Texas bill requiring sheriffs to collaborate with ICE receives initial approval

The Texas House recently passed a bill that would require sheriffs to work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by serving federal immigration warrants at local jails. Senate Bill 8 received preliminary approval with an 89-50 vote in the lower chamber, after GOP state Rep. David Spiller made amendments to apply the bill to all counties, rather than just those with populations over 100,000.

Spiller emphasized that the bill is not about immigration reform but rather about enhancing border security indirectly. The measure still needs another House vote before it can return to the Senate, where it must be approved before reaching Republican Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk.

Under the bill, sheriffs would be mandated to request partnerships with ICE through 287(g) agreements. These agreements allow ICE to authorize local authorities to conduct specific types of immigration enforcement within local jails, including questioning inmates about their immigration status and serving administrative warrants.

Local officers could also be empowered by ICE to inquire about individuals’ immigration status during routine police duties, such as DUI checkpoints. The bill also allows the Texas attorney general to take legal action against sheriffs who fail to comply with the agreement, with sheriffs required to enter the “warrant service” agreement at a minimum.

Furthermore, the proposal offers grants to sheriffs to help cover the costs of participation that are not reimbursed by the federal government. As of Friday, 72 Texas law enforcement agencies had signed 287(g) agreements with ICE, with an additional four sheriff’s offices having pending agreements. Approximately 20% of these agreements involve the “task force model,” which extends immigration authorities to officers performing routine police duties.

While the legislation could align with the Trump administration’s deportation efforts, critics, including immigrants’ rights advocates, argue that it may lead to racial profiling and instill fear among undocumented individuals in Texas. They suggest that such collaboration with ICE could deter undocumented individuals from reporting crimes or seeking help from authorities.

Ultimately, the bill aims to strengthen cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. It remains to be seen how this legislation will impact communities in Texas and whether it will be signed into law by Gov. Abbott.