See how Joaquin Castro's votes line up with your values.
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Prediction track record
How often we called Joaquin Castro's passage votes correctly, from their stated positions on each bill's tagged topics. Excludes “unclear” calls and abstentions.
A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.
To prohibit the disclosure of records by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development of individuals for the purposes of immigration enforcement, and for other purposes.
A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.
Based on 4 data points across public statements and recorded votes · AI analysis of public records
118-hr-2·Consistent
Secure the Border Act of 2023
85/100
What they said
Mar 24, 2026
The members oppose DHS targeting and arresting DACA recipients who have complied with program requirements and committed no crimes, arguing that such enforcement diverts resources from genuine public safety threats and contradicts the program's vetting standards.
The statement opposes DHS enforcement actions targeting DACA recipients who have complied with program requirements and pose no public safety threat. The Secure the Border Act focuses on border wall construction, asylum eligibility limits, and employment verification systems—provisions that expand enforcement capacity and restrict immigration pathways broadly. A NO vote on this bill is consistent with the rep's stated opposition to aggressive immigration enforcement that diverts resources from genuine threats and contradicts DACA program standards. The bill does not directly address DACA targeting, but its expansionist enforcement framework aligns with the policy direction the statement criticizes.
Continuing Appropriations and Border Security Enhancement Act, 2024
75/100
What they said
Mar 24, 2026
The members oppose DHS targeting and arresting DACA recipients who have complied with program requirements and committed no crimes, arguing that such enforcement diverts resources from genuine public safety threats and contradicts the program's vetting standards.
The statement opposes DHS targeting and arresting DACA recipients who have complied with program requirements. The bill is a continuing appropriations measure that includes provisions prohibiting DHS from using funds for certain immigration-related purposes, though the specific scope of those prohibitions is not detailed in the summary. The rep's NO vote is consistent with opposition to DHS enforcement actions against DACA recipients if those prohibitions were insufficient or if the bill's overall immigration provisions (including asylum eligibility limits) were viewed as harmful. However, the bill bundles appropriations, border security measures, and multiple immigration provisions, making it unclear whether the NO vote was driven primarily by concerns about DACA enforcement or by other provisions in the measure.
The representatives oppose ICE's plan to acquire and convert a warehouse into a 1,500-bed processing center in San Antonio, arguing that the federal government should close existing detention facilities rather than expand them.
The statement opposes ICE facility expansion and detention infrastructure; the bill advances border security and enforcement priorities through wall construction and employer verification systems. While the bill does not directly address ICE detention facility acquisition, it reflects a broader enforcement-focused immigration approach that contrasts with the representatives' stated opposition to expanding detention capacity. The NO vote aligns with their stated position against detention expansion, though the bill's primary focus is border barriers rather than detention facilities specifically.
Congressman Castro opposes the Trump administration's economic claims, healthcare policies, and immigration enforcement practices. He argues the administration's approach to immigration enforcement is harmful to families and citizens, and that current policies fail to address affordability challenges in healthcare, childcare, housing, and food.
Castro's statement criticizes the administration's immigration enforcement as harmful to families and citizens, which aligns with his opposition to the Laken Riley Act's mandatory detention and expanded state-suit provisions. However, the statement does not directly address the bill's specific provisions on detaining individuals charged with theft-related offenses or authorizing state lawsuits, so the link is inferred rather than explicit.
Pairs with ambiguous language and high uncertainty are withheld until more data is available. Procedural, cloture, and amendment votes are excluded — they don't cleanly signal substantive support or opposition.
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Crossing the aisle
Passage votes where Joaquin Castro broke ranks with ≥75% of Democrats. Threshold catches substantively partisan splits; unanimous-ish or close votes are excluded.
Reps. Castro, Vasquez, Cisneros Introduce Resolution Recognizing Hispanic and Latino Servicemembers | U.S. Congressman Joaquin Castro
Position: Reps. Castro, Vasquez, and Cisneros introduced a resolution recognizing the contributions of Hispanic and Latino servicemembers and calling for stronger Hispanic and Latino representation in military leadership across all branches.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Reps. Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Congressional Hispanic Caucus Vice Chair of Diversity and Inclusion, Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), and Gil Cisneros (CA-31) introduced a resolution recognizing the contributions of Hispanic and Latino servicemembers in the United States Armed Forces and calling for stronger Hispanic and Latino leadership across every branch of the military. Between 2017 and 2025, Hispanic representation in the military grew by 6.8 percent, and Hispanic servicemembers now make up 20.81 percent of the force across all branches. They remain underrepresented in leadership. Hispanic servicemembers hold only about 3 percent of general and flag officer positions and less than 10 percent of officer positions in any branch.
