At a Glance
- Keller has transferred 14 people to ICE custody since August under its new 287(g) agreement
- The partnership covers the Keller Regional Detention Center, which also serves Southlake, Colleyville, Westlake, and Roanoke
- Transfers include offenses such as driving while intoxicated and theft
- Why it matters: The agreement has sparked both claims of enhanced public safety and fears it could deter crime reporting in immigrant communities
Keller’s City Council approved a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on August 5, and city officials now confirm 14 transfers have taken place in the five months since. The collaboration allows local officers to check immigration status and hold individuals for federal agents at the Keller Regional Detention Center.
Mayor Armin Mizani announced the tally in a Wednesday-night Facebook post and shared a partial offense list with News Of Fort Worth. Charges tied to the transfers include:
- Driving while intoxicated
- Theft
The 287(g) program deputizes local jail staff to perform immigration screening, making Keller one of Texas’ first cities to adopt the measure. Because the detention facility is jointly staffed by neighboring communities, the agreement’s reach extends beyond Keller’s borders.
“This is because of the partnership, collaboration we have with the Department of Homeland Security, through ICE,” Mizani said. “But also with the cities that also participate in our jail, which include Southlake, Colleyville, Westlake, and Roanoke.”
Those cities, he added, “de facto through our participation, also participate through the program.”
Mizani argues the partnership already strengthens regional public safety. “This partnership with ICE strengthens public safety not just in the city of Keller but for the surrounding communities,” he said.
Critics counter that the policy could undermine trust. Leaders with the League of United Latin American Citizens voiced ongoing concern.
“There’s a lot of concern. There’s a lot of fear. Even my kids ask, you know, what’s going on?” said Joanna Cardoza, LULAC District 21 director.
Cardoza worries victims or witnesses may avoid police contact. “I think it’s going to cause fear, and it’s going to cause less reports of crime, affecting whether it’s the whole community or the undocumented community, whether there’s crimes happening against them or if they’re a witness in a crime. It’s going to make them think about it,” she said.
Agreement Details
- Adoption date: August 5
- Transfers to ICE: 14 individuals
- Offenses disclosed: DWI, theft
- Participating cities: Keller, Southlake, Colleyville, Westlake, Roanoke
Community Impact
Supporters credit the program with removing offenders quickly, while opponents fear chilled cooperation with law enforcement. The debate mirrors tensions seen in other jurisdictions that have adopted 287(g) agreements across the country.
Key Takeaways
- Keller’s 287(g) partnership has already led to 14 transfers to federal custody
- The policy covers a multi-city detention center, broadening its potential impact
- City leaders hail improved safety; immigrant advocates warn of heightened fear and under-reporting of crime
