SMITH COUNTY, Texas — The Smith County Commissioners Court voted Tuesday to approve the Precinct 4 Constable’s Office joining ICE’s 287(g) Task Force Model program prompting strong and emotional reactions from residents both for and against the agreement.

The 287(g) program allows trained local law enforcement officers to perform limited federal immigration functions under ICE.

During public comment, supporters argued the partnership could help remove dangerous offenders from the community.

“There are mothers who will never hear their daughter laugh again because someone who should’ve been deported years ago was allowed to stay and prey on our communities,” one resident said.

Others voiced concerns, saying the program creates fear among immigrants and can lead to racial profiling.

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