“San Antonio, known as Military City, USA, is home to generations of military heroes,” said Congressman Castro. “Latino servicemembers have proudly served in every major war in our nation’s history, and today they are the fastest-growing segment of our armed forces. Yet their contributions have not been equally honored. I’m proud to join Congressman Cisneros in honoring and supporting these servicemembers, and in pushing for leadership that reflects the people who serve.”
“I’m honored to recognize the generations of Latino servicemembers who have served our nation with valor,” said Congressman Cisneros. “But honoring their contributions also means acknowledging the work that needs to be done. While Hispanic and Latino servicemembers account for the largest growing population across the military, they are too often overlooked for leadership roles, and that needs to improve. Our forces are at their best when they reflect our nation’s diversity.”
“The Hispanic community has proudly demonstrated its pride and willingness to serve our nation for decades, diversifying our ranks and strengthening our national defense,” said Congressman Vasquez. “In New Mexico, that tradition runs deep — we are a state of proud Americans who answer the call. This is a reminder that diversity at all ranks makes us stronger as a nation and reflects who we are.”
Read the full text of the resolution here.
Castro Statement on Trump Administration Granting Flávio Bolsonaro U.S. Entry After Election Loss | U.S. Congressman Joaquin Castro
Position: The release criticizes the Trump Administration's decision to grant Flávio Bolsonaro entry into the United States after his electoral loss in Brazil, noting he faces corruption-related investigations there, and calls on the administration to provide Congress with answers about its role.
SAN ANTONIO, TX – Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released the following statement after the Trump Administration announced it would grant Flávio Bolsonaro entry into the United States following his loss in Brazil’s elections:
“Losing an election is not grounds for asylum.
“Yet the Trump Administration is giving Flávio Bolsonaro safe haven in the United States. In Brazil, he is under investigation for alleged corruption, money laundering and currency evasion, and was ordered to surrender his passports.
“The Trump Administration owes Congress answers on its role helping Bolsonaro flee Brazil in contravention of Brazilian law.”
Castro Statement on Fifth Circuit Stripping Immigrants of Due Process Rights | U.S. Congressman Joaquin Castro
Position: Congressman Castro criticizes a Fifth Circuit ruling that he says denies immigrants facing detention in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi the ability to see a judge or request bond, arguing it violates the Fifth Amendment's due process protections.
SAN ANTONIO, TX – Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released the following statement on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit’s ruling in Sosnava Rodriguez v. Ortega:
“Today, the Fifth Circuit stripped immigrants facing detention in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi of their right to due process. People who have lived in our communities for years, even decades, can now be locked away with no chance to see a judge or ask for bond. It’s a radical departure from decades of legal precedent and violates the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution, which protects everyone. This ruling leaves tens of thousands of people imprisoned without the government ever having to say why. It is wrong, and we will keep fighting.”
Castro Statement On Detention Of American Rabbis, Volunteers In The West Bank | U.S. Congressman Joaquin Castro
Position: Congressman Castro condemns the detention of American volunteers and rabbis and the settler attacks on diplomats and a journalist in the West Bank, and calls on Congress to pass the Stop the Settlements Act, which would impose sanctions on those driving settlements in the West Bank or Gaza.
SAN ANTONIO, TX — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released the following statement:
“Today, Israeli forces detained dozens of volunteers, including a congressional candidate and rabbis, in the West Bank. Days earlier, settlers attacked European diplomats and a Washington Post journalist.
“If American public servants, diplomats, and journalists are targeted, imagine what Palestinian families face every day.
“Congress should take up my bill, the Stop the Settlements Act, to impose sanctions on anyone driving settlements in the West Bank or Gaza, including construction companies and banks. It's backed by 59 members of Congress, including the bill's latest co-sponsors, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Rep. Robert Garcia, Rep. Jason Crow, Rep. Deborah Ross, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, and Rep. Sharice Davids.”
To learn more about the Stop the Settlements Act, click here.
