IMMIGRATION CRACKDOWN – Abbott’s Plan ADVANCES!....Texas lawmakers are on the verge of requiring sheriffs to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, a move that would significantly expand enforcement capabilities across the state.

 

IMMIGRATION CRACKDOWN – Abbott’s Plan ADVANCES!

Texas lawmakers are on the verge of requiring sheriffs to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, a move that would significantly expand enforcement capabilities across the state.

At a Glance

• Texas Senate Bill 8 mandates sheriffs in counties with populations over 100,000 to enter agreements with ICE under the 287(g) program
• The bill has passed the Senate and received House approval with an 89-50 vote
• Smaller counties are incentivized through funding to participate voluntarily
• The Texas Attorney General would be authorized to sue non-compliant sheriffs
• Currently, 85 Texas counties have agreements with ICE, but most large counties do not

Mandatory Sheriff-ICE Collaboration

The Texas Legislature is advancing Senate Bill 8, which would require sheriffs in the state’s largest counties to enter formal cooperation agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Texas Senate passed the bill in April, and the House recently approved it with an 89-50 vote. The legislation specifically mandates participation in the federal 287(g) program, which authorizes local law enforcement to perform certain immigration enforcement functions within jails, including serving administrative warrants and questioning individuals about their immigration status.

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Under the bill, counties with populations exceeding 100,000 would be required to participate, while smaller counties would be encouraged through financial incentives. The legislation provides funding support for training and operations related to these agreements, particularly for counties with populations under 1,000,000. This approach ensures statewide participation while acknowledging the varying resources available across Texas’s diverse counties.

Enforcement Mechanisms and Current Status

The bill includes strong enforcement provisions, authorizing the Texas Attorney General to take legal action against sheriffs who fail to comply with the new requirements. This represents a significant shift in policy, as while 85 Texas counties currently have agreements with ICE, most of the state’s largest counties do not. These major population centers would now be required to establish formal cooperation protocols with federal immigration authorities, substantially expanding enforcement capabilities throughout the state.

“This bill is not immigration reform. This bill is the strongest border security bill — indirectly — that we could have this session.” sources report.

The legislation specifically mandates participation in the “warrant service” model of the 287(g) program but also allows for other program models. This flexibility enables sheriff departments to tailor their approach based on local needs and resources while still meeting the core requirement of cooperating with federal immigration enforcement efforts. The bill has now been sent back to the Senate for agreement on House amendments before it can advance to the governor’s desk.

Governor’s Support and Broader Implications

Governor Greg Abbott has consistently advocated for full cooperation between state and federal authorities on immigration enforcement. His office has signaled support for the measure, though final review will occur once the bill reaches his desk. The legislation aligns with broader efforts to enhance border security and support federal initiatives to remove criminal aliens from the country, reflecting Texas’s increasingly assertive approach to immigration enforcement.

“Gov. Abbott has made it clear that cities and counties across Texas must fully cooperate with the federal government’s efforts to arrest, jail, and deport illegal immigrants. The Governor will review this legislation, as he does with any legislation sent to his desk that helps achieve that goal.” Governor Greg Abbott’s Deputy Press Secretary Eduardo Leal said.

Immigration advocates have expressed concerns about potential negative impacts, including fears of racial profiling and hesitancy among undocumented individuals to report crimes. However, supporters argue the measure is necessary to ensure consistent enforcement of immigration laws across the state and to prevent jurisdictions from creating de facto sanctuary policies. The bill could significantly enhance deportation efforts, which have previously been limited by available resources and personnel.