FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kristen McDougal, Director of Communication & Outreach  

Kristen.McDougal@theacru.org   

Sutton 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 DuWayne Castro, Sutton 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 Castro on Friday, June 13, 2025. Sutton County Sheriff’s Office participates in the Task Force Model and the Warrant Service Officer Model.  

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 Castro 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.”  

“This award is a reflection of the hard work put in by the deputies, jailers and dispatchers of the Sutton County Sheriff’s Office,” said Sheriff Castro. “It is also a display of our mission to preserve the safety and security of not only our local community, but of the citizens of the State of Texas and of our great Nation. I would like to thank each Deputy, Jailer and Dispatcher for their commitment in upholding our mission. Your sacrifices have not gone unnoticed.”  

“I would also like to thank our local, State and Federal partners who have been at our side during these sometimes-chaotic times. And of course, none of this would be possible without the support of the citizens of Sutton County. Thank you, Co. West and the American Constitutional Rights Union.”  

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