As Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) continues to roll out training programs, the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office has become part of a growing number of Texas law enforcement agencies deputizing officers to serve as immigration agents.
This move follows the signing of a 287(g) “task force” agreement, allowing officers to enforce immigration law in their communities.
A Growing Trend Across Texas
Nearly 1.5 million Texans now live in areas where their local sheriffs or police chiefs have agreed to train some officers to act as immigration agents.
Currently, about 30 Texas law enforcement agencies, including sheriffs’ offices in Jefferson and Smith counties, along with smaller departments in places like Nixon and Splendora, have signed these agreements. The move extends beyond large cities, reaching more rural areas and small towns.
What is the 287(g) Task Force Agreement?
The 287(g) program deputizes local law enforcement officers as federal ICE agents after they receive special training. Under this agreement, officers gain the authority to question individuals suspected of being in the U.S. illegally, arrest people without a warrant, and execute immigration-related warrants.
Local officers, however, must seek guidance from an ICE supervisor when exercising their new powers. While ICE covers the cost of training, local agencies do not receive compensation for their time spent enforcing immigration laws.
Impact of the 287(g) Program
The 287(g) task force model was revived under the Trump administration after a decade of suspension due to concerns over racial profiling. Since then, ICE has signed over 700 new agreements nationwide, including more than 400 task force agreements.
However, this expansion has faced criticism from groups like the American Immigration Council, who argue that it may lead to racial profiling and distrust in local law enforcement, particularly among immigrant communities.
State Legislation and ICE’s Growing Role
In addition to federal actions, Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently signed Senate Bill 8 into law, which mandates that nearly all Texas sheriffs sign 287(g) agreements with ICE by the end of 2024. This bill, part of the state’s broader push for stricter immigration enforcement, has been met with mixed reactions.
While some law enforcement agencies have already completed their training, others are still awaiting guidance on how they will proceed with these new responsibilities.
Concerns and Controversies
The program has faced criticism due to its potential for racial profiling. Some sheriff’s offices, like those in Smith County and Brooks County, have completed the 40-hour training required for the 287(g) program but remain uncertain about the next steps.
Despite concerns over racial profiling, some officers, such as those in Smith County, have pledged not to base their enforcement on race, emphasizing that they will only investigate individuals who fail to provide identification during a stop.
However, the program’s track record of encouraging racial profiling remains a major issue, with critics arguing it could harm trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement. The expansion of these agreements has the potential to deepen divides, especially in communities with large immigrant populations.
The Future of Immigration Enforcement in Texas
As more agencies sign on to the 287(g) agreements and ICE continues to train local law enforcement officers, the scope of immigration enforcement in Texas is set to expand. Critics worry this will only increase tensions, particularly in areas with significant immigrant populations.
With a significant portion of funding allocated to ICE’s detention and removal operations under recent federal legislation, the task force model may become even more prominent in the coming years.
