For too long, local governments have told themselves a comforting lie: that immigration enforcement is someone else’s responsibility. Throughout Texas, city councils wring their hands, county officials shrug, and everyone waits—year after year—for Washington or Austin to finally “fix” a crisis that is hammering our communities, draining our budgets, and stretching our local resources to the breaking point.
For all the remarkable success President Trump is having securing our border and removing criminal aliens, he can’t do it all alone.
Well, Keller is stepping up to the plate. And every other city in Texas should join us in these efforts.
The consequences of illegal immigration show up in our local classrooms, our emergency rooms, and our police departments. The costs of unchecked illegal immigration fall squarely on local taxpayers.
That’s why the Keller City Council just passed a resolution giving scoring preference to contractors and subcontractors who use the federal E-Verify system. It’s a simple concept: if you want to be awarded with a City of Keller contract, show us that you hire legal American workers. Businesses that participate in E-Verify will receive additional points in our contracting process. Those who don’t won’t get the same advantage.
We took this step because Texas workers deserve a level playing field and law-abiding businesses deserve a government that stands behind them. Encouraging E-Verify ensures that your tax dollars support employers who play by the rules and strengthens trust in public contracting.
It’s the kind of common-sense policy every city in our state should adopt, and it was not the first step Keller has taken against illegal immigration.
Earlier this year, Keller became the largest city in Texas, and the first in Tarrant County, to formally partner with ICE through the 287(g) program. This partnership allows trained local officers to identify offenders in our custody who may also be in the country illegally. If the criminals we arrest are identified as having violated federal immigration law, they are flagged so that they cannot return to our streets.
This is another example of common-sense, responsible local governance. It reflects the values Texans expect from their leaders: uphold the rule of law, stand with law enforcement, and put public safety first.
Local communities have a stake in making sure violent criminal offenders are not quietly released back into our neighborhoods. Keller made the decision to stand with ICE. Every city that claims to prioritize safety should do the same.
But too many local governments still cling to the easy excuse that immigration enforcement is “not their job.” That excuse collapses under the weight of reality, and Keller is proving what is possible
When illegal immigration drives up the cost of policing, schooling, and public services, local governments feel the strain first. When criminal offenders slip through the cracks because local leaders refuse to cooperate with ICE, it is our residents who pay the price. When unscrupulous employers hire illegal labor, it is our law-abiding workers who lose opportunities.
Cities cannot continue to pretend they are powerless. We have policy tools at our disposal that, when used decisively, can protect taxpayers, safeguard jobs, and make our communities safer. Local governments can prioritize E-Verify. We can opt into 287(g). We can strengthen accountability in contracting. We can stand firmly with law enforcement and federal partners.
That’s what Keller is doing. I hope other cities in Texas will soon do so as well.
Armin Mizani is a husband, dad, attorney, and Mayor of Keller. American by the Grace of God, Texan by choice. Candidate for Texas House District 98.”
