BREAKING: Multiple law enforcement agencies in Galveston County have just announced a significant partnership with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through the controversial 287(g) program. This urgent collaboration grants local officers new powers to enforce immigration laws under federal supervision, raising immediate concerns about the implications for the community.
The announcement comes as the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office, along with Constable Precincts 1, 2, and 4, and League City police, confirm participation in the 287(g) Task Force Model. Under this program, local law enforcement can investigate the immigration status of individuals, even if they are not charged with a crime. This development is poised to impact many residents in the area.
According to Galveston Sheriff Jimmy Fullen, a total of 28 deputies have successfully completed a 40-hour online training course designed for the program, with another 30 deputies currently undergoing training. The partnership aims to expedite investigations, allowing local officers to act without waiting for federal approval during traffic stops or other encounters.
“We can do that investigation ourselves under the federal rules and regulations,” stated Galveston County Precinct 4 Constable Justin West. “This just expedites the situation.”
Recent data from the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office reveals that law enforcement has already transferred 648 individuals to ICE custody this year, in addition to 653 inmates currently held on ICE detainers in local jails. This surge in transfers underscores the urgent nature of the program and its potential impact on families in the community.
The 287(g) program consists of three models: Jail Enforcement, Task Force, and Warrant Service Officer. Galveston County has previously participated in the Jail Enforcement model, which identifies inmates possibly residing in the country illegally. The new Task Force model represents a significant expansion of these capabilities.
Local officials emphasize that the program focuses on serious offenders rather than individuals simply seeking work. “They’re going after people who really need to be behind bars,” said Galveston County Judge Mark Henry, distancing the initiative from targeting ordinary workers.
The involvement of local law enforcement in immigration enforcement aligns with ongoing efforts under Operation Lone Star, which has seen Galveston County deputies actively working along the Texas border. “This is a further extension of Operation Lone Star,” Constable Blake Patton explained.
Despite the heightened enforcement, local officials assert that regular duties will not be compromised. “We’re not going into workplaces, we are not going to places of worship, schools,” Sheriff Fullen clarified. “However, if we do come across individuals in the country illegally, we will process them.”
Importantly, not all local agencies are participating. The City of Galveston, La Marque, and the Galveston County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office have opted out of the program, with Precinct 3 Constable Derrick Rose stating, “Being in the country is a civil issue, and not criminal.”
As of September 2023, the Department of Homeland Security announced that ICE would fully reimburse participating agencies for the annual salary and benefits of each eligible trained 287(g) officer, incentivizing local participation.
This developing story raises critical questions about the future of immigration enforcement in Galveston County and its effects on the local community. Residents are urged to stay informed as this situation evolves, with law enforcement now equipped to take immediate action regarding immigration status.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to monitor this urgent issue affecting Galveston County.
