Holiday Crackdown: What Texas Drivers Need to Know About Operation CARE 2025

As fireworks lit up the skies over Texas this Fourth of July weekend, the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) launched more than a celebration—it launched a statewide law enforcement initiative aimed squarely at intoxicated drivers. Dubbed “Operation CARE” (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort), this campaign is more than just a public safety reminder—it’s a full-scale effort to reduce DWI-related crashes and fatalities across the state.

For those of us who defend drivers—and especially immigrants caught in these scenarios—Operation CARE represents a critical moment in the year where a single mistake could have lifelong consequences.

AI Generated DWI checkpoint. Operation CARE represents a critical moment in the year where a single mistake could have lifelong consequences.

What Is Operation CARE?

Operation CARE is a coordinated effort among state troopers, local police, and sheriffs to identify and arrest impaired drivers during peak travel holidays. According to TxDPS, the operation ran from July 3 to July 6, 2025, placing increased patrols on Texas roads, especially near major highways, beach towns, and urban centers like Houston, Austin, and Dallas.

The focus? DWI arrests, seat belt enforcement, speeding, and drug-impaired driving.

Why This Campaign Matters to My Clients

In 2024, more than 1,200 people died in alcohol-related crashes in Texas—many of those incidents occurring over major holidays. While public safety is paramount, mass enforcement operations like Operation CARE often result in over-policing, unjust stops, and misuse of field sobriety tests, particularly in minority and immigrant communities.

As a defense attorney practicing in both criminal and immigration law, I’ve represented individuals who:

• Were arrested at DWI checkpoints after drinking one beer

• Were misidentified due to language barriers

• Faced ICE holds and removal proceedings following a traffic stop

• Had their student or work visa revoked due to a single DWI arrest

If you’re a noncitizen in Texas, even a first-time DWI can jeopardize your immigration status. ICE has authority to detain individuals flagged in local jails, and under Section 287(g) agreements, some counties cooperate directly with federal immigration enforcement. Learn more about this in our post on Texas Sheriffs & ICE Contracts.

Your Rights If You’re Pulled Over

During Operation CARE or any other traffic stop, remember the following:

• You have the right to remain silent

• You are not required to consent to field sobriety tests (though refusal may have consequences)

• You can request an attorney before answering questions

• You are not required to answer questions about your immigration status

If you’re arrested for suspicion of DWI, contact an experienced DWI and immigration lawyer immediately—before speaking to ICE, local law enforcement, or anyone else.

What the Law Says

According to Texas Penal Code §49.04, a person commits a DWI if operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more. Penalties can include:

• First offense: Up to 180 days in jail, $2,000 fine, license suspension

• Second offense: Up to 1 year in jail, $4,000 fine, 2-year suspension

• Third offense: Felony charges, up to 10 years in prison

For noncitizens, a conviction could lead to inadmissibility, deportation, or denial of immigration benefits under INA §237(a)(2)(B).

How We Defend DWI Charges

If you're facing charges after being stopped during Operation CARE, our legal team can:

• Challenge the legality of the stop

• Dispute field sobriety or breathalyzer results

• File motions to suppress unlawful evidence

• Advocate to protect your immigration status throughout the case

We've helped clients retain their licenses, avoid jail time, and stay in the U.S. despite a pending DWI case.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let One Night Change Everything

While Operation CARE may have ended on July 6, the consequences of a DWI arrest can linger for years—especially if you’re a noncitizen, student, or temporary worker in Texas.

If you or a loved one has been arrested for DWI in Houston or anywhere in Texas during this holiday period, time is critical. Reach out now for a confidential consultation. We’re here to protect your rights—and your future.

📞 Call us at 713-714-7330📩 Email: ruben@restrepodwilawyer.com🌐 Visit: www.restrepodwilawyer.com