Sheriff ends program that leads to deportations

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez is opting out of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's voluntary 287G program.

The decision places Harris County in line with 251 of 254 Texas counties that do not take part in the program.

The program allowed ICE to deputize local law officers to perform certain federal immigration enforcement functions in jails.

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Sheriff Gonzalez's decision will free at least $675,000 in the sheriff's budget.

The process to begin termination of the Harris County Sheriff's Office participation in this voluntary program will begin immediately.