Commissioners urged to oppose Senate Bill 8 and hold Avina accountable for pollution

The Nueces County Commissioner’s Court meeting on April 24, 2025, highlighted significant concerns regarding Senate Bill 8 and local environmental issues.

During the meeting, a speaker expressed strong opposition to Senate Bill 8, which would require counties of a certain size to collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for specific operations. The speaker argued that this bill would lead to "triple taxation," as local taxpayers would fund federal immigration enforcement through multiple layers of taxation. They emphasized that the sheriff's office should focus on local needs rather than federal duties, especially given current staffing shortages and resource constraints. The speaker urged the commissioners to oppose the bill and communicate their stance to State Representative Todd Hunter.

In another segment, Myra Alaniz, representing concerned citizens from Robstown and Calallen, presented findings from an air permit consultant regarding the Avena company’s air quality permit. The consultant identified numerous issues, including vague data and inadequate monitoring capabilities from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Alaniz urged the commissioners to reconsider any potential tax abatements for Avena, arguing that the company should not be rewarded for actions that could harm community health and safety. She highlighted the need for accountability, citing past instances where companies have sought to reduce their tax obligations after receiving abatements.

The discussions underscored the commissioners' responsibilities in addressing both immigration enforcement and environmental protection, reflecting the community's concerns about local governance and corporate accountability. The court's decisions on these matters could have lasting implications for Nueces County residents.