Texas Launches $140,000 Grant Program for County Sheriffs Entering ICE 287(g) Agreements
Texas has initiated a new grant program offering up to $140,000 to county sheriffs who deepen cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement through participation in the federal 287(g) program.
The funding initiative follows last year’s passage of Senate Bill 8 by the Texas Legislature and is now entering its implementation phase, with money becoming available to qualifying counties across the state.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick described the legislation and funding as a public safety priority rather than a political matter. He also highlighted the influence of former President Donald Trump’s administration on the issue.
“The Biden Administration gutted this program, but the Trump Administration has revamped it,” he stated.
Patrick emphasized that he was prioritizing SB 8 because, in his role as Lt. Governor, maintaining Texas safety is his top priority.
“It is not a controversial issue,” he wrote. “Instead of releasing illegal immigrants—many of whom are dangerous criminals and military-aged men—back onto our streets, our counties should enter into 287(g) agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).”
Patrick noted that 36 Texas counties already have active 287(g) agreements in place and argued the law aims to expand participation among jurisdictions with significant jail populations.
“Passage of SB 8 into law will bring Texas counties with the largest jail populations into a 287(g) agreement with ICE to prevent illegal immigrants, some of whom are dangerous criminals, from causing chaos in our communities,” he said.
According to the Texas Comptroller’s Office, counties with populations exceeding 100,000 must enter 287(g) agreements with ICE. These agreements permit trained local law enforcement officers to conduct specific federal immigration enforcement tasks.
The legislation also includes reimbursement assistance grants for counties with populations under one million to offset program costs, administered through the Texas Comptroller’s Office.
Eligible counties can receive between $80,000 and $140,000 based on population size. Grant funds may only be used for direct expenses related to 287(g) participation that are not covered by federal reimbursement, such as personnel costs, reporting requirements, administrative tasks, equipment, and training for detention authority under ICE agreements.
More than half of Texas counties qualify for the program, with state officials anticipating an increase in eligible counties as more jurisdictions enter into agreements.
Eligibility became available at the start of the year, with initial grant disbursements projected for March.
