Congressman McCaul Brings Federal, Local Law Enforcement Together to Address Illegal Immigration

BRENHAM, TX – Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX 10) helped law enforcement in his district take a step toward being able to deport illegal immigrants who commit other crimes in the United States by enhancing communication between local and federal authorities. He facilitated a meeting between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and authorities from five counties.

"Too often our police and sheriffs deputies’ hands are tied when it comes to illegal immigration," Congressman McCaul said. "In some cases there are threats to our communities that need to be removed. Our local law enforcement must have a cohesive relationship with our federal authorities who have proper authority to detain and remove people who are in this country illegally."

A previous meeting between ICE and Katy Police in April has already increased the cooperation between the two agencies in the enforcement of immigration laws. Katy Police call ICE if they have arrested, charged and detained a person suspected of committing a crime. If ICE determines that the subject is amenable to removal proceedings and falls within its enforcement priorities, ICE may file a detainer which permits local authorities to hold the suspect for up to 48 hours, until ICE agents are able to take custody and begin the removal process.

Congressman McCaul organized meetings between Katy Police and ICE in an effort to maximize limited federal resources dedicated to enforcing immigration laws. The Houston ICE office has 35 officers working in 53 counties including Harris County, which demands the greatest attention. Smaller communities have been virtually ignored because of a lack of ICE personnel and inmate housing capacity.

The result of the compact with Katy police has been a direct line of communication to ICE with the understanding that federal authorities will assist in removing an illegal immigrant depending on available resources and the severity of the crime. Congressman McCaul hopes to forge the same relationships throughout the 10th District.

Law enforcement from Austin, Burleson, Lee, Waller and Washington counties, and from the cities of Bellville, Brenham, Caldwell, Giddings, Hempstead, Sealy and Waller were invited to Tuesday’s meeting with ICE. It was held at the Washington County Chamber of Commerce in Brenham. Congressman McCaul will facilitate a third meeting between ICE and local law enforcement in Houston next week.