San Antonio, TX Immigration Policy: Sanctuary Policy Preemption (2026)
Key Facts
- Texas statute
- SB 4 (2017), Gov't Code Ch. 752
- SA sanctuary status
- Not a sanctuary city
- ICE detainer policy
- Honored as required
- Status questioning
- Permitted lawful stops
- Enforcement agencies
- SAPD and Bexar Sheriff
Summary
Texas SB 4 (2017), codified in Government Code Chapter 752, prohibits any Texas city from adopting sanctuary policies. San Antonio is not a sanctuary city; SAPD must honor ICE detainers and may inquire about immigration status during lawful stops.
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 Bexar County Sheriff must comply with detainer requests. Violations expose officials to civil penalties from $1,000 to $25,500 per day, removal from office, and Class A misdemeanor charges. San Antonio Police Department policy follows SB 4. The city's welcoming-resolution rhetoric does not limit cooperation with ICE in any way that conflicts with state law.
Violations & Fines
Officials adopting 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 752.0565.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Antonio a sanctuary city?
Can SAPD ask about my immigration status?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Antonio
Texas rules heatmap·Compare San Antonio to another location·View the Texas immigration policy overview
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