Fort Worth, TX Immigration Policy: Sanctuary Policy Preemption (2026)
Key Facts
- Texas statute
- SB 4 (2017), Gov't Code Ch. 752
- Fort Worth sanctuary status
- Not a sanctuary city
- ICE detainer policy
- Honored as required
- Status questioning
- Permitted during lawful stops
- Tarrant County Sheriff
- Honors detainers
Summary
Texas SB 4 (2017), codified in Government Code Chapter 752, prohibits any Texas city from adopting sanctuary policies. Fort Worth is not a sanctuary city; police must honor ICE detainers and may inquire about immigration status during lawful stops, detentions, or arrests.
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; or(3) for an entity that is a law enforcement agency or for a department, as demonstrated by pattern or practice, intentionally violate Article 2A.060, Code of Criminal Procedure.
Full Breakdown
Texas Senate Bill 4 (2017), codified primarily at Government Code Chapter 752 Subchapter C, forbids Texas cities, counties, and law-enforcement agencies from adopting policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Local officials may not prohibit officers from asking about immigration status, sharing information with ICE, or honoring civil ICE detainers. The Tarrant County Sheriff and Fort Worth Police Department must comply with detainer requests on jailed inmates. Violations expose officials to civil penalties from $1,000 to $25,500 per day, removal from office, and Class A misdemeanor charges. Fort Worth has not enacted any welcoming-cities policy that conflicts with SB 4.
Violations & Fines
Officials who adopt sanctuary policies face civil penalties of $1,000 for first violations and $1,000 to $25,500 daily for repeat violations under Tex. Gov't Code 752.056, plus removal from office and Class A misdemeanor charges under Section 752.0565.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fort Worth a sanctuary city?
Can Fort Worth Police ask about my immigration status?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Worth
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Fort Worth to another location·View the Texas immigration policy overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Sanctuary Policy Preemption in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Tarrant County handle sanctuary policy preemption.