Texas Bill Would Require Some Sheriffs To Help ICE

A Texas legislative proposal aims to require county sheriffs in populous areas to collaborate with federal agents on immigration enforcement.

Key Takeaways

Senate Bill 8 would require Texas sheriffs in counties with over 100,000 residents to partner with ICE through 287(g) agreements.
State authorities, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Gov. Greg Abbott, are prioritizing the bill.
Funding would only apply to counties with fewer than 1 million residents, excluding larger counties.
The 287(g) agreements include Jail Enforcement, Warrant Service Officer, and Task Force Model.
Some have expressed concerns about racial profiling and financial strains due to the bill’s requirements.

Senate Bill 8 and Its Requirements

Senate Bill 8, which is currently under consideration by state lawmakers, would require that Texas sheriffs in counties with more than 100,000 residents partner with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by entering into 287(g) agreements. Under this requirement, counties would be expected to closely collaborate with federal officers to enhance immigration enforcement and streamline management of immigration concerns. This comes amid broader government efforts to crack down on illegal immigration.

SB 8 is backed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Gov. Greg Abbott, highlighting its importance in the state’s legislative priorities. However, there are budget considerations, as the bill offers financial support only to counties with fewer than 1 million residents. This leaves larger counties to independently fund their collaboration with ICE.

As Trump vows mass deportations, Texas lawmakers want to require sheriffs to work with ICEhttps://t.co/ehSCxB8D2C via @TexasTribune

— MySA (@mySA) March 18, 2025

Deputing Local Enforcement Under 287(g) Agreements

The 287(g) program involves different models, including Jail Enforcement, Warrant Service Officer, and Task Force Model. Currently, 43 Texas law enforcement agencies hold agreements, mainly focusing on jail programs. Advocates, like some sheriffs and immigration hardliners, argue for its extension, aiming for consistent application across the state.

Currently, 36 counties are currently part of the program, and 40 would be required to take part as part of the bill. However, only 10 counties are actively participating. The Task Force Model provides a platform for local officers to support ICE with limited capacity, aligning state efforts with national immigration policies.

Support and Concerns Around the Proposal

Supporters argue that the bill is a necessary step to uphold immigration laws, with stakeholders like Chambers County Sheriff Brian Hawthorne advocating during testimony to the Senate State Affairs Committee for more comprehensive funding to cover all counties. Conversely, legislators and organizations like the ACLU express worries about potential racial profiling and strains on county budgets.

Financial concerns, such as the projected $10,000 cost per officer and unfunded mandates, persist among some voices, including some who support the bill. The implications of these requirements, especially without assured financial aid for all counties, pose challenges that echo across state and federal jurisdictions. Some speakers who testified to lawmakers, such as the American Civil Liberties Union and the Texas Civil Rights Project, pushed back against the bill, arguing that it could result in racial profiling.