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Texas Lawmaker Demands Hearing on ICE Agent Shooting

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/03/0 .. maker-demands-hearing-on-ice-agent-shooting.html
  Published in House and Home on Sunday, March 1st 2026 at 8:28 GMT by FOX 7 Austin KTBC
      Locales: UNITED STATES, MEXICO

Austin, Texas - March 1st, 2026 - A growing controversy surrounding the 2023 shooting of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents near Encino, Texas, has prompted State Representative Leo Oliveira to call for a public hearing to investigate allegations of a state government cover-up. The demand comes after what Representative Oliveira describes as "credible information" suggesting the state's role in the incident extends far beyond initial reports and that vital details have been deliberately suppressed.

The shooting, which occurred in the highly sensitive border region, garnered significant attention at the time, focusing on the dangers faced by federal law enforcement personnel. However, Representative Oliveira believes the public has not been presented with a full and accurate picture of the events, and that crucial information remains concealed. He alleges a deliberate effort to minimize the state's involvement and obstruct a thorough investigation.

"For too long, questions have lingered about the circumstances surrounding the shooting of these ICE agents," Representative Oliveira stated in a press conference this morning. "We've received testimony and seen documents indicating the state possessed knowledge beyond what was initially disclosed. This isn't about assigning blame, it's about ensuring transparency and accountability. The families of these agents, and the citizens of Texas, deserve to know the full truth."

The proposed hearing, which will be held by the House Committee on Homeland Security (pending final scheduling), aims to examine evidence provided by whistleblowers within various state agencies. These individuals, according to Oliveira, have come forward with concerns about the handling of the investigation and the suppression of key facts. The hearing is expected to delve into the state's intelligence gathering leading up to the shooting, the coordination (or lack thereof) with federal agencies, and any potential directives to downplay the state's prior awareness of the risks.

Specifically, questions are expected to focus on what, if any, advanced warning state authorities had regarding potential threats in the Encino area. Sources close to Representative Oliveira's office suggest the state may have been monitoring activities of the group suspected of carrying out the shooting but failed to adequately share that intelligence with ICE. The hearing will also explore whether the state intentionally delayed providing access to relevant records and witnesses to federal investigators.

The implications of a state cover-up, if proven, are significant. It could point to a deliberate attempt to manage the political fallout from the shooting, potentially shielding state officials from criticism or legal repercussions. It also raises serious questions about the state's commitment to border security and its willingness to cooperate with federal law enforcement.

Attempts to obtain comment from the Attorney General's office have, so far, been unsuccessful. A spokesperson for the office acknowledged receiving Representative Oliveira's request for cooperation but indicated they were reviewing the matter. Critics of the Attorney General have accused the office of intentionally stonewalling the investigation, citing a history of prioritizing political considerations over transparency. The lack of a timely response is fueling speculation that the state is actively attempting to impede the hearing's progress.

This isn't the first time concerns have been raised about the handling of the ICE agent shooting. Following the incident, several media outlets published reports highlighting inconsistencies in the official narrative. However, these reports were largely dismissed by state officials, who attributed the discrepancies to the chaotic nature of the situation. Representative Oliveira believes these inconsistencies, coupled with the whistleblower testimony, warrant a thorough and impartial investigation.

The scheduled hearing promises to be a contentious affair, with potentially damaging revelations for the state government. It could also reignite the debate over border security policies and the role of state authorities in enforcing immigration laws. The outcome of the hearing could have far-reaching consequences, not only for the individuals involved but also for the political landscape of Texas.