Reps. Castro,
Ciscomani, Espaillat Renew Push to Honor Hispanic-Serving Institutions | U.S. Congressman Joaquin Castro
Position: The release supports a bipartisan resolution honoring Hispanic-Serving Institutions and recognizing National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week, and criticizes federal funding cuts and legal actions affecting these institutions.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Reps. Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Congressional Hispanic Caucus Vice Chair of Diversity and Inclusion, Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), and Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, re-introduced a bipartisan resolution to honor Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and uplift their important work shaping the landscape of American higher education.
“Quality education is the foundation of opportunity in this country,” said Congressman Castro (TX-20). “This bipartisan resolution honors the contributions of hundreds of Hispanic-Serving Institutions nationwide, including the 112 such institutions here in Texas. These places of learning empower students and help young people overcome barriers to thrive. I thank the educators, faculty administrators, and staff who work tirelessly each day to ensure that HSIs can support and provide opportunities to millions of students.”
“Hispanic-Serving Institutions are opening doors to opportunity and helping more students achieve the American Dream,” said Congressman Ciscomani (AZ-06). “From Cochise College, Pima Community College, and Eastern Arizona College in my district our three state Universities - UofA, ASU, and NAU, these institutions are giving students, including many who are the first in their families to attend college, a path to a brighter future. I’m proud to support this bipartisan resolution recognizing National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week and celebrating the vital role these schools play in strengthening Arizona’s communities and workforce.”
“Higher education is a critical pathway to economic opportunity and Hispanic Serving Institutions have opened doors for millions of Latino and Hispanic students to pursue college degrees,” said Congressman Espaillat (NY-13). “New York State is home to nearly 40 two- and four-year HSIs that serve almost 300,000 students. Unfortunately, the massive federal funding cuts and legal attacks from the Trump Administration have left many students and faculty without a clear path forward. This resolution reaffirms our commitment to protecting these communities and HSIs’ crucial work to support Latino and Hispanic students across the nation.”
“During HSIs Week, HACU joins colleges and universities across the country to recognize and raise awareness of the vital work our 645 HSIs do to expand access to education, advance opportunity, promote equity and fairness, and strengthen our communities,” said HACU President and CEO Dr. Antonio Flores.
The resolution uplifts HSIs by:
The resolution’s cosponsors include: Reps. Pete Aguilar, Nanette Barragán, Julia Brownley, Salud Carbajal, Greg Casar, Joaquin Castro, Juan Ciscomani, Gilbert Cisneros, Jim Costa, Lou Correa, Jasmine Crockett, Henry Cuellar, Mark DeSaulnier, Veronica Escobar, Adriano Espaillat, Dwight Evans, Teresa Leger Fernandez, Laura Friedman, Maxwell Frost, Chuy García, Robert Garcia, Sylvia Garcia, Jimmy Gomez, Vicente Gonzalez, Adelita Grijalva, Pablo José Hernández, Sara Jacobs, Hank Johnson, Robin Kelly, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Mike Levin, Ted Lieu, Lucy McBath, LaMonica McIver, Analilia Mejia, Rob Menendez, Kevin Mullin, Seth Moulton, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Jimmy Panetta, Scott Peters, Delia C. Ramirez, Jamie Raskin, Raul Ruiz, Andrea Salinas, Linda Sanchez, Lateefah Simon, Darren Soto, Melanie Stansbury, Mike Thompson, Dina Titus, Rashida Tlaib, Ritchie Torres, Norma Torres, Lori Trahan, David Valadao, Juan Vargas, Gabe Vasquez, and Nydia M. Velázquez.
Read the full text of the resolution here.
Support Grows For Stop The Settlements Act, Bill To Impose Sanctions On Drivers Of Settlement Expansion | U.S. Congressman Joaquin Castro
Position: Supports the Stop the Settlements Act, which would impose sanctions on actors expanding Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Gaza and prohibit importing goods made in those settlements and outposts.
WASHINGTON, DC — Support continues to grow for Reps. Joaquin Castro’s (TX-20), Stop the Settlements Act. Castro introduced the legislation with Reps. Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Don Beyer (VA-08), Greg Casar (TX-35), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), and Veronica Escobar (TX-16). The bill now has 53 co-sponsors since its introduction on October 1, with the addition of Hank Johnson (GA-04), Everton Blair (GA-13), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Nikema Williams (GA-05), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Bill Foster (IL-11), James Walkinshaw (VA-11), and Valerie P. Foushee (NC-04).
“The Stop the Settlements Act would sanction anyone looking to take Palestinian land in the West Bank or Gaza,” said Congressman Castro. “And support keeps growing. Since I introduced the bill alongside Reps. Dean, Beyer, Casar, Jacobs, and Escobar, over 50 members have now co-sponsored. Settlement expansion pushes Palestinians off their land and makes peace harder to achieve. It’s time to use tools like sanctions to stop it.”
