Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sent a letter to Dallas County Sheriff Marian Brown, demanding that she enter an agreement with ICE to enforce federal immigration policy.
Paxton’s action aligns with Texas Senate Bill 8, which “requires that the sheriff of each county that operates a jail enter into formal agreements with ICE to increase cooperation on immigration enforcement,” his office explained. “These agreements authorize state officers to perform the functions of a federal ICE officer in relation to the investigation, apprehension, or detention of illegal aliens in the United States.”
Paxton warned in his letter to Brown that if “efforts are not undertaken and reported before Monday, June 1, 2026, I will consider that failure as confirmation of your refusal to comply with § 753.051. And I will use every tool available to secure compliance and make sure that you are personally held accountable for your failure to comply with the law.”
“I will not allow the people of Dallas County to suffer because the Sheriff refuses to work with ICE to keep violent illegals off our streets,” Paxton said in a statement. “Texas law requires that sheriffs seek a formal agreement with ICE to help stop illegal immigration. My office will ensure that the Dallas County Sheriff complies with the law and that ICE is assisted to the fullest extent possible under the law.”
Earlier this year, Texas offered sheriffs thousands of dollars to deepen their relationship with ICE through the 287(g) program. Sheriffs could receive as much as $140,000, as funding is based on the population of the county. At least 150 of the state’s 254 counties meet eligibility requirements for the program. Sheriffs in counties with populations of 99,999 or fewer may receive up to $80,000, while sheriffs in counties with populations of 1 million or more may receive up to $140,000.
