Paxton announces he is investigating Dallas sheriff over sanctuary policies

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said Wednesday he is launching a probe into the Dallas Sheriff's Department for its sanctuary policies and demanded it comply with Texas law.

Paxton said he is demanding that Dallas Sheriff Marian Brown seek a formal agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement after she repudiated Texas Senate Bill 8, which requires the sheriff of each county that operates a jail to enter into formal agreements with ICE to increase cooperation on immigration enforcement.

The agreements allow state law enforcement officers to perform the functions of a federal officer in relation to the investigation, apprehension or detention of illegal migrants. The law went into effect on January 1.

“I will not allow the people of Dallas County to suffer because the Sheriff refuses to work with ICE to keep violent illegals off our streets,” Paxton said. “Texas law requires that sheriffs seek a formal agreement with ICE to help stop illegal immigration. 

"My office will ensure that the Dallas County Sheriff complies with the law and that ICE is assisted to the fullest extent possible under the law," he added.

Paxton said he is requiring Dallas to enter the agreement by June 1. Sheriffs in El Paso, Bexar, and Harris Counties have already either finalized an agreement with ICE or are in the process of negotiating agreements.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.