This week, Texas law enforcement agencies collaborated with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on a commercial vehicle screening operation in Wichita County.
On August 3, 2026, ICE joined forces with the Wichita County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) and the Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS) in an operation called “The Heat Is On.”
During the operation, agents inspected dozens of commercial vehicles and their drivers to verify compliance with regulations along Highway 287, between Iowa Park and Electra, according to Wichita County Sheriff William Rutledge.
WCSO
As part of the operation, deputies and Texas DPS Weights and Measures units stopped 78 vehicles.
WCSO
Of the vehicles stopped, 67 were commercial vehicles and 11 were passenger cars.
WCSO
Authorities arrested 14 people for immigration violations. According to the WCSO, their countries of origin included Uzbekistan, India, Guatemala, Venezuela, and Mexico.
WCSO
In addition, five semi-trucks were seized as part of the operation.
On June 25, the WCSO participated in a similar operation called “Operation June Bug.” Operation June Bug resulted in 93 traffic stops of commercial vehicles and the arrest of 24 people for being in the United States illegally.
