Chief Miguel Cruz Cantu, City of Nixon, Honored with Defender Award for Outstanding Commitment to Upholding the Rule of Law and Protecting Citizens

The American Constitutional Rights Union (ACRU) has recognized Chief Miguel Cruz Cantu, City of Nixon, 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 Chief Miguel Cruz Cantu alongside Mayor Ellie Dominquez at Nixon City Hall on Thursday, May 15, 2025. Nixon is the only municipality in the nation to partner with ICE through both 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.”

“Chief Miguel Cruz Cantu 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.”

“I am honored to receive this award on behalf of the Nixon Police Department,” said Chief Cantu. “The department is collectively honored by this recognition. Upholding the security of our city, state and nation remains our highest priority, and we are committed to serving with integrity, vigilance, and dedication.”

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