Sheriff Joseph “Guy” Baker, Jim Wells County, 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 Joseph “Guy” Baker, Jim Wells County, 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 Baker at the Jim Wells County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday, May 15, 2025.
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 Baker was sworn into office on January 1, 2025, and is a partner with ICE through all three models of the 287(g) Program. Sheriff Baker has dedicated his entire adult life to law enforcement with experience in multiple departments, including the Federal Bureau of Prisons, United States Border Patrol, and Homeland Security Investigations.
“Sheriff Baker 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 symbol of the values we strive to uphold: integrity, courage, and unwavering commitment to justice”, said Sheriff Baker. “But more than anything, it is a reminder that true defense of our communities begins with responsibility—responsibility to protect, to lead, and to never forget why we wear the badge.”
