Texas to Allocate Funds for Increased ICE Cooperation

Texas is set to offer sheriffs up to $140,000 to enhance collaboration with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This funding is closely linked to participation in the federal 287(g) program, as announced by Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock. The initiative aims to bolster efforts in identifying and detaining criminal immigrants across more than half of the counties in Texas.

Sheriffs in Texas could soon access these funds, contingent upon their increased support for ICE. To be eligible, departments must engage in one of three immigration enforcement agreements under the federal 287(g) program.

Texas Senate Bill 8 allows for the state to provide varying amounts of funding—from $80,000 to $140,000—depending on the population of each eligible county. This bill was passed by the Texas Legislature and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott.

At a press event in Tarrant County, Comptroller Hancock, alongside Sheriff Bill Wayborn and County Judge Tim O’Hare, unveiled the details about the Sheriff’s Immigration Enforcement Grant Program. During her statements, Hancock emphasized the program’s safety benefits, noting, “Public safety begins with enforcing the law. This program will assist sheriffs in working with immigration authorities to remove criminals, maintain order, and keep Texas communities safe.”

Currently, over half of all counties—at least 150 out of 254—qualify to apply for these funds, with the potential for more to join the program in the future as they establish agreements with ICE under 287(g).

The grant funds are specifically designated for enhancing cooperation with ICE and won’t be reimbursed by the federal government. Eligible expenditures include personnel costs for duties outlined in existing agreements, reporting and administrative costs, equipment procurement or repair, and training linked to detaining inmates under these agreements.

Funding, determined by the latest federal census, will be allocated as follows:

• $80,000 for counties with populations of 99,999 or less.
• $100,000 for populations between 100,000 and 499,999.
• $120,000 for populations between 500,000 and 999,999.
• $140,000 for counties with populations of 1 million or more.

Grant eligibility will commence at the start of the year, with initial payments slated for March. Additional funding will be accessible to other eligible counties that opt to apply.

Some counties, like Tyler County, are moving quickly to secure these funds, requiring approval from the County Commissioners Court. Recently, commissioners voted 4-1 to permit the sheriff to pursue $100,000 based on the population size of Smith County, as reported. The only dissenting vote came from the county’s Democratic commissioner.