287(g)

The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 Section 287(g)

As law enforcement officers, it is our sworn duty to protect and serve our communities as well as to uphold and enforce the laws of our country and of our great state. We take that responsibility seriously. It is a high calling.

What is 287(g)?

The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 added Section 287(g), performance of immigration officer functions by state officers and employees, to the Immigration and Nationality Act. The 287(g) program provides local law enforcement entities the opportunity to partner with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and train local officers to perform immigration law enforcement functions.

How does the 287(g) program work?

The objective of 287(g) is to work with federal agencies to identify criminals in the Tarrant County Jail that have been charged with high misdemeanor and felonies, that are also in the United States illegally. Both issues must be present in order for an ICE detainer and warrant to be placed upon the suspect. 

The goal is for criminals not to be released back into our community without being held fully accountable.

A snapshot of the types of crimes these individuals have been charged with include murder, aggravated sexual assault of a child, kidnapping, human trafficking, robbery, theft, and DWI.

This program also assists in reducing patterns of release and rearrest of the same person(s) for similar offenses.

ICE detainers along with administrative warrants are issued for criminals. The goal is to prevent the release of individuals from custody who have been charged with crimes such as sexual assault against minors, domestic violence, DWI and robbery.

By avoiding a pattern of constantly releasing and then re-arresting deportable repeat offenders, our community is safer and taxpayers conserve resources.

Does 287(g) enforce immigration laws on the street?

No. All work under 287(g) occurs within the jail where everyone, regardless of race or ethnicity, is processed through the system with information identifying their place of birth and citizenship.

What training have 287(g) officers received?

Prior to being delegated ICE immigration authority, selected officers must attend and successfully complete ICE’s 287(g) Immigration Authority Delegation Program (IADP), which is the 287(g) basic training course.

The basic training program is four weeks in duration and includes coursework in the use of ICE databases, immigration law, multi-cultural communication and the avoidance of racial profiling. This training is conducted at Federal Law Enforcement Training Center – Charleston.

Will the Sheriff’s Office check the immigration status of people visiting an inmate?

No. However, we must have an appropriate form of ID and may check for active warrants.

Approved ID includes a valid driver’s license from any state; valid passport; INS card with photo; immigration ID card with photo; Mexican voter registration card with a US address; Mexican Consulate card; military ID card; school ID card for visitors under 18 years old.

For more information...287(g) Brochure