Texas Lawmakers Advance Bill Requiring Sheriff’s Offices to Partner with ICE
AUSTIN — Every Texas sheriff’s office must sign an agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement under a bill state lawmakers advanced Saturday. The Texas House gave its initial approval of Senate Bill 8 on a largely party-line vote of 89-50. Four Democratic lawmakers voted in favor of the bill. No Republican voted against.
House members are expected to sign off on the bill once more on Sunday. They must then work out differences in their proposal from the Senate’s plan.
What the Bill Entails
Under this House version, every Texas sheriff’s department would be required to contract with ICE under the 287(g) program and authorize some of the department’s officers to only serve immigration warrants to individuals held at a jail.
Once a warrant is issued, also known as an immigration detainer, ICE has 48 hours to pick up the individual from the jail. A state grant program run by the state comptroller would assist counties with the cost of running the 287(g) program, according to the bill.
Previous Version of the Bill
The previous version of the bill limited the mandate to sheriff’s offices in counties with a population of at least 100,000 people. Once lawmakers in the House and Senate negotiate differences in their versions, the proposal can head to the governor.
Support and Opposition
“This is about public safety concerns and law enforcement consistency across Texas,” Rep. David Spiller, R-Jacksboro, said during Saturday’s debate in the House. “Every sheriff should be equipped and supported to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.”
But opponents of the measure described the bill as another attack on immigrants who live in Texas and contribute to the community.
“This state has been built by immigrants — authorized, unauthorized, those who came willingly, those who were refugees of war and those who were enslaved,” said Rep. Rafael Anchía, D-Dallas. “This place has been built by people who have come from elsewhere.”
Priority and Support
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick made the measure a priority, and Gov. Greg Abbott signaled his support.
Republicans say the bill will assist President Donald Trump’s mass deportation effort by requiring local law enforcement officers to participate and assist federal immigration officers in finding migrants who might be eligible for deportation.
Similar Measures
The Trump administration has pushed law enforcement agencies across the country to enter into the 287(g) program. Texas’ measure is similar to one signed into law by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis earlier this year.
Current Participation
Currently, the 287(g) program is voluntary. At least 63 law enforcement agencies in Texas have such agreements.
Program Models
Law enforcement agencies have three ways to participate in the federal program. The warrant officer model was traditionally meant for smaller law enforcement agencies that did not have the personnel to run the other program models that required more training. Officers are limited to serving an ICE warrant on a jailed individual.
A jail enforcement model allows some local officers to interview and interrogate a jailed individual to see if they are violating immigration laws. The task force model authorizes assigned patrol officers to question and arrest individuals suspected of violating immigration laws.
Concerns and Fears
Democrats spoke against the bill, fearing the effort will result in individuals being afraid to call the police for fear of being arrested or detained because of their immigration status. Others worried that the bill will lead to overcrowding of jails since an individual would have to be held until ICE officers arrive.
Conclusion
The bill requiring Texas sheriff’s offices to partner with ICE has sparked controversy and debate. While supporters argue that it will enhance public safety and law enforcement consistency, opponents fear it will lead to the targeting of immigrants and create a climate of fear. As the bill moves forward, it is essential to consider the potential consequences and ensure that the rights of all individuals are protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the 287(g) program?
A: The 287(g) program is a federal program that allows law enforcement agencies to partner with ICE to enforce immigration laws.
Q: What does the bill require?
A: The bill requires every Texas sheriff’s department to contract with ICE under the 287(g) program and authorize some officers to serve immigration warrants to individuals held at a jail.
Q: How will the program be funded?
A: A state grant program run by the state comptroller will assist counties with the cost of running the 287(g) program.
Q: What are the concerns about the bill?
A: Democrats and other opponents are concerned that the bill will lead to the targeting of immigrants, create a climate of fear, and result in individuals being afraid to call the police for fear of being arrested or detained because of their immigration status.
