Texas mandates sheriffs to enforce immigration law
- Legislators approved a bill mandating all county sheriffs with jails to cooperate with ICE on immigration enforcement.
- The bill passed with bipartisan support and will allow sheriffs to receive funding upfront for compliance.
- Critics warn that the legislation could harm community relations and compel sheriffs to enforce federal deportation measures.
In Texas, legislators have recently passed a significant immigration enforcement bill that will impact all county sheriffs who operate jails across the state. The bill requires that these sheriffs enter into agreements with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to assist in the enforcement of federal immigration laws under the well-known 287(g) program. This legislative decision reflects a broader, ongoing trend within Texas to take strong measures regarding immigration, emphasizing public safety according to proponents of the bill. The vote to pass the measure went through both legislative chambers, with Governor Greg Abbott preparing to sign it into law. Supporters of the bill, like Texas State Representative David Spiller, argue that the legislation is essential for public safety, stating that