Council leaves 287(g) vote open after 80% minority figure cited

Balcones Heights, Texas, has not resolved whether to drop its federal immigration partnership.

The City Council skipped a final vote on the matter on Monday, October 26, 2026.

The deferral followed a gathering of advocates and residents outside City Hall on Hillcrest Drive that evening.

Rebecca Flores, head of the Bexar County Democratic Party’s Immigration Committee, led the group.

Texas Sen. Jose Menendez also attended the demonstration.

The protest responds to an August appeal from state and federal lawmakers.

That appeal asked six Bexar County cities to review their 287(g) agreements with ICE.

Balcones Heights, China Grove, Hollywood Park, St. Hedwig, Sandy Oaks, and Von Ormy were named in the request.

Under the 287(g) Task Force Model, local officers perform specific immigration duties during routine police work.

ICE supervises these activities to foster cooperation between federal and local law enforcement.

Flores stated that the agreement risks eroding trust in local police among residents.

She specifically noted fear of immigration status questions during interactions with officers. "This is so harmful to their community," Flores said during an interview. "Eighty percent of the people that live here in Balcones Heights are minority." She also raised concerns about family separation due to immigration detention. Menendez argued that the pact deters people from visiting local businesses or reporting crimes. "I think it’s going to really be a huge deterrent," Menendez said. "I think it’s a mistake. I think they should stop." Menendez’s office is located at Wonderland of the Americas, a property owned by the city. He said he may reconsider his lease if the city maintains the agreement. "I cannot be in a city that allows its law enforcement to become immigration officers," Menendez added. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security offers financial incentives to participating agencies. Eligible entities may receive reimbursement for officer salaries, benefits, and overtime. Equipment and technology stipends are also available based on program requirements. Adam Castillo, a resident advocate, urged the council to prioritize community concerns over funding. "Hopefully the council will listen to us and side with us instead of the money," Castillo said. Additional community members spoke during the council meeting, echoing the sentiment of Flores and Menendez. KSAT attempted to interview the Balcones Heights mayor and other council members on Monday evening but was unable to do so. A written statement request was also sent to the city. The five other Bexar County cities named in the August appeal had not changed their decisions as of Monday evening. KSAT sent response requests to U.S. Reps. Marc LaHood, Carrie Isaac, and Chip Roy before the meeting. Their offices had not replied as of the time of reporting.