AUSTIN, Texas — A handful of Texas counties have found a way to profit from working with federal immigration officials in tracking and detaining immigrants in the country illegally.
The Austin American-Statesman reports eight counties have joined a federal program that allows sheriff's deputies to become certified immigration officers. Ten counties allow federal immigration agents to stash detained immigrants in their jails. Four counties do both.
At least 16 counties nationwide participate in both programs. Lubbock County recently started having deputies certified as immigration officers under a program named 287(g) for the law that created it. It also collects $65 daily per immigrant it houses after detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
With federal pressure on illegal immigration growing, immigrant advocates worry that more counties will act to participate in both programs.
CONTINUING COVERAGE:
- Austin Joins San Antonio in SB4 Lawsuit Against Texas
- Lawmakers Clash as SB4 Protesters Descend on Texas Capitol
- State Sues Travis County, Austin to Uphold Anti-Sanctuary Cities Law
- Gov. Abbott Signs Texas Ban on So-Called 'Sanctuary Cities'
- SB 4 Will Complicate Law Enforcement Says Austin's Interim Police Chief
- Travis County Leads Nation in ICE Detention Request Denials
- Immigrant Communities Anxious Amid Government's Crackdown on Immigration