Sheriffs from across Texas gather in El Paso for conference
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Sheriffs from across Texas and the nation have gathered in El Paso for the annual spring conference of the Texas Border Sheriff’s Coalition.
This conference gives the opportunity for sheriffs across different counties to discuss current issues and network with other counties and agencies across the state.
ABC-7 was invited to attend the event. Watch ABC-7 tonight for more coverage.
Clint McDonald, executive director for the Texas and Southwestern Border Sheriff's Coalition, says the controversial Texas immigration law, SB4, is a topic many sheriffs across the southern border have discussed as it's of great importance to them.
“Anytime a new law is put into place, especially a sheriff who is in control of a jail, they ask. What impact is that going to have on your jail? What impact is that going to have on your prosecution budget? You know, how many attorneys are you going to have to hire for the people that are locked up in your jail? So the unfunded mandates that go along with new laws is always a concern," said McDonald.
McDonald also says many counties across the southern border have also experienced jail capacity issues that could potentially become more problematic if SB4 is upheld.
“We have counties on the border that don't even have a jail or have an eight bed jail. So those counties are scrambling, trying to make sure that they can find jail space if they need it," said McDonald.
