parks
Park visitors say it’s ‘scary’ seeing ICE officers at Phil Hardberger Park
By Alexis Scott, Matthew Craig at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News
· 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 Alamo Heights News
The presence of ICE officers at Phil Hardberger Park has raised concerns among community members who view the park as a safe space for recreation and family activities. For residents like Alonso Martinez and Ella McArdle, the sight of immigration officers is unsettling, particularly given the park's popularity among families with children. The impact on local businesses, such as Marquetta Valdez's run club, could also be significant if the presence of ICE officers discourages people from visiting the park. As the city's Hispanic community is already sensitive to immigration enforcement, the visibility of ICE officers in public parks may exacerbate existing fears and anxieties. The city's efforts to promote Phil Hardberger Park as a welcoming and inclusive space may be undermined by the perceived presence of law enforcement targeting specific groups, potentially altering the dynamics of community gatherings and outdoor activities in Alamo Heights .
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Alamo Heights News 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) - San Antonio News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: July 4, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News ·
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) - San Antonio News and curated for Alamo Heights News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Alexis Scott, Matthew Craig at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News. To learn more about how Alamo Heights News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from Alamo Heights News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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