Corpus Christi cannot adopt sanctuary policies because Texas Senate Bill 4 of 2017 requires local police and jails to honor federal immigration detainers and forbids cities from limiting cooperation with ICE.
Senate Bill 4 of the 2017 Texas Legislature, codified at Government Code Chapter 752, prohibits any local entity from adopting a policy that limits enforcement of immigration laws or compliance with federal immigration detainers. The Fifth Circuit upheld key provisions, including jail detainer compliance and a ban on rules preventing officers from inquiring about immigration status during lawful stops. Local officials who refuse can face civil penalties, removal from office, and class A misdemeanor charges. Corpus Christi Police and the Nueces County Sheriff therefore honor ICE detainers at the jail and cannot bar officers from contacting ICE.
Adopting a sanctuary policy or refusing an ICE detainer can lead to civil penalties of up to 25,500 dollars per day, removal of officials from office, and criminal misdemeanor charges under SB 4.
See how Corpus Christi's sanctuary policy preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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