SAN ANTONIO, Texas
Two notable Texas Democrats, Rep. Joaquin Castro and Rep. Greg Casar, have urged six cities in Bexar County to discontinue their agreements with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the 287(g) program. These agreements, mandated by Texas legislation for all county jails, enable local law enforcement to carry out certain immigration enforcement tasks aligned with the Immigration and Nationality Act.
During a press conference held in San Antonio, Castro expressed concerns that these agreements foster racial profiling both within Bexar County and nationwide, essentially transforming local police into agents of federal immigration enforcement.
The six municipalities involved with the 287(g) agreements include Hollywood Park, China Grove, St. Hedwig, Balcones Heights, Sandy Oaks, and Von Ormey. Each of these cities has participated in a specific task force model, one of three types of agreements permitted by current immigration laws.
This task force model permits officers—who must undergo training—to inquire about the citizenship status of individuals they encounter on routine patrols. The powers granted through 287(g) also provide officers access to ICE databases and the ability to detain individuals they suspect to be in the U.S. illegally.
Castro addressed those at the press conference, suggesting that financial incentives might be motivating local governments to engage in these agreements, noting that cities receive funds for each officer who undergoes training to collaborate with ICE. “I think a major part of this is about balancing the budget,” he said, referring to the financial support tied to these partnerships.
As reported, Texas law mandates that counties operating prisons participate in the 287(g) program.
Castro, a vocal critic of ICE, did not hold back in his remarks, stating, “ICE has become corrupt and abusive under Donald Trump. We’ve witnessed their brutality in communities, and, like Greg, we’ve seen it in facilities like the Dilley Trailer Prison.” He has also condemned the reopening of the South Texas Family Residence Center, a detention facility for families facing deportation—a place he claims suffers from medical neglect and poor food quality, following multiple visits there since its reopening.
Casar echoed Castro’s sentiments, declaring, “Our demand today is straightforward: Bexar County mayors must stop signing agreements that facilitate Trump’s ICE enforcement. We’re here to make it clear—step back, don’t compromise our community.” While Cazar pointed out that this local collaboration aligns with Trump’s ICE policies, he also acknowledged that the law encompassing Section 287(g) originated from the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, enacted while Bill Clinton was president.
The Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997, signed by Clinton, granted immigration enforcement powers to state and local police under Section 287(g) and included provisions allowing the federal government to bypass environmental regulations for the expedited construction of border barriers.
Clinton mentioned at the time that this legislation not only funded the government but also aimed to strengthen immigration laws by addressing illegal immigration while avoiding penalties for lawful American residents.
Castro did not clarify specific legislation he has proposed to tackle the ongoing migrant challenges in the country.
In an exclusive discussion with a news outlet, former acting ICE Director Todd Lyons highlighted the benefits of local law enforcement cooperation in safely transferring dangerous criminal aliens during their incarceration. “Any ICE agent will tell you it’s better to work alongside state and local agencies… It makes things safer for everyone involved,” Lyons remarked.
Without this collaboration, he explained, ICE agents would have to mobilize larger units into neighborhoods, which escalates risks for both officers and residents, stressing the increased personnel needed for security during arrests.
