Smith County approves 287(g) MOA with ICE, joins statewide Operation Lone Star after public objections

Smith County Commissioner's Court on March 4, 2025, approved a memorandum of agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to participate in the 287(g) task force model and authorized an interlocal agreement for the Smith County Sheriff’s Office to join the statewide Operation Lone Star program.

The measures drew public comment from several residents who said the agreements increase fear and distrust among immigrant families, while Sheriff Smith told the court the agreements would streamline coordination with federal partners in criminal investigations.

Why it matters: Supporters, including the sheriff, said the agreements will speed federal processing in cases that cross jurisdictions and add personnel for complex investigations. Opponents warned the agreements risk civil‑rights abuses, discourage crime reporting, and harm families and mental‑health outcomes for immigrants.

Public comme…