Zavala County deputies arrest Crystal City mayor’s husband on immigration violation

On Wednesday evening, Oct. 7, 2026, Zavala County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Armando Garza Lira in Crystal City, Texas, after coordinating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on a visa‑overstay allegation.

Lira, who is married to Crystal City Mayor Jose Angel Cerda, was identified during a routine traffic stop at about 7:46 p.m. when deputies made contact with two occupants of a vehicle. ICE informed the deputies that Lira was unlawfully present in the United States, prompting his detention.

Following the arrest, Lira was transported to the Zavala County Jail to await further action from federal immigration officials. The mayor, Cerda, was released at the scene without incident.

The Zavala County Sheriff’s Office released a statement emphasizing its compliance with Texas law governing cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The office said it acts on complaints regarding individuals residing unlawfully in the community.

Crystal City, located roughly 100 miles southwest of San Antonio, is known locally as the “Spinach Capital of the World.” The town’s official Texas directory shows Mayor Cerda was first elected in May 2025 and is slated to serve through 2028.

Attempts to obtain comment from the mayor’s office were unanswered at the time of publication. Social‑media posts circulated images that appear to show the two men together, but no official statements have been released.

This enforcement action highlights the ongoing collaboration between local law‑enforcement agencies and federal immigration officials in Texas, a state that has seen increased joint operations in recent years.

Federal authorities have not yet disclosed whether Lira will face removal proceedings or other immigration consequences. The Zavala County Jail will retain him pending the outcome of ICE’s case.