The Stop the Settlements Act would halt the construction of new settlements and the expansion of existing Israeli settlements and outposts in the West Bank and Gaza through sanctions and a prohibition on importing goods made in these settlements and outposts. Ending settlement construction and expansion would protect Palestinians from the dispossession of their land and help create a pathway to peace, where both Israelis and Palestinians are able to fully exercise their right to self-determination. To learn more about the bill, click here.
Co-sponsors of the bill include: Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Don Beyer (VA-08), Greg Casar (TX-35), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Derek Tran (CA-45), Becca Balint (VT-AL), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Troy Carter (LA-02), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Sean Casten (IL-06), Emily Randall (WA-06), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Analilia Mejia (NJ-11), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Mark Takano (CA-39), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), André Carson (IN-07), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Everton Blair (GA-13), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Nikema Williams (GA-05), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Bill Foster (IL-11), James Walkinshaw (VA-11), and Valerie P. Foushee (NC-04).
Castro Challenges Trump To Visit Dilley Trailer Prison During San Antonio Visit | U.S. Congressman Joaquin Castro
Position: Congressman Castro invites President Trump to visit the Dilley family detention center and criticizes the treatment of children held there, stating that the conditions cause lasting trauma and that the detention of children based on birthplace, skin color, or language is wrong.
SAN ANTONIO, TX —Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) renewed his invitation to President Donald Trump to visit the Dilley Trailer Prison during his visit tomorrow in San Antonio, Texas.
“Donald Trump will be in San Antonio tomorrow. I invite him to visit the Dilley Trailer Prison and see for himself the trauma he is inflicting on children and babies, some as young as two months old.”
Castro first challenged the President to see firsthand the conditions facing children at the only family detention center in the country at a march protesting ICE’s proposed detention center in San Antonio. Transcript below:
“President Trump, you're coming to San Antonio. I would invite you to go to Dilley to see what Stephen Miller, who sits with you at the White House, has done to these children. To see the lifelong lasting trauma he's caused to these kids, to see what he's doing in the name of Americans. And I would say, because I would bet that the President has never been into a detention center, that he's certainly not been into a detention center, this trailer prison, where kids are held. Let me say this: the President of the United States is the leader of the country, the leader of the free world. If you can't stand there and go inside and look into the eyes of these kids and tell them that despite the fact they've done nothing wrong, that they belong there just because of where they were born, just because of the color of their skin, just because of the language that they speak, then you don't deserve to be President of the United States.”
“Presidente Trump, vas a venir a San Antonio. Yo te invito a ir a Dilley para ver lo que Stephen Miller, que se sienta contigo en la Casa Blanca, les ha hecho a estos niños. Para ver el trauma duradero que les ha causado a estosniños, para ver lo que está haciendo en nombre de Estados Unidos. Y yo diría esto, porque apostaría a que el presidente nunca ha estado dentro de un centro de detención. Que ciertamente nunca ha estado dentro de un centro de detención, esta prisión de tráileres, donde tienen detenidos a niños. Déjenme decir esto: el Presidente de los Estados Unidos es el líder del país, el líder del mundo libre. Si no puedes estar ahí, entrar y mirar a estos niños a losojos y decirles que, a pesar de que no han hecho nada malo, pertenecen allí simplemente por el lugar donde nacieron, simplemente por el color de su piel, simplemente por el idioma que hablan, entonces no mereces ser Presidente de los Estados Unidos.”
Reps. Castro, Cisneros Honor Hispanic and Latino Storytellers | U.S. Congressman Joaquin Castro
Position: Reps. Castro and Cisneros introduced a resolution honoring the cultural contributions of Hispanics and Latinos in film, television, and streaming and calling for greater representation on screen and in leadership roles. The release does not take a position on a specific pending piece of legislation.
WASHINGTON D.C. — Reps. Joaquin Castro (TX-20) and Gil Cisneros (CA-31) introduced a resolution to honor and celebrate the cultural impacts of Hispanics and Latinos in film, television, and streaming.
Hispanics and Latinos represent 21% of the total population of the United States but Hispanics and Latinos in film, television, and streaming account for less than 7% of on-screen roles and less than 5% of off-screen roles. However, television series and films featuring Hispanic and Latino talent consistently rank among the most watched and financially successful productions.
