A new state law requiring county law enforcement agencies to coordinate with federal immigration officials has taken effect, and Bandera County officials say they are moving to comply.
Senate Bill 8, approved by the Texas Legislature in a 20–11 Senate vote on April 1, 2025, became effective Jan. 1.
The law requires sheriffs in counties that operate jails to formally cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement through the federal 287(g) program.
Bandera County Sheriff Josh Tietge confirmed his agency’s participation in a written statement.
“The Bandera County Sheriff’s Office will enter into an agreement with federal immigration officials to assist in the enforcement of federal immigration law,” Tietge said. “The sheriff’s office is working immigration program directors to determine which programs and to what level our participation will best benefit the safety and security of our citizens while maximizing our great state’s immigration enforcement efforts.”
Tietge said the programs are state and federally funded and will not require additional local taxpayer dollars.
He added the sheriff’s office will provide updates as program participation is finalized.
Sen. Pete Flores, who represents District 24, which includes Bandera County, voted in favor of the bill, as did Rep. Wes Virdell, whose district also includes the county.
Under Senate Bill 8, sheriffs must apply to participate in one or more models of the 287(g) program, which allows trained local officers to carry out certain immigration enforcement duties under ICE supervision. The available options include the Jail Enforcement Model, the Task Force Model and the Warrant Service Officer program.
To support implementation, the law authorizes state grants based on county population. Counties with populations of 99,999 or fewer are eligible for grants of up to $80,000.
Supporters of the legislation say it strengthens public safety and improves cooperation between local and federal authorities. Opponents, including civil rights organizations, argue the measure could strain local resources and increase the risk of racial profiling, discouraging immigrants and others from reporting crimes.
According to reporting by The Texas Tribune, some Texas sheriff’s offices had already participated in the 287(g) program prior to the law’s passage, while others have moved to apply since the mandate took effect.
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