ICE Arrests 24 in Corpus Christi: What to Do If Detained
In a single day, ICE and local police arrested 24 people in Corpus Christi, Texas. The operation targeted people with criminal records — but also included arrests for charges that were never proven in court. If you live in South Texas or anywhere ICE is active, knowing what to do in the next few minutes after a stop could change everything.
24 People Arrested in One Day in Corpus Christi
On May 13, 2026, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 24 people in a single-day targeted operation in Corpus Christi, Texas. ICE worked together with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to carry out the arrests. The agency described the operation as part of its ongoing effort to remove people it says have no legal right to remain in the United States.
Among those arrested, ICE says some had prior convictions for theft, assault, and driving while intoxicated (DWI). Others had arrests — not convictions — for possession of a controlled substance, criminal trespass, and illegal reentry into the US. ICE noted that some of those arrested could face additional federal criminal charges for illegal reentry, which is a separate crime from civil immigration violations.
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ICE's Harlingen acting Field Office Director Matthew Ochoa credited the results to teamwork between agencies. ICE says it conducts immigration enforcement operations across the country every day. Anyone can report suspicious activity to ICE by calling 866-347-2423 or using the agency's online tip form.
What to Do If ICE Stops or Arrests You
- Stay calm and do not run. You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions about where you were born, how you entered the US, or your immigration status.
- Ask if you are free to go. If ICE says yes, calmly walk away. If they say no, you are being detained — do not physically resist, even if you believe the detention is wrong.
- Ask for a lawyer immediately. You have the right to speak with an immigration lawyer before answering questions. Do not sign any documents without legal advice — signing could affect your case in immigration court or removal proceedings.
- Contact a trusted person right away. If you are detained, try to memorize or carry the phone number of a family member or immigration lawyer. Organizations like the ACLU or local legal aid groups may be able to help connect you with free or low-cost legal help.
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Even if you have a prior arrest — not a conviction — that record can be used against you in removal proceedings (the official process where an immigration judge decides if you must leave the US). You have the right to a bond hearing, where a judge decides if you can be released while your case continues, and you should request one as soon as possible after detention. Do not waive your right to appear before an immigration judge — consult an immigration attorney before making any decisions about your case.