Bexar County, TX Immigration Policy: Sanctuary Policy Preemption (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Texas SB 4 (2017)
- Statutory citation
- TX Govt Code 752
- Detainer compliance
- Mandatory
- Civil penalty
- Up to $25,500/day
- Officer removal
- Possible
Summary
Texas Senate Bill 4 of 2017 prohibits any county or city from adopting sanctuary policies. Bexar County and the Bexar County Sheriff must honor federal immigration detainers and cannot bar deputies from inquiring about immigration status during lawful detentions.
Sec. 752.053. POLICIES AND ACTIONS REGARDING IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT. (a) A local entity or campus police department may not: (1) adopt, enforce, or endorse a policy under which the entity or department prohibits or materially limits the enforcement of immigration laws; (2) as demonstrated by pattern or practice, prohibit or materially limit the enforcement of immigration laws.
Full Breakdown
Senate Bill 4 of the 85th Texas Legislature, codified at Texas Government Code Chapter 752, prohibits Texas counties, cities, and sheriffs from adopting policies that restrict enforcement of federal immigration law. Local officials cannot prevent peace officers from asking about immigration status during a lawful stop, arrest, or detention. Bexar County Sheriff jails must honor U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer requests. House Bill 4 of 2023 layered additional cooperation requirements. Local officials who violate SB 4 face civil penalties, removal from office, and potential criminal liability for the official issuing the restrictive policy.
Violations & Fines
Adopting sanctuary policies, refusing to honor ICE detainers, or prohibiting officer immigration inquiries can trigger civil penalties up to 25,500 dollars per day, removal from office, and Class A misdemeanor charges against responsible officials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Bexar County deputy ask about immigration status?
Must the Bexar County jail honor ICE detainers?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bexar County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Bexar County to another location·View the Texas immigration policy overview
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