A new legislative proposal aims to require all local law enforcement agencies in Texas to assist in federal immigration enforcement efforts.
The proposed law by State Rep. David Spiller (R–Jacksboro) mandates that law enforcement agencies at the county and municipal levels apply for and, if approved, participate in 287(g) agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, allowing designated officers to assist in the enforcement of federal immigration law. Agencies that fail to comply could face legal action from the Texas attorney general and risk losing state grant funding.
Spiller emphasized the necessity of the bill, stating, “To close these security gaps, Texas must enact legislation that compels all local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. This will ensure that no jurisdiction in Texas becomes a haven for illegal activity, reinforcing the state’s commitment to protecting its citizens and maintaining the rule of law.”
The bill comes in response to what Spiller and supporters describe as “sanctuary zones”—jurisdictions in which local law enforcement agencies refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Such policies, they argue, create an environment where illegal activities—including human trafficking, drug smuggling, and cartel operations—can flourish unchecked.
Brent Smith, the county attorney for Kinney County—located along the border between Eagle Pass and Del Rio—voiced strong support for the legislation, citing the difficulties faced by border counties in managing illegal immigration without adequate cooperation from all jurisdictions.
“Despite what many legislators might think, Trump being elected does not mean our borders are suddenly secure. It means that it is time for Texas to get to work and assist Trump in securing our own state,” Smith told Texas Scorecard. “Simply put, DHS does not have the manpower to secure Texas without assistance from state law enforcement. That is fact. Rep. Spiller’s bill ensures that DHS will have the necessary support from Texas law enforcement in accomplishing its mission and prevents Texas taxpayer dollars from being awarded to sanctuary jurisdictions which refuse to assist. It’s common sense legislated into a bill.”
Under the provisions of House Bill 2361, law enforcement agencies that fail to comply with the requirement to seek an agreement with ICE would receive a notice of noncompliance from the Texas attorney general.
If the agency remains noncompliant after 30 days, the state could pursue injunctive relief and impose financial penalties by withholding grant funding from the local government entity.
