Texas should establish a state-led immigration enforcement framework that:
- Eliminates reliance on inconsistent federal enforcement
- Closes gaps exploited by criminal networks
- Ensures uniform application of immigration laws across Texas
- Strengthens public safety and state sovereignty
Mandatory participation & accountability:
- Require all state and local law enforcement agencies to participate in the 287(g) program
- Grant authority to suspend non compliant officials
- Implement strict oversight, quarterly audits, and penalties for failture to enforce
Dedicated state funding:
- Provide direct state funding to cover training, personnel, detention, and administrative costs
- Condition funding on compliance audits limitations, with resources redirected to oversight measures to ensure accountability and enforce adherence
Enhanced intelligence sharing:
- Require real-time sharing of arrest records, biometric data, gang affiliations, and criminal intelligence with federal partners
- Ensure interoperability between state and federal databases
- Strengthen coordination to disrupt transnational criminal organizations
287(g) Models
- Jail Enforcement Model (JEM) is designed to identify and process removable aliens – with criminal or pending criminal charges – who are arrested by state or local law enforcement agencies
- Warrant Service Officer (WSO) program allows ICE to train, certify and authorize state and local law enforcement officers to serve and execute administrative warrants on aliens in their agency’s jail.
- Task Force Model serves as a force multiplier for law enforcement agencies to enforce limited immigration authority with ICE oversight during their routine police duties.
- The Tribal Task Force Model serves as a force multiplier for tribal law enforcement agencies to enforce limited immigration authority with ICE oversight under title 25 USC 2804.
Texas has the authority and opportunity to build a fully operational, accountable, and self-sustaining immigration enforcement system aligned with federal immigration law. Immediate legislative action will ensure these tools are effectively implemented statewide.
