Texas Legislation Would Mandate ICE Cooperation From Some Sheriffs

A Texas bill would mandate county sheriffs in large counties to collaborate with federal immigration officials, sparking a debate on state and federal law enforcement integration.

Key Insights

Senate Bill 8 would require county sheriffs in Texas counties with over 100,000 residents to establish 287(g) agreements with ICE.
Some sheriffs and immigration hardliners support the bill despite budget concerns and potential strain on resources.
The bill proposes financial assistance through grants, excluding counties with populations over a million.
The Task Force Model under 287(g) allows local officers limited action on behalf of ICE.

The Proposed Legislation

Texas Senate Bill 8 would require counties with over 100,000 residents to partake in 287(g) agreements with ICE, a move designed to enhance federal-state cooperation on immigration. This is a priority initiative for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and enjoys backing from Gov. Greg Abbott. The bill offers grants for counties with fewer than 1 million residents to help finance collaboration with ICE, aiming to alleviate the financial strain on smaller jurisdictions.

There are three types of 287(g) agreements: Jail Enforcement, Warrant Service Officer, and Task Force Model. Jail Enforcement agreements dominate among Texas law enforcement agencies. For counties not currently part of the program, the bill proposes a structure to potentially expand participation, although critics and even some supporters point to the high estimated cost of $10,000 per officer.

Support and Opposition

The bill has drawn support from some sheriffs and immigration hardliners. Chambers County Sheriff Brian Hawthorne expressed backing during testimony before the Senate State Affairs committee but highlighted the issue of funding, stating, “From the Sheriff’s Association of Texas, we’re really worried about unfunded mandates.” Others have raised concerns about the strains on budget and resources. Critics, including the ACLU and Texas Civil Rights Project, argue the bill could exacerbate racial profiling and misallocate resources.

Despite the funding offers for smaller counties, large counties will need to shoulder the financial burden independently. Chris Russo of Texans for Strong Borders supports a broader mandate covering all Texas law enforcement, expanding the bill’s current scope which primarily focuses on larger counties with overpopulation thresholds.

As Trump vows mass deportations, Texas lawmakers want to require sheriffs to work with ICE. https://t.co/X8O3yeUZ42

— Texas Tribune (@TexasTribune) March 21, 2025

Future Implications

While the bill aims to bolster cooperation between local and federal enforcement, the broader implications include potential changes in training for local officers under these agreements. The Task Force Model can empower local officers to act on behalf of ICE within regulated capacities. Concerns persist from some corners about the jurisdictional overreach and the financial feasibility of such extensive cooperation models. There are discussions about integrating a more comprehensive financial model covering all counties, with the argument that this financial relief might best emerge as part of the program itself, not merely through grants.

In summary, as the Texas legislature considers Senate Bill 8, the emphasis remains on balancing effective law enforcement collaboration with mindful resource management. Proponents view this as an essential step for cohesive law enforcement in Texas, while opponents caution against the potential overreach and its societal implications.