El Cine, the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, the Latino Film Institute, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP), the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts (NHFA), and the National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) signed on as supporting organizations.
“Latino artists have helped shape American film and television for generations, and Latinos are one of the largest and fastest-growing audiences in this country," said Congressman Castro. "Yet we are still underrepresented on screen and in the writing rooms and leadership roles where decisions are made. Latino film festivals across the country are doing important work to support Latino storytellers, and the industry should invest in that talent. I'm proud to join Congressman Cisneros in recognizing these contributions and calling for more Latino representation on and behind the big screen.”
“Latinos and Hispanics represent some of the biggest stars and the most important stories of the century. The time when actors like Rita Hayworth, Anthony Quinn or Martin Sheen had to change their names has given way to mainstream stars like Selma Hayek, Eva Longoria, Diego Luna, and Selena Gomez,” said Congressman Cisneros. “Hispanic and Latino storytellers have enriched our media with diverse stories, artistic excellence, and economic growth and they deserve recognition for their talent. I’m proud to introduce this resolution to celebrate and honor the success of Hispanics and Latinos in film, television, and streaming and recognize their past, present, and future contributions to the United States.”
“One of the biggest dangers our culture faces is erasure,” said Mariana Da Silva, Founder of El Cine. “We are taught to hide parts of ourselves, our language, our histories, and the stories that make us who we are. At El Cine, we create space for those stories to be seen, heard, and passed on. Latin culture is American culture. We’re proud to support this resolution because recognizing our contributions also means making room for the next generation to tell their stories without having to hide who they are.”
“Fifty-nine percent of Latino adults went to a movie theater last year, more than any other group,” said Juan Proaño, Chief Executive Officer of LULAC. “Latinos are the profit margin of this industry. Yet we hold just 5 percent of the roles on screen, 2.8 percent of the lead roles, and one half of one percent of the writing credits, and 44 percent of top films have no Latino speaking character at all. LULAC is proud to support Congressman Cisneros's resolution, which honors the artists who opened doors and calls on the industry to reflect the audiences who sustain it. When we tell our own stories, the whole country sees itself more clearly.”
“Thirty years ago, Jimmy Smits, Sonia Braga, Esai Morales, Merel Julia and I founded the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts (NHFA), when Latinos were one in ten Americans and almost nowhere on screen," said Felix R. Sánchez, Chair and Co-founder of NHFA. "Today we are one in five, and we hold fewer than three of every hundred lead roles in Hollywood's top films. The country changed, the screen has not.”
“Latino Americans are intertwined in the fabric of the United States – including in film, television, and streaming,” said Brenda Victoria Castillo, President and CEO of National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC). “With the highest per capita consumption in entertainment, representing 24% of film ticket sales, 29% of daily mobile television viewers, and 24% of streaming subscribers, it's no wonder that our stories resonate, inspire, and are central to modern American culture. NHMC thanks Congressmen Cisneros and Castro for recognizing our community and continuing to be allies to increase Latino representation in media.”
“From a fifth grader's first film to a fellow's first credit to a festival premiere, Latino Film Institute is building the workforce of American film, television, and streaming,” said Axel Caballero, Chief Executive Officer of the Latino Film Institute. “And we are preparing it for what comes next: new kinds of stories, told on platforms that are still taking shape. Through YCP, our fellowships, and LALIFF, that talent is being readied and celebrated. We thank Congressman Cisneros, Congressman Castro, and all the cosponsors, and LFI is proud to support this resolution.”
Read the full text of the resolution here.
During San Antonio Field Hearing, Castro, Local Leaders Demand Accountability For ICE Operations And Proposed Warehouse | U.S. Congressman Joaquin Castro
Position: Opposes the Trump administration's mass deportation operations and the proposed ICE warehouse in San Antonio, citing harm to immigrant families and communities, and calls for accountability for ICE operations and detention conditions.
SAN ANTONIO, TX — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) hosted a field hearing in San Antonio, entitled, “Examining the Community Impacts of Mass Deportation and Proposed ICE Warehouse.” He was joined by elected officials at the dais including Texas State Senator Roland Gutierrez (TX-19), Texas State Senator José Menéndez (TX-26), Texas State Representative Barbara Gervin-Hawkins (HD-120), Councilwoman Phyllis Viagran, City Council District 3. Hearing witnesses included Kristin Etter, Director of Policy and Legal Services, Texas Immigration Law Council, Priscilla Olivarez, Managing Policy Attorney with the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, and the Reverend Father Jimmy Drennan, St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, COPS/Metro Alliance. Additional San Antonio leaders expressed their support for the hearing, including Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones and Councilman Ric Galvan, City Council District 6.
