URGENT UPDATE: Several law enforcement agencies in Galveston County have just announced a partnership with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the 287(g) program. This significant move allows local officers to undertake immigration enforcement actions, intensifying ongoing efforts to address illegal immigration in the region.
The participating agencies include the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office, Constable Precincts 1, 2, and 4, and League City police. Officers are now empowered to investigate immigration status directly under ICE’s supervision, a shift that could dramatically alter local enforcement dynamics.
This announcement comes amid a backdrop of rising immigration enforcement measures. According to Galveston County Sheriff Jimmy Fullen, 28 deputies have completed a rigorous 40-hour training course to engage in this program, with an additional 30 deputies currently in training. The Sheriff stated, “Our deputies can do the same thing federal agents are doing; this expedites the situation, allowing us to act without awaiting ICE approval.”
As of this year, Galveston law enforcement has already transferred 648 individuals to ICE custody, alongside 653 individuals held on ICE detainers within local jails. The implications of this partnership are profound, as it empowers local officers to act swiftly and decisively in immigration matters.
In detailing the program, Constable Justin West emphasized the importance of training provided by ICE agents, which equips officers with crucial knowledge about legal questioning protocols. “They’re in the field, assisting us in knowing what questions we can and can’t ask,” said West.
The 287(g) program consists of three models: Jail Enforcement, Task Force, and Warrant Service Officer programs. Galveston County’s involvement in the Jail Enforcement model is already established, allowing officers to identify inmates who may be in the country illegally.
“This is a further extension of Operation Lone Star,” noted Constable Blake Patton, referencing Texas’ ongoing initiatives to bolster border security. He added that this new approach is essential for “cleaning up the mess we had in this county.”
Notably, the Department of Homeland Security has committed to fully reimbursing participating agencies for the salaries and benefits of trained officers, a financial incentive that may encourage broader participation across Texas.
However, not all local law enforcement agencies are on board. Galveston City, La Marque, and the Galveston County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office are opting out of the program, with Precinct 3 Constable Derrick Rose stating, “Being in the country is a civil issue, not a criminal one.”
The urgency of this initiative cannot be overstated; with the operational capacity now expanded, local law enforcement can address immigration issues without significant delays. As Fullen articulated, “If we determine someone is here illegally, we will process them and ship them back.”
The community is watching closely as this program unfolds. As enforcement actions ramp up, the potential for heightened tension in the region is stark. Residents and local businesses are encouraged to stay informed and engaged as these developments progress.
Expect more updates as this story develops.
