Spiller files bill supporting Trump enforcement action
State Rep. David Spiller introduced House Bill 2361, a legislative measure essential to the success of President Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts in the State of Texas. House Bill 2361 would require all local law enforcement agencies in Texas to participate in Section 287(g) agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), an indispensable tool for law enforcement agencies to assist in immigration enforcement activities.
While some local and county law enforcement agencies in Texas are fully committed to supporting federal immigration enforcement, others actively obstruct cooperation with ICE or refuse to participate in Section 287(g) agreements. These non-cooperative jurisdictions effectively create “sanctuary” zones that allow illegal activities, including human trafficking, drug smuggling, and cartel operations, to thrive.
“To close these security gaps, Texas must enact legislation that compels all local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. House Bill 2361 will ensure that no jurisdiction in Texas becomes a haven for illegal activity, reinforcing the state’s commitment to protecting its citizens and maintaining the rule of law,” said Rep. Spiller. “Without this bill, President Trump and Border Czar Tom Homan will not have the manpower and resources in Texas to adequately, effectively and timely deport and remove the illegal aliens in this state that pose a serious public safety threat to our state and nation, including terrorists, rapists, murderers, child molesters, violent gang members and sex traffickers.”
Under the bill, county and municipal law enforcement agencies are required to apply to cooperate with and assist ICE.
In the event an agency chooses not to cooperate, the Attorney General is authorized to seek compliance, injunctive relief, and the recovery of attorney’s fees, costs and expenses against the noncompliant agency. Further, the bill prohibits taxpayer dollars from being awarded to political subdivisions that refuse to cooperate.