Texas Sheriffs Ordered to Cooperate with ICE: New Law Creates Controversy

Texas Sheriffs Face ICE Cooperation Mandate: New Law Sparks Debate A new Texas law, Senate Bill 8, is forcing sheriffs across the state to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a move that has ignited controversy and concern. The bill requires sheriffs in most Texas counties to participate in three distinct ICE cooperation programs. "This bill mandates cooperation with ICE in three ways," explains McBean Immigration Law, a legal expert featured in a recent video discussing the bill. "There's the jail model, the warrant model, and the task force." The jail model involves identifying undocumented individuals in Texas jails. The warrant model requires local officers to assist in serving warrants on those incarcerated. Finally, the task force model integrates local law enforcement directly into ICE operations. The law's impact is substantial, affecting over 100,000 individuals within the state's correctional system. The deadline for compliance is December 1st, 2026. Counties that fail to comply by this date risk facing legal action from the Texas Attorney General. The bill raises concerns about due process and the potential for increased deportations. However, supporters argue it enhances public safety and border security. The debate surrounding Senate Bill 8 highlights the complex intersection of state and federal immigration enforcement.