FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Kristen McDougal, Director of Communication & Outreach  

Kristen.McDougal@theacru.org   

Kinney County Sheriff Honored with Defender Award for Outstanding  Commitment to Upholding the Rule of Law and Protecting Citizens   

The American Constitutional Rights Union (ACRU) has recognized Sheriff Brad Coe, Kinney County, Texas, as the recipient of ACRU’s prestigious Defender Award. This honor is awarded to law enforcement leaders who honor their constitutional oath to protect and to serve by working cooperatively with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to protect legal, law-abiding citizens from criminal illegal aliens.  

ACRU Executive Director Lt. Col. Allen West presented the award to Sheriff Coe on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at the Kinney County Courthouse. Kinney County Sheriff’s Office participates in the Jail Enforcement Model and Operation Lone Star. 

According to ICE: “The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 added Section 287(g) to the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) — authorizing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to delegate to state and local law enforcement officers the authority to perform specified immigration officer functions under the agency’s direction and oversight…The 287(g) Program enhances the safety and security of our nation’s communities by allowing ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) to partner with state and local law enforcement.”  

“Sheriff Coe exemplifies what it means to be a true defender of the law,” said Col. Allen West, Executive Director of ACRU. “This award acknowledges his leadership and dedication to preserving American citizens’ rights to safety and security through their partnership with the 287(g) program. All law enforcement agencies should take note and follow his lead to fully embrace the authorization afforded to designated officers through these models. Well done.”  

For more information about the Defender Initiative and the American Constitutional Rights Union, visit theacru.org/defenders.  

Questions: Direct questions to Kristen McDougal, Kristen.McDougal