Dallas County, TX Immigration Policy: Sanctuary Policy Preemption (2026)
Key Facts
- State law
- TX SB 4 (2017)
- Detainer compliance
- Required up to 48 hours
- County status
- Not a sanctuary
- Penalty range
- $1,500-$25,500 daily
- Code reference
- TX Gov't Code Ch. 752
Summary
Texas SB 4 (2017) prohibits any county, city, or sheriff from adopting sanctuary policies or refusing ICE detainers. Dallas County is not a sanctuary jurisdiction and the Sheriff honors detainers.
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 SB 4, enacted in 2017 and largely upheld by the Fifth Circuit, requires local law enforcement to honor ICE civil immigration detainer requests, prohibits policies restricting officers from inquiring about immigration status, and authorizes removal from office of sheriffs or officials who adopt sanctuary practices. Dallas County Sheriff's Office complies by holding individuals subject to ICE detainers up to 48 hours past their release date and notifying ICE before release. Dallas County is not a sanctuary jurisdiction. Earlier county practices that limited cooperation were withdrawn after SB 4. Civil penalties for non-compliant counties run $1,500 to $25,500 per day, plus loss of state grant funding under Texas Government Code Chapter 752.
Violations & Fines
Officials adopting sanctuary policies face civil penalties of $1,500 to $25,500 per day, removal from office under SB 4, and loss of state funding. Individuals harmed by violations of detainer rules may sue under Texas Tort Claims Act.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Dallas County Sheriff hold me for ICE if I post bond?
Can a Dallas County city create its own sanctuary policy?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dallas County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Dallas County to another location·View the Texas immigration policy overview
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