DENTON COUNTY, TX — The Denton County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) will soon have expanded authority to detain individuals suspected of violating U.S. immigration laws following the approval of a new agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Denton County Commissioner’s Court voted Tuesday to expand its existing 287(g) agreement, allowing the department to implement the Task Force Model, a move that significantly broadens the role of local law enforcement in federal immigration enforcement.

Under the newly approved expansion, selected deputies from the Denton County Sheriff’s Office will receive specialized training from ICE and operate under federal oversight while performing their routine duties. This model allows trained officers to identify, detain, and in some cases arrest individuals they believe are in violation of federal immigration law — even if those individuals are not currently facing local criminal charges.

The county had already entered into a 287(g) agreement earlier this year. In April 2025, the Commissioner’s Court approved the Jail Enforcement Model, which permits the county to initiate removal proceedings against individuals arrested for criminal or pending criminal charges. The newly added Task Force Model goes a step further by extending that authority beyond the jail system and into everyday policing operations.

Sheriff Tracy Murphree explained the difference during the court meeting, emphasizing that the Task Force Model brings federal collaboration directly into the field. “This is the task force model, which is a little bit different,” Murphree said. “Selected officers will be trained by ICE to detain and make arrests, if necessary, and assist ICE to keep our country safer.”

Murphree acknowledged that the decision may be controversial but said he believes the partnership is necessary to ensure law enforcement agencies can effectively uphold the law. He also stressed that the program would be implemented with accountability and oversight, noting that deputies would operate under ICE supervision and follow strict guidelines.

County commissioners expressed their support while also urging responsible use of the expanded authority. Precinct 1 Commissioner Ryan Williams said he appreciated the sheriff’s willingness to move forward despite public criticism. “It isn’t always the thing that people like, but that doesn’t matter,” Williams said. “I appreciate you making sure you stand behind our federal agents and help them uphold the law here in Denton County.”

Precinct 3 Commissioner Bobbie Mitchell echoed that sentiment but emphasized the importance of integrity and restraint. “I know it isn’t popular for ICE to come into our communities, but I’m trusting you to make sure we do it the Denton County way,” she said. “Not to abuse our authority, but to do what’s right for our citizens and uphold the law of the United States of America.”

Murphree responded by assuring the court that the program would be carried out carefully and ethically. “I won’t have it any other way,” he said. “I will make sure it’s done correctly, and if there is ever any question about that, I will step away.”

Ahead of the vote, Murphree also met with Tom Homan, the former ICE director and current federal border enforcement advisor, to discuss the safety of federal officers operating in Denton County. The sheriff said he assured Homan that ICE agents would have full support from local law enforcement while carrying out their duties.

“This is a continued partnership between us and our federal partners,” Murphree said. “It’s what we do — we enforce the law of the land. We look forward to working with our partners and getting those officers trained to keep our county safer and ensure the law is enforced.”

With the agreement now approved, Denton County will begin training selected deputies under the Task Force Model in the coming months, marking a significant shift in how local and federal authorities collaborate on immigration enforcement within the county.


Photo credit (Photo by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement via Getty Images)