At the March 24, 2025 Commissioners Court the Austin County Sheriff’s Office sought approval for a disaster declaration related to border security, in line with other Texas counties. This move could unlock state funds to support local enforcement efforts under Operation Lone Star. Additionally, they requested approval from the Commissioners Court to join a federal program that expedites immigration paperwork for inmates confirmed to be foreign nationals, which was granted.
Given concerns about the potential impact on non-criminal individuals, the Sheriff’s Office wants to clarify that they will not actively search for undocumented immigrants. However, if they encounter individuals involved in law enforcement matters, they will handle the situation accordingly, which may include referring them to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) if necessary. The Sheriff’s Office remains focused on community safety while addressing situations involving individuals who come into contact with law enforcement. You can view the discussion from Commissioners Court in the video below. It begins at the 3:35 mark.ย
What is Operation Lone Star?
Since its launch in March 2021, Operation Lone Star has been a groundbreaking initiative in securing the Texas-Mexico border. Led by Governor Greg Abbott, this collaborative effort between the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Texas Military Department (TMD) has provided enhanced security, law enforcement support, and protection for communities across the state.
Operation Lone Star has significantly increased law enforcement resources along the border, with Texas DPS troopers and National Guard personnel playing a crucial role in patrolling, monitoring, and responding to border-related incidents. Their presence has strengthened security efforts, ensuring safer communities and a more effective response to illegal activities. The initiative has led to thousands of arrests related to trespassing, human smuggling, and drug trafficking, making a powerful impact in preventing crime and enhancing public safety. By taking swift action, Texas has been able to intercept dangerous individuals and disrupt criminal networks, keeping communities across the state secure.
Operation Lone Star has supported the development of physical barriers, fencing, and surveillance technology to further enhance monitoring and enforcement. These state-of-the-art security measures help protect Texas communities and ensure more effective border management. With billions of dollars allocated to border security, Texas has provided critical funding for law enforcement agencies and local governments. Counties like Austin County have been able to access additional resources through state-supported disaster declarations, ensuring they have the necessary tools to keep communities safe and well-equipped.
What is ICEโs Warrant Service Officer Program?
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Warrant Service Officer (WSO) program is a collaborative initiative that allows state and local law enforcement agencies to assist ICE in enforcing federal immigration laws. Through this program, selected officers from these agencies receive training to serve immigration-related warrants issued by federal immigration courts or ICE officers. WSOs play a supportive role by helping ICE carry out enforcement actions, such as apprehending individuals subject to removal from the U.S. While they do not have independent authority to enforce immigration laws, they work closely with ICE agents to enhance the effectiveness of operations. This partnership helps extend ICE’s reach, particularly in communities where ICE agents may have limited presence, fostering a cooperative approach to immigration enforcement. By working together, local and federal agencies can strengthen public safety and ensure the efficient implementation of immigration policies.
