Texas AG Paxton Demands Dallas Sheriff Pursue ICE Agreement or Face Legal Action

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton demanded on Wednesday that Dallas County Sheriff Marian Brown comply with a new state law requiring cooperation with federal immigration authorities. He warned of legal action if she fails to act.

Paxton said he is investigating Brown for what he called "sanctuary policies." He sent her a formal letter ordering pursuit of a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Such agreements let local deputies handle certain federal immigration duties.

The demand comes from Senate Bill 8, effective Jan. 1, 2026. It requires sheriffs in counties with jails to seek ICE agreements for more immigration enforcement. These 287(g) partnerships delegate powers to local officers, such as questioning inmates on immigration status and serving administrative warrants.

"I will not allow the people of Dallas County to suffer because the Sheriff refuses to work with ICE to keep violent illegals off our streets," Paxton said. He added that his office "will ensure" compliance with state law.

In the letter, Paxton accused Brown of publicly rejecting the law after its passage. He cited her October 2025 statement that "no additional efforts" would be made to secure an agreement. Her office has reported no compliance attempts, despite a state rule to show proof of trying.

Paxton warned that inaction could bring legal consequences. His office can act against noncompliant sheriffs. He demanded Brown report her efforts by June 1.

He noted that other large Texas counties, including El Paso, Bexar and Harris, have finalized or are negotiating ICE agreements.

Brown pushed back in a letter obtained by FOX 4 Dallas. She said Paxton's timeline is wrong and the Legislature set a Dec. 1, 2026, compliance deadline, not June 1.

She defended her department's practices. "Dallas County currently maintains an active working relationship with ICE and participates in operational coordination substantially similar to the jail-enforcement model contemplated by Chapter 753," Brown said in a statement.

Brown added that her earlier remarks on "no additional efforts" were taken out of context. She said existing cooperation already meets the law's public safety goals.

The dispute raises the prospect of a legal fight between Texas's top law enforcement official and one of its largest county sheriff's offices over local aid to federal immigration enforcement.