WEBB COUNTY Tex. (KGNS )- A controversial act in Texas that provides state and local law enforcement agencies the authority to arrest people suspected of being in the country improperly remains in lawful limbo as it awaits decision in federal court.
Senate Bill 4, which has yet to take effect, is the subject of ongoing legal wars, with its destiny hanging in the balance. While views on SB 4 are divided, some believe it may offer relief to people across Texas, while another oppose it.
Webb County Republican Chair, Luis De La Garza, voiced support for SB4, stating,” SB4 is a great act put forward by the Texas parliament and it’s to assist and defend the people and to protect the people from this war that we are currently having and what its coming in best today”. De La Garza attributed the recent border crisis to the laws of the Biden administration and emphasized Texas ‘ part in implementing procedures to address the situation.
Senate Bill 4 not only provides local and state law enforcement the authority to arrest people deemed to be in the country improperly but also mandates that position courts order convicted workers to be returned to Mexico. Local law enforcement would be responsible for transporting migrants to the border, with charges potentially dropped if migrants agree to voluntary return.
However, Ilse Hernandez, representing the Immigrant Legal Resource Center in Laredo, raised objections to SB 4, citing constitutional concerns and potential repercussions for immigrant families. Hernandez expressed uncertainty about the consequences of the law, stating,” There is a concern with families, mixed- status families, and even families that have documentation because we are uncertain of the consequences of this law. We know that it’s unconstitutional. Immigration is a federal matter”. Hernandez underscores the importance of addressing other pressing issues, such as water and infrastructure, rather than prioritizing SB4.
Meanwhile, Alan Lizarraga, from the Border Network for Human Rights in El Paso, emphasized the importance of informing communities about their rights in light of SB 4. Lizarraga stated,” El Paso has been a welcoming community for decades. We have welcomed those who need a better life and those who need better opportunities and we are going to continue to host community forums, and workshops, to let the community know what SB 4 is, what constitutional rights we have to protect us from, and if it comes from enforcement”.
While some organizations have filed lawsuits against SB 4, others continue to advocate for it in the hopes of providing a sense of security across the border. However, Mexico has warned that the law could lead to discrimination against Mexican and Latino communities and strain relations between the United States and Mexico.
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