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

Resident concerns over immigration enforcement and local finances kept the City of Balcones Heights from deciding on its ICE partnership on Monday. The council did not vote on whether to rescind the agreement under the federal 287(g) program. Instead, the matter remains open for future discussion.

A group of advocates gathered outside City Hall on Hillcrest Drive hours before the meeting. Rebecca Flores, who leads the Bexar County Democratic Party’s Immigration Committee, joined Texas Sen. Jose Menendez and dozens of others. They urged city leaders to reconsider the city’s participation in the federal task force model.

Flores argued that the agreement could erode trust in local police, especially among residents who fear questions about their immigration status. She told KSAT that 80% of the people living in Balcones Heights are minority. This demographic detail was central to her argument that the current arrangement harms the community.

Sen. Menendez also pushed for an end to the deal. He suggested the partnership might discourage people from visiting local businesses or reporting crimes. Menendez, whose office is located at Wonderland of the Americas, a city-owned property, stated he may reconsider his lease if the city continues the agreement. He described the arrangement as a mistake that turns law enforcement into immigration officers.

The financial structure of the 287(g) program was another point of contention. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, participating agencies can receive reimbursement for officer salaries, benefits, overtime, equipment, and technology. Adam Castillo, a resident advocate, said he hopes the council weighs community concerns against these monetary benefits. He urged leaders to side with residents rather than the money.

The council’s decision comes after an August call to action from state and federal lawmakers. That appeal named six Bexar County cities, including Balcones Heights, China Grove, Hollywood Park, St. Hedwig, Sandy Oaks, and Von Ormy. As of Monday evening, none of those cities had changed their decision to work with federal immigration authorities.

KSAT attempted to interview the Balcones Heights mayor and other council members during the meeting but was unable to reach them. The city also did not provide a written statement. Requests for response were sent to U.S. Reps. Marc LaHood, Carrie Isaac, and Chip Roy, but their offices had not replied as of Monday night. Other community members spoke during the meeting, echoing the concerns raised by Flores and Menendez.

The city has not set a new date for a final vote. The 287(g) Task Force Model allows trained local officers to perform certain immigration enforcement duties while on routine patrol, under ICE oversight. The program is designed to strengthen cooperation between federal and local law enforcement.