New legislation filed in the Texas House would allow county officials across the state to help the Trump administration deport criminal illegal aliens.
House Bill 1491, authored by State Rep. Nate Schatzline (R-Fort Worth), requires each county commissioners court to enter into a written agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement under Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
“HB 1491 requires all local law enforcement to participate in the 287(g) program, giving them the authority to enforce federal immigration law,” Schatzline told Texas Scorecard. “On November 5th, America sent a message by electing Donald J. Trump, who has vowed to secure the border, and Texas is ready to help!”
“HB 1491 is pivotal legislation to help our future border czar, Tom Homan, conduct the largest deportation of violent illegal aliens in U.S. history,” he added.
Any county that fails to enter into an agreement with ICE could be sued by the Texas attorney general and have state grant funds withheld.
“It’s time to take a stand against human and drug trafficking,” said Schatzline. “The time to secure the border is now!”
The 89th Legislative session begins January 14, 2025.
