Relating to the reporting of certain felons incarcerated in Texas jails to federal authorities.
Impact
The implementation of SB2584 is expected to have far-reaching implications for how local jails interact with federal immigration enforcement. By formalizing the procedures for checking immigration status, the bill potentially bridges gaps between state and federal jurisdictions, ensuring that suspected undocumented individuals are reported accurately and timely. This may also influence the operations within correctional facilities, as additional training and guidelines will be necessary to comply with the new mandates set forth by the bill.
Summary
SB2584 introduces a mandate for Texas correctional facilities to determine the immigration status of individuals convicted of certain felonies. The legislation stipulates that upon receiving a convicted felon, sheriffs or other officers must make reasonable efforts to ascertain the individual’s citizenship status. If any evidence suggests that the defendant may be a foreign national, the facility is required to verify this status with federal authorities, specifically the Department of Homeland Security. This approach aims to streamline the communication and reporting processes between local law enforcement and federal immigration agencies.
Contention
Despite its clear regulatory intentions, SB2584 is not without controversy. Opponents of the bill argue that it may foster negative consequences, such as the potential for racial profiling and community distrust towards law enforcement. The requirement for sheriffs to engage with federal immigration authorities might create apprehension among immigrant communities, discouraging them from cooperating with law enforcement for fear of deportation. Furthermore, critics emphasize that local law enforcement should focus on community safety rather than immigration enforcement, a viewpoint that raises concerns about the bill's alignment with community-based policing principles.
Relating to certain laws that regulate aspects of illegal immigration in this state, including laws pertaining to the DNA records of certain persons subject to an immigration detainer request, the recognition of certain out-of-state driver's licenses, inviting certain federal agencies to participate on the homeland security council, the reporting of certain uncompensated hospital care costs, and certain requirements for participation in the E-verify program; increasing a criminal penalty.
Relating to the release on bail of certain defendants accused of committing a felony offense and the criminal consequences of committing a felony while released on bail for a prior felony; creating a criminal offense; increasing the minimum term of imprisonment for certain felonies; changing eligibility for deferred adjudication community supervision, mandatory supervision, and parole.
Relating to the release of defendants on bail, the duties of a magistrate in certain criminal proceedings, and the appointment of certain criminal law hearing officers; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the southern border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.
Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.
Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Homeland Security Division, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.