At Campos Law Firm, we closely monitor developments in U.S. immigration policy to protect our clients’ rights and future. On Friday, September 25, 2026, the Dallas field office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced that a summer operation at Lake Lewisville, in Denton County, ended with 121 arrests.
The story matters beyond the number: it shows that immigration enforcement also arrives through public safety stops at recreational spots. Here is what we know, what we do not, and how to protect yourself.
What did ICE announce?
According to the agency, the operation ran from June 27 through Labor Day weekend, in coordination with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and local law enforcement. Lake Lewisville, north of Dallas, is one of the busiest lakes in the area during the summer.
ICE says every person arrested had a criminal record. Its list includes assault, family violence, theft, burglary, sexual assault of a child, driving while intoxicated (DWI), boating while intoxicated, and traffic offenses. The agency highlighted two men, a 22-year-old Honduran national and a 24-year-old Venezuelan national, whom it links to Tren de Aragua and who were under investigation for running an unlicensed boat rental business.
“The results speak for themselves: 121 arrests, public safety threats off the streets,” said ICE Dallas Field Office Director Miguel Vergara, who also credited coordination among federal, state, and local partners.
What we do not know yet
The claim that everyone had a record comes from ICE itself and has not been independently verified. The agency also did not release a breakdown of how many people had convictions, how many had only pending charges, and how many had only traffic offenses.
That distinction matters. A charge is not a conviction, and a traffic ticket does not carry the same weight as a serious crime. Each person’s record must be evaluated individually and not extended to the entire group. Every person detained is entitled to their own process.
How can a stop at the lake lead to immigration detention?
State and local officers do not enforce immigration law on their own, but they can arrest someone for an offense or a crime. When a person is arrested and booked, their fingerprints are shared with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). If ICE finds the person lacks status, it can ask the jail to hold them through a detainer for up to 48 hours.
That is how a life-jacket check, a DWI, or an expired license can end in an immigration court case. Some offenses, such as DWI or family violence, can also affect eligibility for immigration bond, DACA, or, later on, citizenship.
What can you do to protect yourself?
- Avoid avoidable risk: do not drive or operate a boat after drinking, and keep your license, boat registration, and safety equipment current.
- Never use false documents: doing so can carry permanent immigration consequences, worse than showing none.
- Know your rights: in general, you may remain silent about where you were born or your status and ask to speak with an attorney.
- Do not sign what you do not understand: in jail or before ICE, especially voluntary departure papers.
- If you have an open criminal case: before pleading guilty, ask an attorney to review the immigration consequences. An “easy” plea deal can cost you your future in the U.S.
Protect Your Immigration Status with Campos Law Firm
A day at the lake with your family should not turn into a removal case. Our team evaluates how an arrest, charge, or conviction affects your immigration situation and works to protect your options before it is too late. We do not make unrealistic promises. We provide serious legal representation backed by preparation and integrity.
Do not leave your immigration status to chance. Call us today at +1 (844) 922-6767 to schedule a free, confidential consultation in English or Spanish. Campos Law Firm: Legal Solutions in All Areas of Law.
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