republican senators have called for a thorough investigation into the incident, though their focus appears to be more on ensuring the safety of border patrol agents and upholding the law, rather than addressing concerns about potential mistreatment of migrants. Democratic representatives, on the other hand, have echoed Hinojosa's call for transparency and demanded accountability for any instances of excessive force or human rights violations.

This demand for ICE footage isn't an isolated event; it builds on a growing pattern of scrutiny surrounding Abbott's border policies. Over the past year, numerous organizations have documented instances of migrants being denied due process, subjected to harsh living conditions, and separated from their families. Hinojosa's campaign has been actively highlighting these instances, framing Abbott's approach as not only ineffective but also morally reprehensible. She proposes a shift towards more humane and comprehensive immigration reform, focusing on addressing the root causes of migration and providing resources for processing asylum claims efficiently.

Legal experts suggest that Hinojosa's request, while politically charged, is legally justifiable. ICE, as a federal agency, is subject to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, and the public has a right to access information regarding its operations, particularly when allegations of misconduct arise. However, ICE can cite national security concerns or ongoing investigations as reasons to withhold certain footage. The agency's response to Hinojosa's demand will likely set a precedent for future transparency requests related to border enforcement.

The outcome of this situation could significantly impact the trajectory of the Texas gubernatorial race. Hinojosa is hoping that the release of the footage will galvanize support for her campaign and expose what she sees as the failures of Abbott's policies. Abbott, meanwhile, is likely to continue emphasizing his commitment to border security and portraying Hinojosa as soft on immigration. With the election still months away, the Eagle Pass incident promises to remain a central point of contention, shaping the debate and influencing the choices of Texas voters.