TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – A joint panel of business leaders in Smith County held a press conference Tuesday to address concerns regarding law enforcement joining the 287(g) Task Force Model.
All speakers agreed that many employees have not returned to work since the recent announcements. They also agreed that employees do not need to fear arrests as long as they are obeying the law.
Kerry Hamblett of Tyler Area Builders Association said construction projects are delayed and that will cause a spike in costs.
“Skilled workers began leaving jobsites not because of wrongdoing, but because they’re afraid of being in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Hamblett said. “For the families of these workers, the fear is real. And for the broader community, it has pretty real consequences when we lose members of our construction workforce, our skilled labor. We lose the ability to keep up.”
“A starter home in Smith County now is probably $300,000,” Hamblett said. “And if you think that’s a lot, just stand back and watch. Because if it takes us six months to build a starter home instead of two or three, then it’s going to go up exponentially if you can’t get workers. It’s like any, it’s supply and demand. If you have the supply, then you know, if the demand is there and the supply is there, then prices stay right here. But if your supply of skilled workers is short, then demand is going to outrun it. Right now, we’re in a little bit of a lull, but it’s coming back. And when it comes back it’s going to be hard to get things done.”
Amy Patel, who represented hotels, said some rooms are not being cleaned and are having to be closed. She said she also had to stop serving breakfast.
“That affects tourism dollars, local restaurants, retail shops and a broader experience of living and doing business in the Smith County,” Patel said.
Mundo Villapudua from 1836 Texas Kitchen and Villa Montez said services at restaurants are being affected.
“I want our workers to know you’re part of the fabric of this community,” Villapudua said. “You take care of our families every single time you prepare a meal, every single time you clean a table, and every single time you take care of one of our customers. We want you here. We want you to know you’re safe. We want you to know that we love you. We, as an industry leader, are in contact with our law enforcement leaders, and we have their assurance that this policy does not affect those following the law.”
“We were under the assumption that we were after the criminals, which we’re all for as well,” Villapudua said. “If you’re a criminal and you’re here breaking the law and hurting the citizens of the United States of America, then there’s no room for you here. But the people that are here working an honest days’ worth of work for a paycheck, I wish that there was some kind of a pathway for them.”
Bob Westbrook, a former Tyler city councilman and past president of Texas Restaurant Association, said work is being done to reach lawmakers.
“It’s the reason why associations are so powerful,” Westbrook said. “The Texas Restaurant Association has been working with the state legislature to make sure that they guide the legislature through and explain the ins and outs of our industry and the challenges that we face with an experienced workforce also, but the National Restaurant Association has got an ongoing dialogue with Congress because now they have an opportunity to do something about it. And so we’re hoping that they have the courage to do that and, and respond and, and solve this immigration issue that we have locally.”
The panel released the following statement:
Our community is strongest when every person who contributes to it feels safe, respected, and valued. The people who power our restaurants, construction sites, hotels, and service industries are essential to the success of Tyler and Smith County. You are our neighbors, our coworkers, our friends, and an important part of what makes this place special.
We know many families are feeling fear and uncertainty following several law enforcement organizations’ decisions to implement the 287(g) program with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). We understand the worry that comes from not knowing how these changes may affect your daily life, your ability to work, or your family’s well-being. We want you to know that we hear you and we care about you.
It is also important to explain clearly what this program does-and what it does not do—in Smith County. Under the 287(g) Task Force Model, Smith County law enforcement officers are focused on individuals who have active warrants for their arrest and are also in the country unlawfully. In addition, when someone is booked into the Smith County Jail on a criminal charge, d eputies check federal records and notify ICE only if that person is in the country illegally—a process that has been standard practice for years.
If you are going to work, running errands, attending church, taking your children to school, and following the law, this program will not affect you. It does not authorize officers in Smith County to “round up” families or conduct random checks on law-abiding residents.
Our industries depend on the dedication, hard work, and heart of thousands of employees who make this region thrive. We want you to feel secure coming to work, confident in taking your children to school, and comfortable participating fully in the life of our community. You matter-to us, your community, your employers, and to the future of East Texas.
We also want to recognize the work of our local law enforcement officers who have a difficult job and remain committed to keeping our community safe. We appreciate the officers who work every day to protect families while respecting the rights of all residents.
Finally, we encourage anyone with questions or concerns to reach out to your employer or community organizations for support and accurate information. You are not alone, and you are a valued part of what makes this region grow and succeed.
Together, we will work to build a community where every family feels safe, welcomed, and appreciated.
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