Justice Department Sues Texas Over SB4: New Law Makes Illegal Border Entry a State Crime

The Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against the state of Texas over Senate Bill 4 (SB4), a new law that criminalizes illegal border entry as a state offense. This move has sparked a heated debate between supporters of tougher immigration policies and advocates for immigrant rights.

Background on SB4

Signed into law by Texas Governor in December 2023, SB4 aims to crack down on illegal immigration by empowering local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws. Under this law, police officers are required to inquire about the immigration status of anyone they detain or arrest, even for minor offenses like traffic violations. Failure to comply with the law can result in penalties and even removal from office for law enforcement officials.

The law also prohibits local jurisdictions from adopting policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. This means that cities and counties are prohibited from implementing sanctuary policies, which protect undocumented immigrants from deportation by limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement agencies.

The Justice Department’s Lawsuit

The Justice Department, under the Biden administration, argues that SB4 is unconstitutional and violates federal immigration laws. The lawsuit alleges that the law encroaches on the federal government’s exclusive authority to regulate immigration and undermines the federal government’s enforcement priorities.

In a statement, Attorney General Merrick Garland said, “Texas has exceeded its authority by enacting SB4, which not only interferes with the federal government’s immigration enforcement efforts but also imposes an undue burden on local law enforcement agencies.”

The lawsuit seeks to block the implementation of SB4 and have it declared unconstitutional. If successful, it would prevent Texas from enforcing the law and could set a precedent for other states with similar immigration policies.

Supporters and Critics of SB4

Supporters of SB4 argue that the law is necessary to protect the safety and security of Texans. They believe that local law enforcement should assist federal authorities in enforcing immigration laws and that the law will help deter illegal immigration.

On the other hand, critics argue that SB4 will lead to racial profiling and erode trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement. They argue that the law will discourage undocumented immigrants from reporting crimes or cooperating with law enforcement, making communities less safe overall.

Implications and Future Outlook

The outcome of the Justice Department’s lawsuit against Texas could have far-reaching implications for immigration policy in the United States. The case will likely be closely watched by other states with similar laws, as it could determine the extent to which states can enforce their own immigration policies.

Meanwhile, the debate over immigration policy continues to be a divisive issue in the United States. The Biden administration has called for comprehensive immigration reform, but achieving consensus on this contentious issue remains a challenge.

As the legal battle unfolds, the fate of SB4 and its impact on immigration enforcement in Texas hangs in the balance. Both sides will eagerly await the court’s decision, which will shape the future of immigration policy and enforcement in the Lone Star State and potentially beyond.

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BREAKING: The Justice Department sues Texas over SB4, a new law that makes illegal border entry a state crime. https://t.co/IBCTtnyk5V

— CBS News (@CBSNews) January 3, 2024

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@CBSNews said BREAKING: The Justice Department sues Texas over SB4, a new law that makes illegal border entry a state crime. cbsn.ws/3TQSOc3

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