Balcones Heights City Hall: Council Tables 287(g) Vote

The Balcones Heights City Council did not reach a final decision on Monday regarding the city’s participation in the federal 287(g) immigration enforcement program. The delay in the vote comes after community members gathered outside City Hall on Hillcrest Drive to urge leaders to reconsider the agreement.

Rebecca Flores, who leads the Bexar County Democratic Party’s Immigration Committee, addressed the crowd. She stated that the partnership could erode trust in local police, particularly among residents who fear questioning about their status. Flores noted that 80 percent of the city’s population identifies as minority. She described the current situation as harmful to the community.

Texas Sen. Jose Menendez also spoke at the gathering. He argued that the agreement would discourage people from visiting local businesses or reporting crimes. Menendez, whose office is located at Wonderland of the Americas, a property owned by Balcones Heights, said he might reconsider his lease if the city continues with the deal. He called the arrangement a mistake.

The 287(g) Task Force Model allows trained local officers to perform specific immigration duties under ICE oversight. The program is designed to improve cooperation between federal and local law enforcement. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security offers financial incentives to participating agencies. These include reimbursements for officer salaries, benefits, overtime, equipment, and technology stipends.

Adam Castillo, a resident advocate, said he hopes the council weighs community concerns against the financial benefits. He told the group that he wants the council to side with residents rather than the money. Other community members spoke during the council meeting, echoing the concerns raised by Flores and Menendez.

The city’s participation follows an August call to action from state and federal lawmakers. They urged six Bexar County cities to reconsider their 287(g) agreements. Balcones Heights was named alongside China Grove, Hollywood Park, St. Hedwig, Sandy Oaks, and Von Ormy. As of Monday evening, the decisions of the other five cities remained unchanged.

KSAT attempted to interview the Balcones Heights mayor and other council members during the meeting but was unable to do so. The newsroom also requested a written statement from the city. Responses were sought from U.S. Reps. Marc LaHood, Carrie Isaac, and Chip Roy, who were part of the August appeal. Their offices had not replied as of Monday night.