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Enhancing Border Security

Kay Bailey Hutchison has worked to maintain the integrity of the U.S. border throughout her entire career in the United States Senate.  As Governor, she will continue to champion border security measures that curb drug and human trafficking, gang activity, and the threat of terrorists crossing our borders.

Kay Bailey Hutchison’s Plan For Border Security:

Expand Texas Law Enforcement Participation In The 287(g) Program.  Since its passage, no Texas state agencies have negotiated 287(g) agreements with the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE).  By contrast, ten other states have negotiated agreements.

  • Hutchison will require Department of Public Safety to enter into a 287(g) partnership with ICE to receive specialized training and delegated authority for illegal immigration enforcement within their jurisdiction, including human smuggling and other serious crimes.

Allow Retired Law Enforcement And Military Officers To Assist Local Government Border Enforcement Efforts.  As Governor, Hutchison will call for the creation of a new Volunteer Border Force to supplement existing border security operations, including assisting personnel at existing crossing locations and surveillance in the more desolate areas of the border, while preserving the rights of local landowners.

Change The Law To Allow Law Enforcement Officers To Keep Their Insurance Coverage When They Cross County Lines While Working On Border Security. State and local law enforcement should have the ability to coordinate across jurisdictional lines, such as interagency tasks forces, and originate law enforcement activities in multiple counties without jeopardizing their liability insurance coverage.

Verify Employment Eligibility.  Hutchison believes state policy should require employment eligibility verification of new state employees through the Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system. The internet-based E-Verify tool allows employers to compare prospective employee information against more than 500 million records in federal databases, with results returned in seconds. 

No “Sanctuary Cities.”  Federal law prohibits the adoption of explicit “sanctuary” policies by state or local government.  Nevertheless, some municipalities have lax policy in this area – such as embracing a “don’t ask” policy regarding immigration status when someone is arrested for a crime or when being considered for employment.  Kay Bailey Hutchison believes that local governmental entities should take full advantage of border security tools at their disposal, and will work with the legislature and local leaders to ensure that obligation is met.