Texas cities now notify ICE about illegal immigrants

Law enforcement agencies in Houston and San Antonio, Texas, are now informing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when they encounter illegal immigrants. This marks a shift from some major cities nationally, which resist ICE efforts. The policy requires Houston police to alert ICE about any illegal immigrant with a federal administrative warrant. For instance, during a routine traffic stop, a man named Jose Armando Lainez Argueta was arrested by ICE after his information surfaced in the system. San Antonio's police department is adopting a similar approach. Emails to officers state they must request ICE's presence if they find someone in the system with an immigration warrant. This includes previously deported felons and those with civil detainer orders. The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office coordinates with ICE, allowing officials to visit local jails regularly. They provide ICE with advance notice before releasing illegal immigrants known to have detainers. Texas Governor Greg Abbott supports this cooperation with ICE. Officials believe it aligns with state and federal laws, enhancing public safety. An ICE spokesperson mentioned that using administrative warrants is essential for effective immigration enforcement. A recent ICE operation in Houston led to the arrest of 646 illegal immigrants. The agency emphasizes the importance of these efforts to maintain law and order in communities.