Attorney General Ken Paxton has become the first Texas law enforcement official to sign an agreement with the Trump Administration, supporting efforts to deport illegal aliens during President Donald Trump's second term. Paxton is urging other state and local law enforcement entities in Texas to follow suit and establish similar agreements with the federal government.
The move follows an executive order issued by President Trump on January 20, 2025. The order aims to protect Americans from what it describes as an "invasion of illegal aliens from across the world." Section 11 of this order allows for state and local law enforcement entities to be authorized by the Secretary of Homeland Security to act as immigration officers. This deputization under section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act enables Texas officers to assist in immigration-related activities such as investigation, apprehension, and detention.
During Trump's first term, many Texas law enforcement agencies engaged in section 287(g) agreements, enhancing federal immigration enforcement capabilities. However, no new agreements were made during the Biden Administration, which Paxton claims weakened national security. The recent executive order permits Texas to renew its collaboration with federal authorities. The Office of the Attorney General has signed a new agreement under this directive.
"On day one, President Trump took bold action to make America safe again," stated Attorney General Paxton. "I am proud to be the first to join him to restore our national sovereignty, secure our border, and ensure that criminal aliens face the justice they deserve," he added. Paxton also called upon all agencies and departments within Texas to participate in these efforts, emphasizing a commitment to enforcing laws and protecting America.