Sanctuary Policy Preemption: Austin vs Pflugerville
How do sanctuary policy preemption rules compare between Austin, TX and Pflugerville, TX?
Austin has fewer restrictions than Pflugerville.
Austin, TX
Travis County
Texas SB 4 (2017), codified at Government Code Chapter 752, prohibits Austin from adopting sanctuary policies. Austin and Travis County must honor ICE detainers and may not bar officers from asking immigration status during lawful stops.
View full Austin rules →Pflugerville, TX
Travis County
Texas Senate Bill 4 (2017) prohibits sanctuary policies in Travis County, requires local jails to honor ICE detainers, and bans elected officials from limiting cooperation, with penalties including fines, removal from office, and felony charges for sheriffs.
View full Pflugerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Austin | Pflugerville |
|---|---|---|
| Texas statute | SB 4 (2017), Gov't Code Ch. 752 | - |
| Austin sanctuary status | Not a sanctuary city | - |
| ICE detainer policy | Honored as required | - |
| Status questioning | Permitted during lawful stops | - |
| APD posture | Cooperation with ICE required | - |
| Statute | - | TX SB 4 of 2017 |
| Detainer compliance | - | Mandatory |
| Civil penalty | - | Up to 25,500 daily |
| Removal | - | Quo warranto action |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Austin FAQ
Is Austin a sanctuary city?
No. Texas SB 4 (2017) prohibits any Texas city or county from adopting sanctuary policies. Austin Police and Travis County Sheriff cooperate with ICE and honor civil immigration detainers per Government Code Chapter 752.
Can Austin Police ask about my immigration status?
Yes, during a lawful stop, detention, or arrest. Texas Government Code Section 752.053 forbids cities from barring such inquiries. Officers may also share status information with federal immigration authorities.
Pflugerville FAQ
Does Travis County honor ICE detainers?
Yes. Under SB 4 the county jail honors I-247A detainers and lets ICE interview detainees; refusing exposes the sheriff and county to civil and criminal penalties.
What did SB 4 (2024) add?
The 2024 SB 4 created state crimes for unauthorized entry and re-entry and authorized state judges to order removal, though much of it has faced federal court injunction.
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