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McLennan County applies for Operation Lone Star grant to offset costs of detainees
Summary
County commissioners approved submitting a grant application under the Office of the GovernorOperation Lone Star program to seek state reimbursement for costs tied to inmates held on immigration detainers; sheriff—s office officials told the court 85 such detainees were in custody and local housing costs exceed $1.5 million.
McLennan County commissioners on Tuesday authorized submission of an application to the Office of the GovernorPublic Safety Office Operation Lone Star grant program and approved related disaster-declaration and memorandum materials to seek reimbursement for local costs associated with inmates held on immigration detainers.
The sheriff—s office reported that as of the meeting it was holding 85 inmates who had immigration detainers and also faced state charges. A sheriff—s office representative told the court, "Currently, we have, as of right now, 85 inmates in custody with immigration detainers who also pay state charges." The speaker said housing, food, medical care and related local costs for those individuals exceed $1.5 million, not counting additional costs such as indigent defense or prosecutorial time.
County staff and the sheriff—s office framed the application as a step to recover some of those local expenses and as preparation in case additional state funding becomes available. A county commissioner moved to approve the grant application and to authorize submission of the related grant resolution, local disaster declaration and any necessary interlocal memorandums; the motion was seconded and carried.
Why it matters: county officials said the jail population tied to immigration detainers is producing a notable, ongoing cost to McLennan County taxpayers. Applying for Operation Lone Star money would provide a direct reimbursement stream for housing-related expenses if the state awards funds.
What the court approved: the record reflects the court voted to submit the FY26 Operation Lone Star application and to file supporting documents including a local disaster declaration and memorandums of understanding necessary for the grant. The court—s motion was seconded and approved by the commissioners present.
Next steps: county staff will complete and submit the Operation Lone Star application and the related documents authorized by the court. Commissioners said they expect initial grants to be modest and to seek further state support if available.