“San Antonio is one of the epicenters for ICE activity and ranks fourth in the nation for arrests,” said Congressman Castro. “The first American citizen shot by ICE, Ruben Ray Martinez, was a son of San Antonio. South of the city, the Dilley Trailer Prison has locked away thousands of children without proper food, medical care, and schooling. Texas National Guardsmen and local police in Texas have been deputized by ICE, supercharging arrests and detentions. Our community has become collateral damage in Trump’s mass deportation machine. Now this proposed warehouse on the East Side would extend these abuses deeper into our community and our lives. None of this is making life easier or more affordable for San Antonio families—it is tearing families apart, targeting our communities, and leaving a dark stain on our nation.”
“ICE is a rogue agency that shoots first and asks questions later. They are terrorizing our communities and torturing people with impunity,” said Senator Gutierrez. “The cruelty must end now”.
“The Trump Administration and Governor Abbott have colluded to stoke fear in our communities and incite human rights violations across our country. We must hold them accountable to protect people and restore basic human rights. Thank you, Congressman Castro and his team, for organizing a safe space for experts in the field and community members to discuss the threats to us all,” said Senator Menéndez.
“Today, I join U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro (TX-20) and other community leaders for a San Antonio field hearing to examine community impacts of mass deportation and the proposed ICE warehouse in San Antonio's East side in House District 120 that I represent. Like many faith leaders and others, I view the care and support of migrants not as a political issue, but as a fundamental obligation of human morality, compassion, and dignity. I will continue to fight for those that are being harmed and oppressed by this unjust system. I simply ask you to join us in this fight for human decency,” said Texas State Representative Barbara Gervin-Hawkins (HD-120).
“This was an excellent opportunity to work alongside my state and federal colleagues to identify a real path forward to prevent ICE facilities from entering the City of San Antonio. I am committed to working with my Council colleagues on a solid plan to address the inequities and impacts an ICE facility would have on our city, particularly on the East Side. I want to thank all of the community members who came out to listen, participate, and support their elected officials in this effort. Our panelists did an excellent job providing critical information and perspectives that will help inform our work as we move forward,” said Councilwoman Phyllis Viagran.
“A new detention center in Texas only works to expand the capacity to detain more of our community members and separate more families. The harm reaches beyond the household; we have seen that when parents and workers are detained, families lose income, businesses lose employees, and local economies lose the spending that helps them thrive. Our communities need investments that help families put down roots and thrive. We urge leaders to reject this expansion and focus on keeping Texas families, communities, and local economies together,” said Kristin Etter, Director of Policy and Legal Services, Texas Immigration Law Council.
“If the ICE warehouse is allowed to open, vital city resources will be misused to support the unlawful detention of our loved ones,” said Priscilla Olivarez, Managing Policy Attorney with the Immigrant Legal Resource Center. “I stand alongside the San Antonio community who are rightfully demanding DHS complete all federally mandated impact assessments before further steps are taken to open the ICE warehouse. San Antonio residents deserve to know the full adverse impact the ICE facility will have on those detained within its walls and the critical resources the facility will divert from our city.”
“What we are witnessing now is the re-institutionalization of discrimination in our law enforcement community, specifically ICE, against American citizens and our immigrant neighbors alike. People who are not properly vetted and not properly trained are coming into our institutions, and it is going to rip the fabric of our community apart unless it is brought to an end," said the Reverend Father Jimmy Drennan. “These are real people. I've looked into their eyes, and I've heard their stories. Their fear is real, and their fear is justified. In San Antonio, our community will keep pushing back.”
“I reiterate my opposition to the proposed ICE processing facility on San Antonio’s East Side. San Antonians deserve to feel safe taking their children to school, going to work, and calling police when they need help. Immigration enforcement must respect due process and basic human dignity,” said Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones. “We have pressed the federal government for transparency about this proposal, including its plans for the facility and the potential demands on our water, infrastructure, and emergency services. Our residents deserve answers, and our city deserves a meaningful voice in decisions that affect our neighborhoods. I thank Congressman Castro for convening this hearing and will continue demanding accountability on behalf of San Antonio,” said Mayor Ortiz Jones.
