The State of Texas is offering sheriffs as much as $140,000 to bolster cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), tying the new funding directly to participation in the federal 287(g) program. Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced the initiative Thursday, calling it a force multiplier for sheriffs working to identify and detain criminal migrants, as more than half of Texas counties qualify.
County Sheriffs in the Lone Star State will soon be able to receive up to $140,000 to augment their budgets if they ramp up assistance to ICE. To qualify, departments must have entered into one of three immigration law-enforcement agreements offered under the federal government’s 287(g) program.
Texas Senate Bill 8, passed by the 89th Texas Legislature and signed into law by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, authorizes the state to provide funding ranging from $80,000 to $140,000 per eligible county, based on population.
Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced the details and availability of funding under the Sheriff Immigration Law Enforcement Grant Program on Thursday in a press event in Tarrant County, standing alongside Sheriff Bill Waybourn and County Judge Tim O’Hare. Hancock provided additional details in a Thursday press release highlighting the program.
Hancock spoke about the safety implications of the program, telling attendees at the press event, “Public safety starts with enforcing the law. This program supports sheriffs as they work with immigration authorities to remove criminal offenders, maintain order, and keep Texas communities safe.”
According to state records, more than half of all counties, at least 150 of 254, are currently eligible to apply for the funds. That number may climb as more counties elect to enter into ICE agreements under the 287(g) program in the future.
