Staff Reports
In a major setback for Texas and the fight against illegal immigration, the Supreme Court has stepped in to halt Gov. Greg Abbott’s efforts to empower non-federal police to arrest illegal immigrants. The law, known as S.B. 4, which was set to take effect this month, faced opposition from the Justice Department and civil rights organizations, who raised concerns about potential racial profiling and constitutional violations.
But just when everything seemed to be going Texas’ way, the highest court in the land slammed the brakes on their plans. The Supreme Court’s order has put Texas’ law on ice for now, with the justices set to make a final decision by March 13. This blow comes after an appeals court had previously given the green light for the law to move forward, making this turn of events all the more frustrating for conservative supporters.
Supreme Court temporarily blocks Texas from arresting illegal immigrants on state charges – Washington Examiner https://t.co/C7HOlWQvEP
— Cassis (@cassisnouveau) March 5, 2024
S.B. 4, which was passed during a special legislative session last year, aimed to crack down on illegal immigration by introducing harsh penalties, including misdemeanor charges for illegal border crossings and second-degree felony charges for repeat offenders. The law also granted non-federal judges the authority to decide on the deportation of illegal immigrants, a power previously reserved for immigration judges at the Department of Justice.
Not only does this setback thwart Texas’ efforts to combat illegal immigration, but it also sends a signal to smugglers and illegal immigrants that the Lone Star State means business. Experts, like Simon Hankinson of the Heritage Foundation, believe that Texas’ tough stance could redirect the flow of immigrants and smugglers toward other states with more relaxed enforcement policies.
This ruling is a clear win for those who oppose strong measures to address illegal immigration, and it’s a hard pill to swallow for conservatives who are eager to see Texas take the lead in protecting its borders. As the legal battle rages on, the fate of Texas’ S.B. 4 hangs in the balance, leaving many to wonder what the future holds for the state’s efforts to tackle its immigration challenges.
