Harris County Taxpayers Foot $1.1 Million Bill for Illegal Aliens' Legal Services

07/22/2025

Harris County Taxpayers Foot $1.1 Million Bill for Illegal Aliens' Legal Services

By | Texas Scorecard | July 21, 2025

Harris County has spent $1,141,056 in taxpayer funds during fiscal year 2025 to provide legal services for illegal aliens in removal proceedings or detention, according to records obtained through a public information request by Texas Scorecard.

This spending covers two programs: the Immigrant Legal Services Fund (ILSF) and Survivor Services in Immigration Law (SSIL).

The ILSF, established in 2020 with an initial $2 million county investment, offers direct representation for illegal aliens detained in Houston-area facilities, as well as for children previously in detention.

The county has spent $877,750 on ILSF thus far this fiscal year.

ILSF partners include BakerRipley, Galveston-Houston Immigrant Representation Project, Justice for All Immigrants, Kids in Need of Defense, Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services, and YMCA International Services.

The SSIL program provides free legal assistance to illegal aliens—adults, children, and families—who are survivors of crimes such as sex trafficking, domestic slavery, and other forms of criminal victimization.

SSIL partners with almost all of the same agencies as ILSF, with the addition of Tahirih Justice Center.

These programs operate under the Harris County Housing & Community Development Department and partner with nonprofits to deliver services. The ILSF website states its goal is to ensure “everyone who needs an attorney gets one: regardless of the strength of their case or the person’s criminal record.”

Services are available to illegal aliens facing deportation, including those with criminal histories.

In fiscal year 2024, Harris County spent $2,071,676 on similar legal services for illegal aliens.

Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones (D) stated in a December 2024 commissioners court meeting that “Harris County is committed to continuing support of the Immigration Legal Services Fund, which funds nonprofits that provide legal and wraparound services to immigrants.”

Republican Commissioner Tom Ramsey has consistently voted against using taxpayer dollars for deportation defense and supports full cooperation with ICE.

Data shows that some Texas law enforcement agencies frequently employ the use of U visas, which protect illegal aliens who are victims of certain crimes from deportation if they cooperate with law enforcement.

NGOs are reportedly funneling alleged victims to law enforcement as a last resort for illegal aliens with no other options to remain in the U.S.

Joseph is a journalist for Texas Scorecard reporting from Houston. With a background in business, Joseph is passionate about covering issues impacting citizens.