Texas Organizing Project 287(g) Teach In

The Texas Organizing Project Criminal Justice Committee and United We Dream present a teach-in on the 287(g) immigration program that allows County Sheriffs to perform the functions of federal immigration agents (ICE) in the jails and out in the community. This program has allowed “287(g) Officers” to racially profile drivers and pedestrians, illegally search and arrest people – violating their constitutional rights, and conduct “sweeps” in Latino neighborhoods which has ruined the relationship between the law enforcement and Latino communities.

The Harris County Jail spent nearly $50 million in a two-year period to house undocumented immigrants being held at the request of federal authorities – more inmates than any other county jail in Texas. The Federal Government only
reimburses the county about 8 percent of its annual reported costs. Only a few deportees are violent criminals and law enforcement resources are being diverted from protecting communities.

TOP is committed, with community and political entities, to ending the 287(g) program. Please join us to learn more.