GALVESTON – Ten men were detained Thursday morning along Seawall Boulevard on immigration holds, according to Galveston County jail records.

Deputies with the Galveston County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office made the detentions between 6:30 a.m. and 9:10 a.m. at several locations, including the 7600 and 8100 blocks of Seawall Boulevard and along 61st Street.

Various photos and videos posted to social media showed officers wearing vests marked with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement logos detaining men near the 7600 block of Seawall Boulevard.

Those detained, according to jail records, include Manuel Herrera Peralta, 53; Jose Hernandez Cuenca, 57; Augustin Lopez Esparza, 34; Manuel Solis Garcia, 55; Rodolfo Garza Cortez, 48; Percy Leiva Oviedo, 35; Adrian Castaneda Arellano, 35; Jesus Rafael Ochoa Solorzano, 31; Rosbel Martir Esquivel, 41; and Ramon Castaneda Arellano, 38.

In a statement to the community, Galveston Police Chief Doug Balli said the Galveston Police Department was not contacted, did not participate in, and was not asked to assist with the operations.

Balli said the department’s focus remains on addressing crime, preventing crime and reducing fear of crime so residents and visitors feel safe. He added that no one should hesitate to contact the department out of fear related to immigration status. If assistance is requested by another law enforcement agency, Balli said, the department will respond in accordance with the law.

Photo: Organization for World Peace, Creative Commons