Commissioners OK grant filing

SMITH COUNTY – The Smith County Commissioners Court has signed a resolution to apply for the Senate Bill 8 immigration law enforcement grant program on Tuesday morning.

According to our news partner KETK, Senate Bill 8 allows for sheriff’s offices to apply for a grant if they have already entered an immigration law enforcement agreement — Smith County extended its Federal 287(g) Immigration Enforcement Program in 2025.

In a unanimous vote, the commissioners court approved the signing of the resolution to apply. Pct. 1 Commissioner Christina Drewry and Pct. 2 Commissioner J. Scott Herod were absent.

According to the Texas Comptroller’s Office, the sheriff’s office would receive $100,000 if the grant application is approved. The grant funds may be used over two years on only the following:
Compensation for persons performing duties under the agreement

Generating and delivering reports required by the agreement, including administrative duties required under the program

Equipment and related services for peace officers and other persons related to the agreement, including the cost of repairing and replacing equipment required, but not provided, under the agreement

Attendance by a person at any training or other event required under the agreement

Costs to the county for confining inmates under the authority granted under the agreement

Other expenses associated with participating in the agreement as determined by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts