Keller Approves ICE Partnership for Immigration Status Screenings

City Council Vote and Partnership Details

• 🗳️ The City of Keller has approved a partnership with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through a unanimous 6-0 vote.
• 🤝 This agreement allows Keller to join the ICE Warrant Service Officer Model Program, making it the first city in Tarrant County to do so.

Citizen Debate and Concerns

• 🗣️ The decision followed passionate debate, with many citizens speaking out against the agreement.
• ⚖️ Concerns were raised about the city's principles of being a "friendly city" and the impact on families with immigration status.
• ❓ Questions were posed about why local enforcement should not remove individuals in the country illegally to ensure community safety.

Scope of the Partnership

• 👮 Keller police officers will be trained and authorized by ICE to conduct immigration status screenings when individuals are arrested.
• 🚫 The partnership will not allow officers to make immigration-related arrests while on patrol or conduct interrogations regarding immigration status.
• 📝 Keller police stated that the program will involve minor adjustments for detention officers, but priorities and philosophies will remain unchanged.
• ✨ Employees are committed to upholding the rule of law and serving the community with respect and empathy.