The RWOYA (Republican Woman of Yoakum Area) promotes Republican philosophy in the surrounding areas. It comprises volunteers who come together on the second Wednesday of each month to discuss important issues in our government, and it occasionally has special guest speakers.
During their last meeting on Wednesday, March 12, several local speakers from the Lavaca and Houston areas spoke. These speakers were Lavaca County Sheriff Greenwell, Houston ICE Agent Paul McBride, and Lavaca County General Attorney James Reeves.
Sheriff Greenwell, who has now served 90 days in office, emphasized his goal of unifying law enforcement efforts in Hallettsville. With a background in border control and immigration, he stressed the importance of utilizing all available resources to protect the community.
ICE Agent Paul McBride, representing Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), provided an overview of ICE’s role in immigration enforcement. He clarified misconceptions about immigration raids, explaining that ICE focuses on detaining individuals who have committed serious crimes, such as child offenses, drug trafficking, and violent felonies. He also noted that ICE conducts background checks before detaining individuals and collaborates with jails to identify criminal offenders.
“Congress makes the laws, I enforce them,” said McBride.
Lavaca County Attorney James Reeves discussed his office’s commitment to cracking down on drug-related crimes. He noted that while past administrations had not aggressively pursued drug dealers, his office is making it a priority.
The meeting provided attendees firsthand knowledge of law enforcement priorities and the legal system’s approach to crime and immigration enforcement.
