Cooperation State: High Risk
Texas represents the antithesis of the sanctuary model, aggressively deploying state power to augment and independently execute immigration enforcement. Local police are required to cooperate with ICE.
Key Laws to Understand
SB 4 (2017) - Anti-Sanctuary Law
This foundational law prohibits local government entities from adopting policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
What This Means:
- Local police must honor all ICE detainer requests
- Officers can inquire about immigration status during any lawful detention
- Local officials who violate these mandates face civil penalties and removal from office
SB 4 (2023) - State Criminal Immigration Enforcement
This controversial expansion establishes state-level criminal offenses:
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| "Illegal entry" from foreign nation | Up to 6 months in jail |
| "Illegal re-entry" | 10-20 years in prison |
Critical: This law empowers state magistrates to issue deportation-like orders. Currently in federal litigation over Supremacy Clause violations.
Operation Lone Star
A $11.2 billion multi-agency border security initiative deploying Texas DPS and National Guard to the border.
Statistics:
- 484,100+ apprehensions reported
- 36,600+ criminal arrests
- Uses state trespassing/smuggling laws to bypass federal immigration system
Enforcement Patterns
Border Zone
Heavy CBP and Texas DPS presence. Multiple permanent checkpoints on I-10, I-35, and other major highways.
Interior Enforcement
| City | Risk Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Houston | High | Major ICE field office, extensive 287(g) |
| Dallas | High | Active enforcement, 287(g) partnerships |
| Austin | Moderate | Some local resistance, still state law applies |
| San Antonio | High | Major ICE hub, near border |
287(g) Participation
Texas has extensive 287(g) agreements across dozens of county sheriff's offices:
- Tarrant County
- Montgomery County
- Smith County
- And many others
Legal Aid Resources
RAICES (Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services)
The largest immigration legal services provider in Texas.
- Offices: San Antonio (HQ), Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston
- Services: Asylum, border detention defense, removal defense
- Hotline: (833) 372-4237 (833-ERAICES)
- Website: raicestexas.org
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA)
- Coverage: 68 Southwest Texas counties (1/3 of US-Mexico border)
- Services: Free civil legal services, farmworker rights, asylum
- Phone: (833) 329-8752
American Gateways
- Offices: Austin, San Antonio, Waco
- Services: Intake and removal defense
- Phone: (512) 478-0546
Detention Facilities
Texas hosts the nation's most extensive detention network:
| Facility | Location | Type | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Texas Family Residential Center | Dilley | Family | 2,400 |
| Karnes County Immigration Processing Center | Karnes City | Mixed | 1,328 |
| T. Don Hutto Residential Center | Taylor | Women | 512 |
| Port Isabel Service Processing Center | Los Fresnos | Adult | 1,200 |
| El Valle Detention Facility | Raymondville | Adult | 1,500 |
| Rio Grande Detention Center | Laredo | Adult | 1,900 |
Immigration Courts
Texas has extensive EOIR infrastructure:
| Location | Courts |
|---|---|
| Dallas | Multiple |
| El Paso | Multiple |
| Houston | Multiple |
| San Antonio | Multiple |
| Harlingen | Border processing |
| Pearsall | Detention court |
| Port Isabel | Detention court |
Know Your Rights in Texas
Even in a cooperation state, you still have constitutional rights:
- You have the right to remain silent - Do not answer questions about status
- You do NOT have to open your door without a judicial warrant
- Do NOT sign anything without an attorney
- Do NOT run - Stay calm
- Memorize emergency numbers - RAICES: 833-372-4237
Border Checkpoints
Texas has numerous permanent and mobile CBP checkpoints:
| Highway | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| I-35 | Laredo area | Major checkpoint |
| I-10 | Sierra Blanca | Interior checkpoint |
| US-281 | Falfurrias | High-traffic checkpoint |
| US-77 | Sarita | High-traffic checkpoint |
Your rights at checkpoints:
- You must stop
- You do NOT have to answer questions beyond citizenship
- You can refuse searches (agents may detain you)
- You can remain silent
Emergency Contacts
| Resource | Contact |
|---|---|
| RAICES Hotline | (833) 372-4237 |
| TRLA | (833) 329-8752 |
| American Gateways | (512) 478-0546 |
| ACLU Texas | (713) 942-8146 |