ICE Operations Arrive in Ulysses

Recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in Ulysses came as a surprise to many residents. Much of the initial awareness of the operation spread through social media, where residents shared photographs and videos of ICE vehicles in the community.

The activity has contributed to an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among some residents, particularly immigrants and their families. For people who have built their lives in Ulysses, the possibility of separation from family members has become a source of concern. Residents have also expressed concern about federal officers conducting enforcement activity in their neighborhoods and other places throughout the community.

The Ulysses Police Department had no involvement in the recent ICE operation, according to Chief of Police Ron Vagher. He said he learned about the federal activity through social media, as did many other residents.

“We had no knowledge, and I learned through social media that they were here,” Vagher said. “We weren't involved in any of it. We weren't there.”

Vagher said he had seen two videos circulating on social media that had been shown to him by others.

The Ulysses Police Department's role, he said, is to provide local law enforcement and service to the community.

“I'm a law enforcement officer, that's what we do is enforce laws,” Vagher said.

As information about the activity circulated, residents have shared safety information and suggestions for observing activity in the community.

Some posts encouraged residents to remain attentive to their surroundings and to act as helpful bystanders. Others advised caution when traveling on local roads if immigration-enforcement activity was occurring nearby. Some suggested that people who did not need to travel consider staying home, while those who needed medicine or other necessities could ask someone else to make the trip.

One framework being circulated was the acronym S.A.L.U.T.E., which is used to organize observations by noting size or strength, actions or activity, location and direction, uniform or clothing, time and date of observation, and equipment or weapons.

Residents have also shared videos documenting their observations and interactions related to the federal activity.

Some residents have expressed support for immigration laws being enforced, while emphasizing that their views on enforcement are separate from their relationships with Hispanic friends, family members, and neighbors.

Others have emphasized humanitarian concerns. One Biblical passage shared among residents states: “Do not mistreat foreigners living in your country, but treat them just as you treat your own citizens. Love foreigners as you love yourselves, because you were foreigners one time in Egypt.”

Views have also differed over how residents should respond publicly. Some have said the circumstances constitute an injustice that makes neutrality impossible, while others have emphasized that any demonstrations or protests should remain peaceful.

The effects of immigration enforcement have also become a subject of discussion within the region's agricultural industry.

On Sept. 24, the Kansas Livestock Association, Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association and Texas Cattle Feeders Association issued a joint statement acknowledging the federal government's authority to enforce immigration law while raising concerns about the effects of ICE activity on agricultural communities.

The organizations said cattle producers, feedyards, dairies, livestock markets, processors and other rural businesses depend on a stable workforce to care for animals, maintain food safety and keep agricultural operations running.

According to the associations, reported disruptions have included thousands of fed cattle being delayed from shipment to processors, which the organizations said has resulted in millions of dollars in lost revenue and additional costs.

The groups called on federal officials to conduct enforcement actions lawfully and transparently, respect due process, and communicate clearly with affected employers and communities.