Gov. Abbott Signs Bills Requiring Sheriffs to Enforce Federal Immigration Law

Governor Greg Abbott (R) ceremonially signed two key pieces of border security legislation at the 147th Annual Training of the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas, marking a major expansion of the state’s immigration enforcement strategy.

Before an audience of more than 550 sheriffs and public officials, Abbott signed Senate Bill 8 and Senate Bill 36, which aim to bolster Texas’ partnership with the federal government and formalize the creation of the Homeland Security Division within the Texas Department of Public Safety.

“The goal in signing this legislation is the goal that you and I have every day, and that is to make our state more safe,” said Gov. Abbott. “We ended this session with a safer state and a pathway for greater safety in our communities than ever before.”

Senate Bill 8 requires sheriffs operating or contracting jails to pursue 287(g) agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, allowing local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws. Senate Bill 36 establishes a centralized Homeland Security Division to consolidate and expand Texas’ border security and disaster response capabilities.

Gov. Abbott credited President Donald Trump for supporting Texas’ law enforcement efforts, saying the collaboration with the Trump administration has been vital to state security.

Addressing the crowd, the governor praised Trump’s efforts “to arrest, jail, and deport illegal immigrants across Texas and America,” and said the state is “now empowered to have a more secure border by enhancing the state’s response to threats from foreign nations.”

After the bill signing, Abbott joined U.S. Border Czar Tom Homan for a fireside chat moderated by Goliad County Sheriff Roy Boyd. The two discussed the impact of Operation Lone Star, the state’s ongoing border mission, which Abbott called a “blueprint for the Trump Administration” in confronting illegal immigration.

Homan echoed Abbott’s praise, describing the operation as “a model of state-federal coordination that puts public safety first.”

Gov. Abbott also stressed the need to strengthen emergency response systems, particularly in flood-prone regions, and thanked Trump for quickly deploying federal aid to disaster-stricken communities.

Abbott was joined at the ceremony by a group of state lawmakers and law enforcement leaders, including Senators Brian Birdwell  (R) and Joan Huffman (R) and Representatives David Spiller (R), Cole Hefner (R), and Katrina Pierson (R).

“We will continue to work with President Trump and Border Czar Homan to rid Texas of dangerous terrorist organizations and heinous criminals,” Abbott said. “Our sheriffs are on the front lines, and Texas is grateful for their courage and commitment.”