As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to implement his immigration and border security plans, sheriffs in Texas’ border counties are calling for more resources to help enforce tougher measures aimed at curbing illegal immigration. During his campaign, Trump proposed utilizing local law enforcement to assist with border enforcement, including rounding up illegal immigrants as part of a broader mass deportation strategy. However, for local sheriffs already stretched thin by the escalating migrant crisis, additional resources will be essential if these plans are to succeed.
Border security has traditionally been a federal responsibility, managed by agencies like Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Yet, in remote, rural areas along the U.S.-Mexico border, local sheriffs and their deputies often find themselves directly involved in border security, detaining fugitives or rescuing migrants. Thaddeus Cleveland, sheriff of Terrell County and a former Border Patrol agent, explained that local law enforcement frequently encounters situations that require a response to border security issues. “You can’t just be a regular local or state law enforcement officer and not run into something related to border security,” Cleveland said.
Terrell County, which spans roughly 600 miles of the border, has seen a dramatic increase in migrant arrests over the last few years. Before 2021, the sheriff’s office handled about 1,200 arrests per year. However, that number has surged to more than 5,000 annually as illegal border crossings have skyrocketed. The county has also experienced a sharp rise in migrant deaths, with 42 fatalities in the past four years—an average of one per year before 2021. “Three-quarters of our time is spent on the border security mission,” Cleveland added, underscoring the critical need for local partnerships in enforcing border policies.
Despite this, some sheriffs are hesitant to fully embrace the Trump administration’s mass deportation plans. Val Verde County Sheriff Joe Frank Martinez expressed concerns about overburdening his already small team, which is primarily focused on serving his local community. “First and foremost, I will take care of my community and my citizens,” Sheriff Martinez said. He emphasized that immigration enforcement should remain the responsibility of federal agencies like ICE and Border Patrol, not local law enforcement.
Other sheriffs, however, acknowledge that if their departments are expected to hold individuals facing deportation, they will need additional resources. Under the 287(g) program, local law enforcement can assist federal agencies by performing immigration-related duties, such as detaining criminal aliens. However, with an increase in deportation efforts, rural jails and sheriff’s offices could become overwhelmed. Jose Duran, a sergeant with the Eagle Pass Police Department, stated, “Our guys are overwhelmed with work, and a lot of times it feels like we’re doing Border Patrol’s job.”
Local law enforcement leaders like Cleveland argue that while they are willing to assist federal agencies with immigration enforcement, they also need more resources to do so effectively. He stressed the importance of ensuring that legal immigration is facilitated and that illegal crossings are stopped. Cleveland, who has lived along the border his entire life, believes that a strong message from the president about enforcing the law will go a long way in deterring illegal immigration. “Having a president who makes it clear that illegal immigration won’t be tolerated sends a strong message,” he said.
Cleveland is hopeful that the incoming Trump administration will take a more proactive approach to border security. Reflecting on the early years of Trump’s first term, he noted, “We [Republicans] had the House and Senate the first two years and nothing happened. I hope this time we can really see some real work on the border.” To make real progress, however, he believes Congress must also play a role in pushing forward comprehensive immigration reform.
As Texas border counties continue to bear the brunt of illegal immigration, local sheriffs are urging the next administration to provide the resources needed to secure the border effectively. Without additional support, enforcing even stronger border security measures will be a significant challenge for these rural law enforcement agencies.