Texas is advancing a bill requiring county sheriffs to work with federal immigration authorities, potentially expanding local enforcement of immigration laws across the state.
At a Glance
- Senate Bill 8 would require sheriffs in counties with populations over 100,000 to enter formal agreements with ICE
- The Texas House passed the bill with an 89-50 vote after it cleared the Senate in April
- The legislation offers financial incentives for smaller counties to participate
- Currently, 85 Texas counties have agreements with ICE, but most large counties do not
- Governor Abbott is expected to support the bill once it reaches his desk
Expanding Local Immigration Enforcement
Texas lawmakers are making significant progress on Senate Bill 8, legislation that would mandate cooperation between county sheriffs and federal immigration authorities. The bill, which cleared the Senate in April, recently passed its third reading in the House with an 89-50 vote. SB8 specifically requires sheriffs in counties with populations exceeding 100,000 to enter formal agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the 287(g) program, which authorizes local law enforcement to perform certain immigration enforcement functions.
The legislation includes provisions to encourage participation from smaller counties through financial incentives. Counties with populations under 1,000,000 would be eligible for state funding to support training and operational costs associated with implementing these agreements. This approach aims to create a comprehensive network of local-federal cooperation on immigration enforcement throughout Texas.
Texas Senate Bill 8 passed the Senate on April 1, requiring sheriffs in counties with over 100,000 residents to enter agreements with @ICEgov under the 287(g) program and allowing local and state law enforcement to perform immigration duties. Through three types of agreements,… pic.twitter.com/3inQ7o6OG9
— The Daily Texan (@thedailytexan) April 8, 2025
Enforcement Mechanisms and Current Status
To ensure compliance, SB8 grants the Texas Attorney General authority to take legal action against sheriffs who fail to implement the required agreements. Currently, 85 Texas counties have established agreements with ICE, but most of the state’s largest counties have not yet done so and would be required to comply under the new law. The bill would authorize local officers to serve administrative warrants and question individuals about their immigration status, significantly expanding local involvement in immigration enforcement.
Before reaching Governor Abbott’s desk, the bill must return to the Senate for consideration of House amendments. The legislation has undergone some revisions in the House, with the current version applying to all counties operating a jail, not just the largest ones. The bill specifically mandates participation in the “warrant service” model while allowing counties to opt into other program models if they choose.
New: SB 8, requiring every Texas sheriff's office to have a 287(g) agreement with @ICEgov, initially passed the Texas House 89-50
Needs one more vote and Senate approval before it can reach Gov. @GregAbbott_TX deskhttps://t.co/s4g2GxAbRM
— Aarón Torres (@AaronTorres_) May 24, 2025
Support and Opposition
Governor Abbott has previously expressed strong support for full cooperation between Texas counties and federal immigration authorities. His office has indicated that he will review the legislation when it reaches his desk, consistent with his goal of ensuring cooperation with federal efforts to address illegal immigration.
Opponents of the bill, including immigrants’ rights advocates, have raised concerns about potential racial profiling and increased fear within immigrant communities. Critics argue the legislation could enhance mass deportation efforts, which have historically been limited by resources and personnel constraints. As of the latest data, 72 Texas law enforcement agencies have signed 287(g) agreements with ICE, with additional agreements pending approval.
