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.
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.
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.
See how Bexar County's sanctuary policy preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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