Overview

• The Texas House approved Senate Bill 8 in an 89-50 vote, requiring sheriffs statewide to collaborate with ICE through 287(g) agreements.
• The bill was amended to apply to all counties, removing the original population-based threshold of 100,000 residents.
• Under the bill, sheriffs must request agreements allowing local officers to enforce federal immigration laws, including serving warrants and questioning inmates about immigration status.
• The legislation authorizes the Texas Attorney General to sue sheriffs who do not comply and provides grants to offset program costs not reimbursed by the federal government.
• Immigrants' rights advocates warn of potential racial profiling and fear among undocumented residents, while supporters argue it strengthens border security.