Texas Border Sheriff’s Defiance of Trump’s Immigration Policies Could Lead to Federal Consequences

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Maverick County Sheriff Rejects Federal Immigration Enforcement

Maverick County Sheriff Tom Schmerber’s decision to reject federal immigration enforcement has drawn legal concerns following a new memorandum issued by the Acting Deputy Attorney General on January 21, 2025. The directive reinforces that state and local law enforcement must comply with federal immigration policies, warning that failure to do so may lead to legal action or prosecution.

Schmerber recently stated that his department would not assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement in enforcing Trump’s latest border security measures.

“We are not going to be looking for undocumented individuals; we are not Immigration,” Schmerber said in an interview with La Rancherita Del Aire. His refusal to engage in federal immigration enforcement now places him in potential conflict with new Department of Justice mandates.

READ ORIGINAL STORY HERE: Texas Border Sheriff Rejects Trump’s Immigration Measures

Federal Memorandum Emphasizes Immigration Compliance

The Department of Justice memorandum, distributed to U.S. Attorneys and federal law enforcement agencies, establishes a zero-tolerance policy toward illegal immigration. The directive clarifies that federal law supersedes state and local policies, ensuring that all law enforcement agencies assist in immigration enforcement.

The DOJ memo cites specific federal statutes, including:

  • 18 U.S.C. § 371 (conspiracy)
  • 18 U.S.C. § 1324 (harboring illegal aliens)
  • 18 U.S.C. § 1373 (prohibiting local restrictions on federal immigration cooperation)

The directive orders U.S. Attorneys to track, investigate, and report non-compliant officials. The Justice Department has also emphasized that obstruction of federal immigration efforts will not be tolerated.

Could Sheriff Schmerber Face Federal Scrutiny?

Sheriff Schmerber’s public rejection of federal immigration enforcement places him at odds with the Trump administration’s border security policies. The DOJ memorandum directly warns that local law enforcement leaders refusing to comply with federal immigration mandates could face legal consequences.

Federal officials have previously taken legal action against state and local leaders who resisted immigration enforcement policies. The DOJ directive suggests that similar action could be taken against Schmerber, especially if his office obstructs federal immigration enforcement or refuses to coordinate with ICE.

Trump Administration’s Tougher Immigration Policies

Trump’s new immigration orders mark a significant shift in federal border security enforcement. Among the most notable changes:

  • Mass deportation operations targeting undocumented individuals
  • Elimination of the CBP One application, which allowed migrants to schedule asylum interviews
  • Mandatory cooperation between federal and local law enforcement on immigration enforcement

The DOJ directive ensures that local agencies play an active role in enforcing federal immigration policies.

The Maverick Take

The Sheriff’s stance raises serious questions about whether law enforcement leaders should have the discretion to ignore federal mandates.

Trump’s policies are designed to strengthen border security by ensuring that all levels of law enforcement contribute to immigration enforcement. Refusing to cooperate not only weakens these efforts but also places local law enforcement agencies at risk of legal action.

Federal immigration laws exist to maintain national security and protect communities from unlawful entry. Local officials choosing to ignore these laws create gaps in enforcement, potentially enabling criminal activity linked to illegal crossings. The Department of Justice is making it clear that such defiance will not go unnoticed.

Schmerber’s decision to separate his department from federal immigration efforts may resonate with some local officials, but legal consequences could soon follow. The issue with his stance is that he could cost the Maverick County Sheriff’s Office millions of dollars of grant funding, that Sheriff Schmerber has repeatedly said is needed to protect the county.

One resident mentioned that “The voters should have him removed because at his age he should be enjoying retirement not continue to be in charge of the safety of the county.”

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8 thoughts on “Texas Border Sheriff’s Defiance of Trump’s Immigration Policies Could Lead to Federal Consequences

  1. The federal government of the U.S. cannot directly force county sheriffs to actively enforce immigration laws, as immigration enforcement primarily falls under federal jurisdiction.

    Printz v. United States, 521 U.S. 898 (1997). In this case, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the federal government could not compel state officers to execute federal laws under the commandeering doctrine, which is based on the 10th Amendment.

    The “maverick” sheriff is following the law.

  2. All the cops need to be this way and make ICE do their job and deport everyone except the Native American Indians from this country. We are all here illegally.

  3. Law enforcement is supposed to set a good example for the public. Some leaders think they are privilege to pick which LAW they can pick and choose to enforce. Law enforcement has the duty to protect and serve and follow the LAW. Law enforcement expects the citizens to follow the LAW,Bet you go to prison and pay alot for a good defense… HOLD THE SHERIFF ACCOUNTABLE..

  4. Personal views & opinions of the Sheriff in question do not reflect the views of the 80 million U.S. Citizens who voted for Trump…

    Doesn’t it make his City safer to get wanted & convicted criminals off the street? Why would he not want to make his Citizens safer? It’s his damn job. He should just leave the dept. if he disagrees or be put in jail himself…

    This is both sad & concerning

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