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 comment: During the court’s public participation period, Bob Brewer, a resident, framed the discussion in constitutional terms and referenced local constitutional education efforts. Amy Ortiz, a Tyler resident, told commissioners, “They are not criminals or aliens,” and said a 287(g)–style agreement has created anxiety for her family and friends. Nicole Ortiz described a recent episode involving her father and said, “My 5 year old sister has asked me why isn't dad home?” and described the family’s uncertainty about his treatment and immigration consequences. Levi Hudson and Delilah Reynoso, lead mental‑health advocate with Texas Veil Project, also urged the court to consider community impacts; Reynoso said, “These agreements raise serious concerns regarding the trust between law enforcement and community members that they are called to serve.”

Sheriff’s presentation and court discussion: Sheriff Smith told the court he has long advocated joining federal task‑force models and said the programs “won't change anything that's done currently. It will just change who does it.” He described Operation Lone Star and the 287(g) program as tools for cross‑jurisdiction investigations and for expediting ICE processing when federal involvement is needed. The sheriff cited fentanyl trafficking and recent local homicide investigations as examples of cases that may cross county or state lines and benefit from interagency coordination. He repeatedly said the county would not conduct raids on schools or churches and that joining the programs would not authorize local officers to enforce federal immigration law independently.

Court action: The court approved both items by voice vote. The interlocal agreement to join the statewide Operation Lone Star was moved by Commissioner Moore and seconded by Commissioner Herrod; the memorandum of agreement with ICE under the 287(g) task force model was moved by Commissioner Drury and seconded by Commissioner Moore. The judge called for voice votes on both motions; the court’s calls were answered in the affirmative and the judge announced the motions carried.

Discussion vs. decision: The record shows substantive discussion and public comment but no ordinance or change to local law; the court’s votes authorized the county to enter the agreements described. Commissioners and the sheriff repeatedly distinguished routine criminal investigation cooperation from the idea of proactive immigration enforcement in sensitive locations.

What’s next: The court authorized the county judge to sign the interlocal and memorandum documents; the agreements will be implemented through the sheriff’s office and federal partners per the terms of the signed documents and any required operational protocols.