A potential legal challenge looms for Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith after recent statements suggesting potential violations of Texas’ Sanctuary Jurisdictions law. The Texas Nationalist Movement has closely examined the sheriff’s public comments regarding immigration enforcement policies, which may contradict state legislative requirements.
During a February 6th community panel, Sheriff Smith outlined immigration enforcement protocols that appear to conflict with Section 752.053 of the Texas Government Code. Specifically, Smith stated that his department would not conduct immigration status checks for individuals detained or arrested for Class C misdemeanors, limiting enforcement to Class B misdemeanors and above.
We view these statements as a direct challenge to Texas’ commitment to border security. The law is unambiguous: local law enforcement entities cannot prohibit or materially limit immigration law enforcement. By establishing a arbitrary threshold for immigration status verification, Sheriff Smith potentially undermines the state’s clear legislative intent.
The legal mechanism for addressing such potential violations is straightforward. Under current Texas statutes, the Office of the Attorney General can initiate removal proceedings against officials who demonstrably violate sanctuary jurisdiction prohibitions. Citizens of Smith County have already begun filing complaints, signaling community concern about these enforcement policies.
What makes Sheriff Smith’s position particularly problematic is his simultaneous participation in the 287(g) Jail Enforcement model administered by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. While claiming compliance with federal programs, his department’s stated policies suggest selective enforcement that could shield illegal immigrants from proper legal scrutiny.
Our movement has consistently argued that immigration enforcement cannot be discretionary. Every level of law enforcement must treat potential immigration violations with the same seriousness as other legal infractions. Sheriff Smith’s approach creates dangerous precedents that potentially compromise public safety and undermine Texas’ sovereignty.
Citizens should recognize that such localized policy decisions represent broader challenges to effective border control. When individual sheriffs create their own immigration enforcement standards, they effectively circumvent state and federal regulations designed to protect Texian communities.
The Texas Nationalist Movement will continue monitoring this situation closely. We stand ready to support any legal actions that reinforce Texas’ right to secure its borders and maintain rigorous immigration enforcement standards. Sheriff Smith’s statements represent more than an isolated policy decision — they reflect a systemic challenge to Texas’ commitment to border security.
As citizens and patriots, we must remain vigilant. The fight for Texas’ security is ongoing, and every local policy decision matters in preserving our state’s integrity and protecting our communities.
