Lipscomb County approves sheriff's SB8 immigration‑enforcement grant resolution

The Lipscomb County Commissioners Court unanimously approved a resolution April 13 authorizing the county to participate in the Sheriff Immigration Law Enforcement Grant Program established by SB8 of the 89th Texas Legislature. The resolution designates Sheriff Ben Eggleston as the authorized official to apply for, accept or terminate the grant and includes assurances of the return of funds in the event of loss or misuse.

The resolution also states the county will not reduce sheriff’s office funding due to receipt of the grant. The court recorded that grant funds are to be used for deputy compensation, specialized ICE training, and equipment related to immigration enforcement, or other uses allowed by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. The motion to approve was made and seconded with the vote recorded as unanimous.

Sheriff Ben Eggleston also provided his month of March activity totals to the court, reporting incidents that included one armed‑person incident, nine brush fires, one burglary in progress and other calls for service; he told the court his office is operating one deputy short while dispatch is fully staffed.

Next steps: The sheriff is authorized to proceed with grant application and administration per the resolution. The motion carried unanimously and was recorded in the minutes.