“It targets criminals – now law-abiding individuals,” Keller Mayor Armin Mizani said in a letter.
KELLER, Texas — The City of Keller will consider a partnership with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through the 287(g) program, making Keller the first city in Tarrant County and the largest in Texas to take this step, according to the city’s mayor Armin Mizani.
“In Keller, public safety is non-negotiable,” Mizani wrote in a letter. “Our job is simple: Protect our families and enforce the laws to keep our community safe.”
According to Mizani’s letter, if approved and implemented, when people are arrested and booked into their local jail, part of the process would include being screened by ICE to “determine if they are also subject to federal immigration enforcement.” The process would only take place in the jail and only applies to those who are already in custody, the mayor’s letter said.
“It targets criminals – not law-abiding individuals,” Mizani wrote. “Let me be clear: if you commit a crime and are booked into our jail, we are using every tool available – including this program – to ensure you are held accountable. This is about protecting victims, supporting federal law, and preventing dangerous individuals from slipping through the cracks and reoffending in our communities.”
The next regular city council meeting is Aug. 1 at 5 p.m., per the city’s website.