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.
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.
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.
See how San Antonio's sanctuary policy preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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