Texas Border Sheriff Clarifies ICE Incident at Tom Bowles Detention Center
Sources say Maverick County Sheriff Tom Schmerber refused to allow ICE agents to conduct an operation at the Tom Bowles Detention Center, citing legal risks.

Maverick County Sheriff Tom Schmerber has responded to reports that his office blocked Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from conducting an operation at the Tom Bowles Detention Center. The sheriff clarified that his department has cooperated with ICE but requested written assurance that the federal government would assume liability for any legal action resulting from the operation.
Sheriff Requests Legal Protection for Maverick County
Schmerber explained that his decision was based on the legal risks associated with detaining undocumented immigrants, many of whom have attorneys ready to file lawsuits. He emphasized that his primary concern was protecting Maverick County from potential litigation that could arise from enforcement actions at the detention center. Rather than refusing ICE operations outright, he sought formal documentation ensuring that the county would not bear the financial burden of legal challenges stemming from federal enforcement actions.
ICE Operations and Sheriff’s Office Policy
The sheriff also made it clear that while his office will cooperate with federal immigration authorities within its jurisdiction, it will not participate in door-to-door raids targeting undocumented individuals. This aligns with past statements from Schmerber, who has maintained that his department’s focus remains on public safety rather than immigration enforcement.
The clarification comes amid ongoing tensions between local law enforcement and federal immigration policies under President Donald Trump. Trump’s administration has ramped up deportation efforts and emphasized that state and local agencies must support federal enforcement actions. However, some local officials, including Schmerber, are taking a cautious approach to avoid legal repercussions for their counties.
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Updated- 12:30 PM 01/30/2025