Confusion and Concern in Liberal After Unannounced ICE Activity

by Derek White

Residents and city officials in Liberal, Kansas, are raising alarms following a series of unexpected immigration enforcement actions earlier this week that left the community uneasy. Local leaders and eyewitnesses report that federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents entered the city without prior notice to the local police department, detained several individuals, and left in unmarked vehicles. The agents were also reported to be wearing masks and lacking any visible identification.

The situation began early in the week, with Mayor Jose Lara and City Commissioner Janeth Vazquez confirming the detentions through photos, videos, and accounts from community members. At least five detentions have been confirmed so far, though the exact number remains unclear due to a lack of information from federal authorities.

Lara expressed concern over the lack of communication from ICE. He pointed out that the local police department was not informed about the operations, and that agents acted with masks and no identifiable markings. He stressed the serious implications of such secrecy for the community, particularly when residents are left to rely on community reports and social media to understand what happened.

City officials were especially alarmed that these actions took place without proper notification and without consideration for the impact on public trust and safety. Lara revealed that only the county sheriff’s office was notified in advance, and the rest of the city was left unaware of the operations as they unfolded.

In one reported instance, a woman legally residing in the U.S. and seeking asylum was detained outside her home while collecting mail. Her son, Pedro Chan, expressed shock, noting that his mother works for National Beef and has proper documentation. He stated they are now seeking legal help to understand the situation.

City Commissioner Vazquez highlighted the importance of maintaining compassion and transparency in all immigration enforcement actions. She emphasized that the safety and well-being of children in the community must remain a priority, echoing the growing calls for more transparency from ICE.

For many residents, fear and uncertainty now hang over the community. City officials note that neighbors are afraid to leave their homes, unsure whether they or their loved ones might be the next to face immigration enforcement. Meanwhile, requests for information directed to federal lawmakers, including Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall and Representative Tracey Mann, have yet to be answered.

The events in Liberal bring into focus the ongoing debate over the balance between immigration enforcement and maintaining community trust. As local leaders and residents continue to seek clarity, they have vowed to keep pressing for accountability and transparency from federal agencies operating within their borders.