Texas is ramping up efforts to crack down on illegal immigration with a new bill that would force sheriffs to work with federal immigration authorities. The move has sparked fierce debate about who’s really in charge of immigration enforcement.
At a glance:
• Senate Bill 8 would require sheriffs in Texas counties with over 100,000 residents to partner with ICE through 287(g) agreements
• The bill is strongly backed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Gov. Greg Abbott as part of their border security agenda
• Currently, only 10 of the 40 counties that would be required to participate are involved in the program
• The legislation would provide funding for smaller counties but forces counties with over 1 million residents to pay their own costs
• Law enforcement groups have expressed support for the concept but raised concerns about unfunded mandates and resource strains
Texas Takes Charge on Immigration Enforcement
Texas lawmakers are advancing a bill that would force larger counties to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, marking another step in the state’s efforts to combat illegal immigration. Senate Bill 8, championed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and supported by Gov. Greg Abbott, would require sheriffs in counties with populations exceeding 100,000 to enter into formal partnerships with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
These partnerships, known as 287(g) agreements, allow local law enforcement to receive training and authority to perform limited immigration enforcement functions. The bill is the latest Texas attempt to secure its borders after years of mismanagement under the Biden administration.
Currently, 36 Texas counties participate in the 287(g) program with six more in the process of joining, according to testimony at recent hearings. However, that falls well short of the 40 counties that would be mandated to participate under SB 8.
Sheriff Support Mixed with Budget Concerns
While many Texas sheriffs support increased cooperation with federal authorities, financial concerns have emerged as a major sticking point. Chambers County Sheriff Brian Hawthorne, representing the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas, testified in support of the bill but noted serious concerns about funding.
The bill attempts to address these worries by creating a grant program for counties with fewer than one million residents, but critics note that larger counties like Harris, Dallas, Bexar, and Travis would have to shoulder substantial costs themselves. Each officer participating in the program requires specialized training at an estimated cost of $10,000, potentially creating a significant financial burden for local taxpayers.
This is how you compensate for ICE manpower shortages.
==================The Trump administration is laying the groundwork for state and local law enforcement officers to participate in mass deportation efforts, an unprecedented move that could deputize thousands of officers… pic.twitter.com/GlBuhNgIkd
— US Ship of State (@US_ShipOfState) January 30, 2025
Debate Over Immigration Authority Intensifies
The bill offers three different models for 287(g) agreements: Jail Enforcement, which allows screening of inmates for immigration violations; Warrant Service Officer, a more limited model; and Task Force Model, which would give local officers broader authority to interrogate and process suspected unauthorized immigrants. The Task Force Model would grant officers “the power and authority to interrogate any alien or person believed to be an alien as to his right to be or remain in the United States.”
Critics, including organizations like the ACLU and Texas Civil Rights Project, have complained about potential racial profiling and diversion of local resources away from community safety priorities. They argue the program forces local agencies to do the federal government’s job at local taxpayer expense.
