Texas lawmakers have passed Senate Bill 8, which mandates that county sheriffs in larger jurisdictions collaborate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the federal 287(g) program.
Senate Bill 8 requires sheriffs in counties with populations exceeding 100,000 to request formal agreements with ICE.
If approved, these agreements would authorize local law enforcement personnel to perform specific immigration enforcement duties, including questioning individuals about immigration status and initiating arrests for immigration-related violations.
The Texas Senate and House approved the legislation as part of broader efforts to increase the state’s involvement in immigration enforcement.
The 287(g) program, which permits local law enforcement to partner with ICE, remains a subject of national debate. Some jurisdictions have adopted the program, while others have declined participation due to concerns about civil liberties and community relations.
Local law enforcement agencies in affected counties are expected to prepare for implementation, which includes training personnel and establishing procedures for working with federal authorities.