Local Sheriff Advocates for Responsible Immigration Enforcement
Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Wayborn expressed his belief that many immigrants are hardworking individuals pursuing the American dream. However, during a panel discussion on immigration policies, he emphasized the need for local governments to rigorously enforce federal immigration laws.
Illegal Immigration Tied to Criminal Activities
Wayborn articulated that reducing illegal immigration is crucial not only for maintaining border security but also for dismantling criminal enterprises involved in human trafficking and terrorism. He called for law enforcement to act with both urgency and compassion in addressing these complex issues.
Panel Discussion Highlights Concerns Over Current Administration
The sheriff’s remarks were made during a two-hour panel titled “Securing America’s Borders,” organized by For Liberty & Justice, the political division of Fort Worth’s Mercy Culture Church, at the Tarrant County Republican Party headquarters. Other panelists included State Representative Nate Schatzlein, Mercy Culture pastor and founder of For Liberty and Justice, and Pastor Fidel Rostran, who leads Mercy Culture Español.
Critique of Biden Administration’s Immigration Policies
Panelists critiqued the Biden administration, describing its border policies as an “open border system.” In contrast, they praised former President Donald Trump’s administration for its commitment to detaining and deporting illegal immigrants more aggressively.
Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office’s Enforcement Partnerships
Wayborn highlighted the strong collaborative relationships the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office has established with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, suggesting that such cooperation is lacking in larger cities like Los Angeles and Chicago. He maintained that local sheriffs should be empowered to enforce all federal immigration laws.
Current Immigration Enforcement Practices
He clarified that he is not currently considering an expansion of the department’s immigration enforcement efforts beyond its existing partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), initiated in 2017. Under the 287(g) program, deputies at the Tarrant County Jail can verify the immigration status of detainees and hold individuals in ICE custody. Approximately 400 arrestees from 25 countries are held as ICE detainees in the county jail.
Moral Duty Emphasized in Immigration Debate
The panel members underscored that border security is not only a matter of national safety but also a moral obligation. They urged community leaders to take a definitive stance, even if it proves unpopular. Schatzlein warned of a “diabolical attack” on the importance of strong borders, expressing concern that such a shift could result in the continuation of severe crimes in the U.S.
Encouragement to Engage with Local Communities
Throughout the discussion, Schatzlein advised attendees to cultivate close relationships with local elected officials and law enforcement, urging skepticism toward mainstream media. Rostran stressed the importance of proactive dialogue within congregations regarding immigration and border integrity, advocating for spiritual leadership and using their platforms for outreach.
Personal Perspectives on Immigration Reform
Having grown up in a household with undocumented immigrants, Rostran shared her personal experiences, including her father’s deportation shortly before her wedding. She acknowledged the need for reform in the immigration system while emphasizing that maintaining law and order is vital and urging immigrants to pursue legal pathways to citizenship.
Cecilia Lenzen is a government correspondent for The Fort Worth Report. She can be reached at cecilia.lenzen@fortworthreport.org.
