Texas House Advances Bill Mandating Sheriff-ICE Cooperation on Immigration

The Texas House has taken a bold step toward tightening border security, granting initial approval to Senate Bill 8 with an 89-50 vote on Saturday. This legislation, championed by GOP state Rep. David Spiller, mandates that sheriffs across all Texas counties—not just those with populations over 100,000—cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by honoring federal immigration warrants in local jails. This isn’t immigration reform, Spiller emphasized, but a robust measure to bolster border security indirectly, aligning with Governor Greg Abbott’s push for stricter enforcement.

The bill requires sheriffs to enter 287(g) agreements with ICE, enabling local authorities to question inmates about their immigration status and serve administrative warrants. Some agreements even allow officers to probe immigration status during routine duties, like DUI checkpoints—a practice revived by the Trump administration but criticized for potential racial profiling. The Texas attorney general could sue non-compliant sheriffs, though grants are offered to offset unreimbursed costs.

With 72 Texas law enforcement agencies already signed onto 287(g) agreements, the bill could amplify the Trump administration’s deportation efforts. Yet, immigrant rights advocates warn it may fuel racial profiling and deter undocumented Texans from reporting crimes or seeking help. The measure awaits a final House vote before returning to the Senate for reconciliation, potentially landing on Abbott’s desk soon.