Which East Texas Police Departments Work With ICE?

Several East Texas law enforcement agencies participate in ICE's 287(g) program, giving designated officers limited immigration-enforcement authority under one or more of three federal models. The authority varies by agreement, with some agencies working with ICE in local jails, others during routine police duties and others serving administrative immigration warrants.

What Does 287(g) Actually Mean?

At its simplest, 287(g) creates a formal partnership between ICE and participating state or local law enforcement agencies.

Under the 287(g) program, there are different models, three, specifically: the Jail Enforcement Model, the Task Force Model, and Warrant Service Officer program.

According to the ICE website, The Jail Enforcement Model allows your officers to identify and process removable aliens currently in your jail or detention facility who have pending or active criminal charges while they’re in your custody.

The Task Force Model allows your officers to enforce limited immigration authority while performing routine police duties, such as identifying an alien at a DUI checkpoint and sharing information directly with ICE. An ICE supervisor determines next steps. These officers may also exercise limited immigration authority as active participants on ICE-led task forces.

Under the Warrant Service Officer Program, ICE trains, certifies and authorizes officers to serve and execute administrative warrants on aliens currently in your agency’s custody.

Some East Texas Agencies Participate in More Than One Model

This is an important detail because one agency can participate in more than one 287(g) model.

For example, the list provided here shows Smith County Sheriff's Office under both the Jail Enforcement and Task Force models. Panola, Polk, Rusk, Sabine and Titus counties also appear under multiple models.

That doesn't mean the authorities are identical. Each model gives participating officers different responsibilities and authority.

If you're wondering which East Texas law enforcement agencies are a part of which model, here is the breakdown.

Jail Enforcement Model