A new immigration enforcement law in Texas has taken effect, mandating that all county sheriffs collaborate with ICE, effectively ending any sanctuary-style resistance. This 287(g) initiative requires cooperation in deportation efforts across the state.
Back in June, it was reported that the Texas Legislature passed SB8, which obliges sheriffs running prisons to establish agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO). The 287(g) Program aims to equip local jails to efficiently deport undocumented individuals who have broken the law.
“This is fundamentally about public safety,” remarked Texas Rep. David Spiller (R-Jacksboro), asserting that the bill is the most stringent immigration enforcement action the Legislature is advancing this session.
Prior to the law’s enactment by Gov. Greg Abbott, only about 85 out of 254 Texas counties had arrangements with ICE, according to an ICE report. The new legislation now pertains to 234 counties in the state.
Currently, around 100 law enforcement agencies have some form of 287(g) agreement, while those without have until December 2026 to comply.
State Sen. Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown) emphasized that the Legislature has conveyed a strong message: immigration laws will be enforced, especially against criminal undocumented immigrants who pose risks to communities.
Schwertner added that sheriffs could choose among three models within the 287(g) framework, with financial resources allocated to cover costs not borne by the federal government.
Interestingly, three of Texas’s five largest county jails—Harris, Dallas, and Travis—are not currently involved or do not have pending applications for 287(g) agreements. In contrast, Bexar County participates in a Warrant Services Bureau model, while Tarrant County is part of the Jail Enforcement Model.
In an exclusive discussion, ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons pointed out the significance of safely transferring dangerous undocumented individuals from prisons.
“It’s clearer for everyone involved to have state and local agency cooperation… It protects not just our personnel but also those communities,” Lyons stated.
Without collaboration, there would be a need for ICE to deploy larger teams into neighborhoods, increasing risks for both agents and residents. “Instead of a few officers, we might need five or six just for security,” he explained, alluding to rising violence against ICE personnel.
Lyons commended Texas for banning sanctuary policies and enforcing 287(g) cooperation statewide, declaring Texas as a model for the nation. “Luckily, Texas has great partners like Harris and Dallas Counties who are committed to safe extradition,” he remarked. “Still, nationwide, there are unsafe situations we often encounter.”
While Harris and Dallas do not have 287(g) programs, they still work with ICE ERO under the old “Safe Communities Program,” but must adhere to the new regulations by the end of 2026.
