Rep. Alma Hernandez Statement on ICE Arrest Near School in South Tucson

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                        

January 23, 2026

Rep. Alma Hernandez Statement on ICE Arrest Near School in South Tucson

TUCSON, Ariz. – Representative Alma Hernandez released the following statement today after ICE agents conducted a stop and arrest near an elementary school near her home in South Tucson.

"This morning, ICE conducted enforcement actions across the street from my home. I am in communication with the passenger who was not arrested but watched her three family members be taken. All of this happened in front of an elementary school while children were outside playing. This kind of recklessness is unacceptable. My neighbors called me to alert me of what was taking place. The passenger told me they were on their way to her doctor's appointment. Her husband was driving and noticed a car was tailgating them. He did not know why or who it was, ICE turned on the lights and when they pulled over, they asked why and were told that they were just conducting a 'routine operation.' and that they simply were just 'checking.' 

This family was not breaking any law. In fact, this family is currently in their asylum process as they are from Venezuela, they all had proper documentation to show they are legally here while their case is being processed, and her husband the driver has already been granted asylum. ICE was made aware of this and still took them. This puts families, children, and entire neighborhoods like mine at risk, and demonstrates a blatant disregard for public safety.

These actions do not make our communities safer. They terrorize neighborhoods, tear families apart, and undermine public trust -- especially when carried out by masked agents operating with no transparency or accountability. What happened today is exactly why so many people in Tucson are living in fear: Fear of detention, deportation, and criminalization simply for existing.

I stand in full solidarity with our Tucson community, particularly our immigrant neighbors who are being targeted, profiled, and dehumanized. Despite repeated claims by elected officials that only 'dangerous criminals' are being targeted, that is not the reality They were ignored and taken away without any explanation. 

Our community will not be complicit in systems that dehumanize our residents or erode public trust. We deserve safety rooted in dignity, accountability, and humanity, not fear."