SMITH COUNTY, Texas — The Smith County Precinct 1 Constable's Office announced they will not seek participation in immigration detainment activities in East Texas.

In a post made on social media, Constable Ralph Caraway Jr. said the department will not be joining ICE's 287(g) program. The decision marks a departure from other departments in East Texas who have joined the federal program giving deputy constables the ability to enforce limited immigration authority.

"Our office is committed to serving and protecting every member of this community," Caraway said. "We will continue to enforce the law, investigate crimes, serve civil process, and conduct traffic enforcement consistent with our legal authority and duties. Those responsibilities will not be expanded or exercised for the purpose

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