UPDATE: In a significant move, multiple law enforcement agencies in Galveston County have officially partnered with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through the 287(g) program, allowing local officers to conduct immigration enforcement actions under federal supervision. This partnership was confirmed earlier today and is already having an immediate impact on local operations.
The participating agencies include the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office, Constable Precincts 1, 2, and 4, along with League City Police. Officers and deputies from these departments are now empowered to use ICE’s federal authority to investigate immigration status, streamlining processes that previously required waiting for federal agents to respond.
According to Galveston Sheriff Jimmy Fullen, 28 deputies have completed the required 40-hour online training, with an additional 30 deputies currently in training. This rapid mobilization reflects a growing commitment to enhancing local enforcement capabilities in immigration matters. Fullen stated, “Our deputies can do the same thing federal agents were doing, this just expedites the situation.”
The urgency of this announcement is underscored by recent data: Galveston County law enforcement has transferred 648 individuals to ICE custody this year alone, in addition to 653 held on ICE detainers in the county jail. These numbers highlight the increasing focus on immigration enforcement within local jurisdictions, raising questions about the implications for community relations.
The 287(g) program allows local law enforcement to identify and process individuals believed to be in the country illegally, even if they have not been charged with a crime. Notably, Galveston County has a history of involvement in immigration enforcement, previously participating in Governor Greg Abbott’s Operation Lone Star. Constable Blake Patton remarked, “This is a further extension of Operation Lone Star,” emphasizing the ongoing collaboration with federal agencies to address immigration issues.
While officials assert that the program will not compromise regular law enforcement duties, they have made it clear that if illegal status is confirmed during routine duties, action will be taken to process and potentially deport individuals. “We’re not going into workplaces or schools, but if we come across individuals in the community, we will address it,” Fullen explained.
The Department of Homeland Security recently announced that ICE will fully reimburse participating agencies for the annual salary and benefits of each trained 287(g) officer, incentivizing broader participation. Currently, ICE has 958 agreements with local and state law enforcement agencies nationwide under this program, highlighting its growing significance across the country.
As Galveston County embarks on this new initiative, community reactions remain mixed. Local leaders like Constable Derrick Rose have voiced concerns about the civil implications of immigration enforcement, stating, “Being in the country is a civil issue, and not criminal.” As this program takes shape, it will be crucial to monitor its impact on community trust and safety.
Authorities will continue to provide updates as the program evolves, with more training sessions scheduled in the coming weeks. The situation is developing rapidly, and residents are encouraged to stay informed about how these changes may affect their communities.
