Decatur council pauses on ICE 287(g) memorandum after weeks of public concern

Mayor Eddie Allen brought item 5 forward for discussion: a proposed resolution authorizing the city manager to execute a memorandum of agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement under the 287(g) program. The chief of police (addressed in the meeting as Chief Campbell) presented an overview of the program’s history and variants, saying "this program has been around for a long period of time" and explaining the department would use a task-force/jail-model only with federal oversight and an opt-out provision.

Council members, staff and several residents pressed the chief and staff on scope, oversight, training and possible incentives. Council questions focused on who controls operations under the MOA, whether officers could be reassigned, and whether federal reimbursement is guaranteed. Council member analysis cited ICE materials indicating "possible eligibility" for payments and flagged sections of the MOA that say participating law enforcement personnel "will carry out designated functions at the LEA's expense," noting the agreement "does not guarantee reimbursement." A council member also cited a task-force reimbursement brochure showing per-officer and vehicle funding scenarios and called the pay-for-performance language "a little concerning."

Multiple public commenters urged the council to reject the MOA, arguing it would erode trust and public safety. Cynthia Alvarez said policies under consideration "risk moving us in the opposite direction" and create "division." Erica Aguilar told the council, "I strongly urge you to say no to this proposition," citing fears in the Hispanic community. After more than an hour of discussion and questions about legal liabilities, staffing and the definition of "detained in a criminal manner," Mayor Allen recessed the council into executive session for legal advice under Texas Government Code Section 551.071; the meeting returned to open session at about 8:10 p.m. and the mayor said council will seek legal answers before deciding to move forward.

The council did not vote on the MOA at this meeting and left the matter pending further legal review and answers to operational questions. The chief noted training (stated by staff as roughly 32 hours) and an opt-out clause in the MOA that would allow the city to terminate participation by notifying the regional DHS office.