The Texas House took a significant step toward bolstering state-federal cooperation on immigration policy by approving Senate Bill 8, which mandates that sheriffs work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by serving federal immigration warrants at local jails.
Senate Bill 8, receiving an 89-50 vote, was amended to encompass all Texas counties and requires another House vote before its consideration by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, as Fox News reports.
Initially presented to apply only to counties with populations exceeding 100,000, Senate Bill 8 was broadened by GOP state Rep. David Spiller, who sponsors the legislation.
This adjustment ensures that all counties in Texas are subject to the requirements, fortifying the statewide initiative to address immigration enforcement within local jurisdictions.
The legislation instructs county sheriffs to initiate 287(g) agreements with ICE. Such agreements authorize local law enforcement to perform immigration enforcement duties within their jurisdictions, both within jails and as part of their routine activities.
The bill also includes provisions for the Texas attorney general to take legal action against sheriffs who fail to comply with these agreements.
At present, 72 law enforcement agencies within Texas have entered into 287(g) agreements with ICE. An additional four agreements are pending, highlighting a growing trend among local authorities to engage in federal immigration enforcement efforts.
Around 20% of these agreements implement a "task force model," which extends immigration enforcement to routine policing duties.
To facilitate the transition and mitigate associated expenses, grants will be provided to sheriffs. These grants are designed to cover costs associated with the enforcement duties that are not reimbursed by the federal government.
Abbott, through his Deputy Press Secretary Eduardo Leal, has expressed the administration's support for complete cooperation with federal immigration efforts. "Gov. Abbott has made it clear that cities and counties across Texas must fully cooperate with the federal government efforts to arrest, jail, and deport illegal immigrants," Leal stated, indicating that the Governor will review the legislation if it reaches his desk.
Despite the legislative momentum, there are notable concerns from advocacy groups representing the interests of immigrants. Some worry that the bill could lead to racial profiling and instill fear among undocumented individuals residing in Texas. These groups argue that the broader enforcement scope may disproportionately affect certain communities based on racial or ethnic lines.
Spiller, advocating for the bill's passage, asserted that the legislation aims to enhance border security. "This bill is not immigration reform," he clarified, emphasizing its role as a component of wider security measures rather than a standalone immigration policy.
Senate Bill 8 now awaits a final vote in the Texas House. Should it pass, the bill will return to the Texas Senate. The Senate must either agree to the changes made by the House or negotiate any differences between the two chambers. Once both legislative bodies reach consensus, the bill will be forwarded to Abbott for his review and potential approval.
