On Monday, residents of Colony Ridge were taken by surprise after Governor Greg Abbott announced on social media that the community would be “targeted” by state troopers and immigration officials. For many, this was the first they had heard of the impending federal raids, which quickly resulted in arrests across the neighborhood.
Enrique Quintero, a resident of Colony Ridge, recounted the moment federal agents stormed a local tire shop, arresting its owner for lacking the necessary work permits. The shop owner, a longtime Texas resident, was described by Quintero as “no criminal” and a “good person,” making the arrest all the more unsettling, as first reported by the Houston Chronicle.
Colony Ridge is a large development located primarily in Liberty County, Texas, with additional lots in Harris and five surrounding counties. Spanning 33,000 acres 30 miles north of Houston, the development has seen rapid growth, with more than 40,000 people moving in over the past decade. Initially starting with the Kings Colony subdivision in the 1980s, Colony Ridge gained significant attention when the Harris brothers, John and William “Trey” Harris III, began purchasing land in 2005. They targeted Latino and low-income families, marketing affordable land to those looking to escape rising housing costs.
However, Colony Ridge has faced significant controversy, including viral anti-immigrant conspiracy theories claiming violence and drug problems in the area, which were later debunked. Additionally, the Harris brothers are facing lawsuits from the U.S. Department of Justice and Texas Attorney General for predatory lending practices, including targeting Latinos with high-interest loans through social media ads. These legal challenges have sparked criticism, with some accusing the developers of deceptive marketing tactics. The development has also overwhelmed Cleveland ISD, which saw a 211% increase in enrollment over the past decade, causing strain on the local education system despite attempts to secure funding for expansion, as the Houston Chronicle explained.
The federal enforcement actions are part of a broader narrative surrounding Colony Ridge, a 33,000-acre subdivision located near Houston, known for its predominantly Latino population. Abbott has previously characterized the area as a “no-go zone” plagued by cartel activity, a label which has sparked significant controversy. While the Texas Department of Public Safety has pushed back against this characterization, the ongoing raids have added to the tension felt by residents. In response, local social media groups quickly sprang into action, sharing updates on the whereabouts of immigration officials and offering resources to help neighbors protect themselves.
Amid the heightened anxiety, some residents have expressed deep concern over the possibility of innocent individuals being targeted, as many fear the raids could extend beyond criminal activity.
Esteban Mendez, a local business owner, noted how the uncertainty has affected the community. “The majority of us are people who are here to work,” Mendez said, pointing to the broader implications of the situation.
