Texas is rolling out a new grant program that offers county sheriffs up to $140,000 if they expand cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement through the federal 287(g) program.
State officials say the funding is designed to help cover staffing, training, and operational costs for sheriffs who enter or maintain formal agreements allowing local deputies to assist with certain federal immigration enforcement duties.
The program, known as the Sheriff Immigration Law Enforcement Grant Program, is being administered by the Texas Comptroller’s office.
Participation is voluntary, but eligible sheriffs must be actively enrolled in the 287(g) program, which allows trained local officers to help identify and process individuals for potential immigration violations while in county custody.
State leaders said the grants are intended to strengthen coordination between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, while critics have previously raised concerns about the impact of such partnerships on community trust.
Applications for the funding are now open, with awards expected to be distributed later this year.
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