“Texas approves law allowing migrant arrests; challenges anticipated by Biden Administration.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott approved legislation allowing law enforcement to arrest migrants entering the state illegally. Signed at the border wall in Brownsville, Texas, the bill, SB 4, targets curbing migrant inflow from Mexico. This legislation, part of a broader effort by Texas lawmakers to reduce illegal migration, institutes unlawful entry as a criminal offense.
Governor Abbott, joined by key officials at the ceremony, aims to strengthen measures against unauthorized entry. Senate Bill 4 criminalizes illegal entry into Texas, imposing potential 20-year prison sentences and enabling orders to return to the country of origin. The law grants civil immunity to officials enforcing these rules.
Similar to federal law, the statute mirrors the U.S. Code 1325, escalating penalties for reentry offenses. The legislation expands consequences for smuggling and related crimes, aligning with Operation Lone Star, deploying state resources to the border.
Under this initiative, migrants may be bussed to inland sanctuary cities. Anticipating legal challenges, this move represents Abbott’s ongoing efforts to tackle immigration issues, previously challenged by the Biden Administration in court. The Governor’s approach faces federal scrutiny, exemplified by a pending case regarding a border barrier in Eagle Pass.
