Texas Border sheriff agrees to work with state to prosecute migrants due to surging crime

After months of holding out, a Texas border sheriff has joined neighboring counties and agreed to work with the state on illegal immigration in exchange for aid money and relief for overcrowded county jails.

Maverick County Sheriff Tom Schmerber signed the agreement to refer noncitizens on state trespassing charges in response to rising crime in his community. 

“What kind of pushed me ... really was because there were more things that were happening," said Scherber of migrant trespassers. “I didn't see migrants coming in and just moving on. I saw immigrants get into houses, breaking in, damaging, taking things. I started getting calls from ranchers about all the damage they were doing — calls from neighborhoods close to the city about breaking in, taking things.”

The agreement with Maverick County allows Schmerber to turn over those who trespass on private property after they enter the United States from Mexico. Any arrested trespassers will now be prosecuted by the county attorney on the state charge of criminal trespassing, a misdemeanor.

This is a local method of handling illegal border crossers, as county and state officials cannot charge someone on federal immigration charges. Schmerber also hopes this tougher approach will serve as a deterrent for any would-be-criminals.

In return, Maverick County will receive $1.6 million from the state capital to be used on further securing the county’s border with Mexico. Schmerber plans to use the funds for recruitment, vehicles and new equipment.

It also relieves Maverick County’s limited jail space, already restricted by COVID guidelines. Detainees will now be transported to Val Verde County, which hosts an outdoor processing facility.

Illegal migration surged following the election of President Joe Biden. At least 259,000 people illegally attempted to cross the border in the Del Rio region this fiscal year, which includes Maverick County, compared to 40,000 the year before. Texas has responded by deploying 10,000 state troopers and National Guard troops to the border since March to help the border patrol.

The other counties that have signed agreements to prosecute trespassers are Brewster, Brooks, Chambers, Edwards, Kimble, Presidio, Terrell and Val Verde.