Texas Senate Bill SB2584

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 5/14/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/18/09

Caption

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.