How Arlington Handles Immigration Policy: A Practical Guide

If you live in Arlington or are thinking about moving there, immigration policy are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Arlington has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of immigration policy, and some of them might surprise you.

E-Verify Mandates

Texas requires E-Verify for state agencies and state contractors under Government Code 673.002. Arlington does not impose its own city-wide E-Verify mandate, but state-funded projects at AT&T Stadium and UTA must comply.

Key details: City E-Verify mandate: None for private employers. State law: Tex Gov Code 673.002. Covered employers: State agencies and contractors. Federal penalty: Up to $27,894 per worker.

State agencies that fail to require E-Verify in contracts can be reported to the comptroller. Contractors who falsely certify compliance risk contract termination, debarment from state work, and federal IRCA penalties up to $27,894 per unauthorized worker.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Arlington gives residents more flexibility on e-verify mandates.

Sanctuary Policy Preemption

Arlington is not a sanctuary city. Texas SB 4 (2017) bars cities, counties, and police departments from limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities or refusing to honor ICE detainer requests.

Key details: Sanctuary status: Not a sanctuary city. Governing law: Texas SB 4 (2017). Penalty per day: Up to $25,500. Detainers honored: Yes via Tarrant Co Jail.

Officials adopting sanctuary policies face removal, civil penalties up to $25,500 per day for first violations and $25,500 for subsequent days, and potential criminal misdemeanor liability for sheriffs refusing detainers.

Arlington is more permissive than most cities when it comes to sanctuary policy preemption. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Arlington gives residents more room on immigration policy. 2 of the 2 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

These rules come from Arlington's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.