According to CNN, the Supreme Court has permitted the state of Texas to enforce an immigration law immediately. This law allows state officials to arrest and detain individuals suspected of entering the country illegally, a measure that has stirred controversy. While legal challenges against the law are ongoing at a federal appeals court, this decision represents a significant victory for Texas in its ongoing dispute with the Biden administration over immigration policy. The court’s order also lifts the indefinite pause that had blocked the law from taking effect. Senate Bill 4, which was signed into law by Republican Governor Greg Abbott in December, classifies entering Texas illegally as a ‘state crime’ and empowers state judges to order the deportation of immigrants. CNN notes that immigration enforcement is generally considered a federal government responsibility.
The law has sparked concerns among immigration advocates regarding heightened racial profiling and the potential for increased detentions and deportation attempts by state authorities in Texas. This is particularly significant as Latinos make up 40% of the state’s population.
The White House has expressed concerns about the Supreme Court ruling, labeling it “harmful and unconstitutional.” The administration also stated that the ruling would make communities in Texas less safe.
“We strongly disagree with the Supreme Court’s decision to allow Texas’ harmful and unconstitutional law to take effect. SB4 will not only endanger communities in Texas but also place a heavy burden on law enforcement and create chaos and confusion at our southern border,” said the White House press secretary.
She accused Republicans of politicizing the border issue and obstructing genuine efforts to secure the border.
SB4 is just another example of Republican officials politicizing the border while obstructing real solutions. We are committed to implementing significant policy changes and allocating resources to secure the border. That’s why we urge Congressional Republicans to pass the bipartisan border security agreement, which represents the toughest and fairest set of border reforms in decades,” the statement concluded.
