Relating to the duties of a law enforcement agency regarding the immigration status of an arrested person and the enforcement of an immigration detainer.
Impact
The implementation of HB 124 would require significant changes in the procedures followed by law enforcement agencies in Texas. Agencies will need to ensure that they have the mechanisms in place to access and verify immigration status as specified by the bill. This could potentially lead to an increase in cooperation between state and federal law enforcement concerning immigration matters, as local agencies adopt protocols that align with federal immigration enforcement directives.
Summary
House Bill 124 addresses the responsibilities of law enforcement agencies regarding the immigration status of individuals who have been arrested. The bill mandates that within 48 hours of an arrest, prior to the release of the individual on bond, law enforcement must review available information from federal programs or inquire about a person's immigration status. The goal of this legislation is to ensure that immigration detainers are properly enforced during the booking process.
Contention
Discussions surrounding HB 124 are likely to stir debate among various stakeholders, as issues related to immigration enforcement are often contentious. Supporters argue that the bill helps to uphold the rule of law and supports federal immigration efforts. Conversely, opponents may express concerns that the bill contributes to racial profiling and threatens community trust in law enforcement. The balance between ensuring public safety and respecting individual rights is a fundamental point of contention that underlies the bill's discussions.
Duplicate
Relating to the duties of a law enforcement agency regarding the immigration status of an arrested person and the enforcement of an immigration detainer.
TX HB921
Relating to the duties of a law enforcement agency regarding the immigration status of an arrested person and the enforcement of an immigration detainer.
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 law enforcement misconduct and law enforcement interactions with certain detained or arrested individuals and other members of the public, to public entity liability for those interactions, and to the confinement, conviction, or release of detained or arrested individuals.
Relating to the powers and duties of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement and law enforcement agencies regarding law enforcement officers and the use of body worn cameras; authorizing fees.
Relating to interactions between law enforcement and individuals detained or arrested on suspicion of the commission of criminal offenses, witnesses to the commission of those offenses, and other members of the public, to peace officer liability for those interactions, and to the confinement, conviction, or release of detained or arrested individuals.