“We must continue to challenge every level of government to take action upon the acts of terror that ICE has committed upon our neighbors—noncitizen and citizen alike. We must demand the accountability of a rogue federal agency that continues to violate constitutional rights here in San Antonio and across our country. We must not back down from the fight. ICE has no home in San Antonio, and it must answer for its crimes against our community,” said Councilmember Ric Galvan.
"The first thing that Congress needs to do is pass a bill to shut down all of the infrastructure for these additional ICE buildings for the detention of human beings," said Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Calvert. "Congress should require the federal government to comply with local zoning regulations and health and safety measures as a check on unbridled tyrants."
“COPS/Metro represents 32 institutions across our city, and we have seen firsthand the impacts of detention and deportation. We are deeply concerned about the human toll of recent ICE arrests in our community and oppose the proposal for an East Side detention center. When parents are detained at workplaces, courthouses, or outside their homes, the harm reaches far beyond the individual. Children are left without caregivers, families lose their income, and entire neighborhoods live in fear. That fear has real consequences. Families are separated, children are kept home from school, and they hesitate to report crimes or cooperate with police. When people are afraid to take part in ordinary civic life, public safety and community trust suffer for everyone. We believe immigration enforcement must respect due process, family unity, and basic human dignity. We call on officials to: Limit enforcement actions at schools, hospitals, houses of worship, and courthouses; Ensure access to legal counsel for people in detention; Provide transparency about who is being detained and why; and pursue lasting, humane reforms to the immigration system. We stand with our immigrant neighbors and will continue to support families affected by these actions,” said Arturo Rodriguez, Leader, COPS/Metro Alliance.
San Antonio has become one of the cities hit hardest by Trump’s mass deportation campaign, ranking fourth in the nation in ICE arrests. Across Texas, the toll is reaching classrooms, with public schools losing more than 14,000 immigrant students last year. State leaders are continuing to deepen Texas’s role in ICE enforcement, requiring county sheriffs to enter 287(g) agreements with ICE. These agreements deputize local police officers as ICE agents, acting as a force multiplier for ICE arrests, detentions, and deportations. In August, Congressman Castro led a delegation of elected officials representing Bexar County urging cities to withdraw from their 287(g) agreements with ICE.
On March 25, 2025, San Antonio resident Ruben Ray Martinez was shot and killed by an ICE agent. Congressman Castro pushed for accountability when the news became public after the agency didn’t acknowledge its role in his death for nearly a year. ICE has also targeted children, detaining elementary students at their bus stops in San Antonio, including the Uzategui-Labrador family. These children and many others have been detained at the Dilley Trailer Prison, where children, some only a few months old, are held in inhumane conditions.
In January, ICE bought a nearly 640,000-square-foot warehouse on San Antonio’s East Side for $66.1 million. In August, it awarded a $17.3 million contract to GardaWorld Federal Services, the company behind “Alligator Alcatraz,” to retrofit the proposed detention facility and provide wrap-around services. The proposed site would hold 1,000 to 1,500 people daily.
Castro, Foreign Affairs Committee Democrats Issue Statement on State Department’s Partial Production of Venezuela Oil Deal Documents | U.S. Congressman Joaquin Castro
Position: Democratic committee members state that a single State Department document is insufficient for oversight of the administration's Venezuela oil policy and call on the Secretary of State to produce all remaining requested records, including the Rodriguez-Betancourt agreement and KPMG audits of the Foreign Government Deposit Funds. They also criticize Republicans' vote against a subpoena on September 15.
WASHINGTON, DC — Reps. Joaquin Castro, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Democratic Members of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, issued the following statement after the State Department provided the Committee with one document related to the Trump Administration’s deal signed with Alejandro Betancourt to acquire a stake in North American Blue Energy Partners:
“We appreciate that State has provided this document, but a single document falls far short of the records Democrats have requested as we conduct oversight over the Trump administration’s Venezuela policy. When Democrats sought to subpoena the documents on September 15, Republicans, led by Chairwoman Maria Elvira Salazar, voted to shield the administration from accountability and protect Alejandro Betancourt and Delcy Rodriguez from scrutiny.
“Democrats will continue to examine the Trump administration’s actions with respect to Venezuela, and we call on Secretary Rubio to produce to the Committee all remaining requested documents, including the agreement between Delcy Rodriguez and Betancourt, as well as KPMG’s independent audits of the Foreign Government Deposit Funds, the account Trump established after his administration began seizing Venezuelan oil revenues.
