Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith is under scrutiny for potentially violating Texas’ Sanctuary Jurisdictions law, passed as SB 4 in 2017. During a February 6th immigration panel, Sheriff Smith stated that his department does not check the immigration status of individuals detained for Class C misdemeanors, reserving such checks for offenses classified as Class B misdemeanors or higher.He emphasized that individuals stopped for minor infractions have “nothing to worry about” regarding their immigration status. This policy could be seen as materially limiting the enforcement of immigration laws, which is prohibited under SB 4.
At Texans for Strong Borders, we believe that local and state law enforcement should make every possible effort under the law to ensure that illegal aliens, particularly those who commit crimes, are swiftly identified and put into ICE custody, where they can be processed for deportation.
It should be extremely concerning to citizens that a Republican Sheriff who touts his participation in the 287(g) program would set such policies and make attempts to reassure illegal aliens that they have nothing to worry about unless they commit a serious crime.
Colony Ridge made headlines in 2023 when neighboring communities complained that the development attracted and catered to illegal aliens. Numerous foreign criminals living in the development have been apprehended over the past two years, further damaging the developer’s reputation.
The 60-square mile development north of Houston is the project John and Trey Harris. Scot Campbell, former head of the Texas Land Developers association and owner of a separate owner-financing company, SRC Land, stated that this business model relies on illegal aliens to stay afloat. In emails obtained by the Daily Wire, Campbell admitted, “We will not be able to sell our developments if each of our buyers have to have [social security numbers], and we have to qualify each buyer as to the buyer’s ability to repay.”
Campbell defended himself by stating that the seller-finance industry allows the seller of a property to offer loans directly to buyers without using a bank. However, it is clear that Campbell’s business depends on unqualified foreign buyers, attracting criminals and further compromising Texas’ efforts to stop illegal immigration.
This has been your Strong Borders newsletter. Thank you for your continued support of Texans for Strong Borders. Until next week!