Bullard tables motion to join ICE Task Force

BULLARD – The Bullard City Council held a meeting on Thursday evening, where they tabled the decision to authorize an agreement to join the 2867G Task Force Model Program, according to our news partner KETK. City council said the decision to join the program was tabled because the city attorney was not present at the meeting on Thursday. The city council will reconvene again on Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. to continue discussions on joining the task force.

The 2867G Task Force Model is a partnership with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that allows local law enforcement to enforce U.S. immigration laws, including identifying and processing immigrants with pending or active criminal charges.

Earlier this year, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office agreed to join the program, prompting protests throughout the county. Sheriff Larry Smith defended the decision to join the program, stating it protects the people of Smith County.

“This program not only provides the Smith County Sheriff’s Office with the ability to ensure the immigration laws are enforced within Smith County, but it also mandates we enforce the Federal Immigration Laws,” Smith said.

If Bullard does reach an agreement to join, the program officers will undergo training from ICE officials, which will educate them on enforcing immigration laws, multicultural communication and avoiding racial profiling.