parks
Park visitors say it’s ‘scary’ seeing ICE officers at Phil Hardberger Park
By Alexis Scott, Matthew Craig at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 4, 2026
· 2 min read
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers walked through Phil Hardberger Park Friday on the North Side and it prompted questions from community members.Many visitors described the park as a place where they come to exercise, spend time with family and relax.“It’s kind of scary because usually ...
Key takeaway “It’s kind of scary because usually there’s kids out here too,” resident Alonso Martinez said in reaction to the photos.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The presence of ICE officers at Phil Hardberger Park has significant implications for the community, particularly for Hispanic residents who already feel vulnerable to immigration enforcement. As a popular gathering spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts, the park is meant to be a safe and welcoming space. The fact that some visitors are now hesitant to visit or participate in group activities due to the presence of immigration officers underscores the potential for long-term effects on community cohesion and social fabric. For local business owners like Marquetta Valdez, who relies on the park to host her run club, the presence of ICE officers could also have economic consequences, potentially driving away customers and affecting the local economy. As the city continues to grow and diversify, it is crucial to consider the impact of federal immigration policies on local communities and public spaces.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: July 4, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers walked through Phil Hardberger Park Friday on the North Side and it prompted questions from community members.Many visitors described the park as a place where they come to exercise, spend time with family and relax.“It’s kind of scary because usually ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 4, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Alexis Scott, Matthew Craig at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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