Progressives and conservatives torn on Travis County Jail-ICE cooperation

Full cooperation between Immigration and Customs Enforcement authorities and personnel at the Travis County Jail in Texas might come to an end in January 2017 with the election of Democratic Constable Sally Hernandez. Hernandez, who won the Travis County Sheriff position in November, has said she is not in favor of turning over undocumented immigrant jail detainees to federal agents.

Progressives and conservatives have differing views about the matter. The former say law enforcement programs already in place tend to make the challenges that immigrant families already face worse, and the latter say federal ICE programs contribute to deterring criminality. Criminal justice reform group Grassroots Leadership executive director Bob Libal says, “If whoever the sheriff is adopts a policy like many of these other communities around the country that limits ICE’s ability, that is a good thing for immigrants, and it is a good thing for public safety.”

Our immigration attorneys at the Law Office of William Jang, PLLC have the necessary experience, training, and resources to help families and individuals in need of immigration services. Contact us at (512) 323-2333 to discuss your situation.