“Congress cannot conduct meaningful oversight based on selective disclosures. Providing one document while withholding other central records raises further questions about what the administration is trying to conceal.”
Congressman Castro added, “Last month, I motioned to subpoena the Trump Administration for records regarding its deal with Venezuelan businessman Alejandro Betancourt for Venezuelan oil. This week, we were able to secure a limited set of documents from the administration regarding this shady deal. It's a start but no where near what the Administration must provide Congress. There's billions of dollars moving hands and next to zero accountability. Americans are sick of corruption, and Venezuelans are too. We will continue these investigations until we have accountability.”
Additional background:
On February 13, 2026, HFAC Democrats requested information regarding the Trump administration’s decision to route Venezuela oil revenues into an offshore account in Qatar.
On April 17, 2026, Congressional Democrats requested the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a full audit of this deal. The GAO accepted the request and the audit remains ongoing. Read the full details of the audit and the full letter here.
On September 10, 2026, HFAC Democrats requested KPMG audits of the deal to be transmitted to Congress within 30 days of completion. The members also requested a complete accounting of all disbursements made from the fund since its establishment. The Members request a response by October 8, 2026. Read the full letter here.
On September 15, 2026, Congressman Castro motioned to subpoena the Trump Administration for records regarding its Venezuelan oil deal during a hearing, resulting in the partial release of records.
Source: GDELT 2.0 GKG, filtered to a curated list of national outlets. Inclusion is not endorsement; opinion pieces and reported news are mixed.
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Top PAC donors · 2026 cycle
Political action committees that gave the most to this rep's principal campaign committee this cycle. PAC giving is direct organizational support — industry, ideological, or leadership.
1.NATIONAL BEER WHOLESALERS ASSOCIATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEEBusiness4 contributionsTrade association PAC for beer wholesalers — backs candidates supporting alcohol distribution regulations, tax policy, and industry supply-chain interests.AI$10,000
2.MIDWEST REGION LABORERS' POLITICAL LEAGUELabor2 contributionsTrade-union PAC for the Laborers' International Union of North America — backs candidates supporting prevailing-wage standards, infrastructure investment, and union organizing rights.AI$10,000
3.AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR JUSTICE POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (AAJ PAC)4 contributions$10,000
4.PAKISTANI AMERICAN PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE PAK-PACIdeological2 contributionsForeign-policy advocacy PAC focused on U.S.-Pakistan relations — supports candidates aligned with strengthening bilateral ties and advancing Pakistani-American community interests.AI$7,500
5.AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE COUNTY & MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES P E O P L E3 contributions$7,500
6.MACHINISTS NON-PARTISAN POLITICAL LEAGUE OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MACHINISTS & AEROSPACE WORKERS1 contribution$5,000
7.THE GUIDEHOUSE INC. POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (GUIDEHOUSE PAC)1 contribution$5,000
8.CARPENTERS LEGISLATIVE IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE UNITED BROTHERHOOD OF CARPENTERS AND JOINERSLabor1 contributionTrade-union PAC for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners — backs prevailing-wage protections, federal infrastructure funding, project labor agreements, and worker safety standards.AI$5,000
9.BORDER HEALTH FEDERAL PAC1 contribution$5,000
10.AMERICAN FAMILY MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY, S.I. FEDERAL PAC (AMFAM PAC)1 contribution$5,000
Source: OpenFEC (api.open.fec.gov) Schedule A receipts where contributor type is “committee.” Aggregated by contributing committee. Self-transfers from joint-fundraising / victory committees are excluded.
Top individual contributors · 2026 cycle
Itemized individual contributions over $200 to this rep's campaign committee, aggregated by donor employer. PAC giving is shown above; this section is people, not organizations.
1.HARTMAN FOUNDATION$9,300
2.THE HERRERA LAW FIRM$8,500
3.OCANAS GROUP$7,000
4.SILBEY STRATEGIES$7,000
5.SERNA AND SERNA$6,111
6.ORTIZ MCKNIGHT PLLC$5,500
7.THEGROUP$5,000
8.JOE A GAMEZ$5,000
9.ARIZONA BEVERAGES$4,500
10.ESCAMILLA & PONECK LLP$4,100
Source: OpenFEC Schedule A receipts where contributor type is “individual,” aggregated by the donor's self-reported employer. This is a geographic / industry correlation, not a corporate endorsement.
