Sheriff Josh Teitge has issued a statement to address rumors circulating today concerning Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents entering Bandera Independent School District (BISD) schools and removing students. Sheriff Teitge explicitly stated that these reports are false, confirming that no ICE agents were in BISD schools and no students were removed or arrested.

Sheriff Teitge explained that it is common practice for various law enforcement officials (local, county, state, and federal) to conduct periodic security walk-throughs of schools throughout Texas. These walk-throughs are intended to ensure school safety, familiarize officers with building layouts, and provide an increased law enforcement presence.

Today, two local Border Patrol Officers contacted School Resource Officers (SROs) to request a school security walk-through, a practice supported by both school administration and the Bandera County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Teitge clarified a common misconception, emphasizing that Border Patrol is not the same as ICE. While ICE is responsible for enforcing immigration law, Border Patrol’s primary mission is the protection of the United States border and they are not responsible for the removal of illegal aliens.

He also highlighted the crucial role of a Border Patrol Special Response Team in the Uvalde school shooting and affirmed the importance of cooperation between all law enforcement agencies operating in and around Bandera County.

Sheriff Teitge assured the community that he has established working relationships with federal law enforcement partners and guaranteed that ICE is not and will not enter schools to remove children. He stated that ICE’s focus is on illegal aliens committing additional crimes, while the Bandera County Sheriff’s Office remains dedicated to protecting the safety of all citizens and guests of Bandera County.