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.
Texas SB 4, codified primarily in Government Code Chapter 752, makes it unlawful for cities, counties, and universities to adopt policies limiting immigration enforcement cooperation. Local entities must honor ICE Form I-247A detainer requests and let officers ask about immigration status. Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez initially limited detainers in 2017, prompting legal action; subsequent sheriffs comply with state law. Penalties include removal from office, civil fines up to $25,500 per day for jurisdictions, and Class A misdemeanor or felony liability for sheriffs who refuse cooperation. SB 4 (2024) added new state crimes for unauthorized entry.
Local officials adopting sanctuary policies face removal proceedings, civil penalties up to $25,500 daily, attorney fees, and possible criminal charges; sheriffs refusing detainers can face felony official misconduct prosecution.
See how Travis County's sanctuary policy preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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