Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a law empowering police to apprehend and deport unlawful border crossers.
Texas Enforces Tough Immigration Measures
Texas Republicans have criticized President Joe Biden for dithering on immigration policies, fueling this move. The state has increased immigration enforcement by bringing over 65,000 asylum applicants to cities and razor-wiring the Rio Grande.
Texas law enforcement can now detain illegal migrants, giving them two options: comply with a judge’s expulsion order or face felony charges upon further arrests. Legal experts say this violates federal immigration law, attracting Mexico’s wrath.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection closed two Texas railroad border crossings before Christmas, hindering trade and prompting immigrant rights groups to ask for faster action by the Biden administration. Thirty former immigration judges from Republican and Democratic administrations have called the law illegal.
READ ALSO: US Closing Remote Arizona Border Crossing, Citing Overwhelming Migrant Arrivals
Texas Immigration Law Sparks Doubts Over Intent and Legal Challenges
It may challenge the 2012 Supreme Court verdict on Arizona’s immigration law, critics say. Governor Abbott’s support of anti-immigrant former President Donald Trump casts doubt on the law’s objective.
Governor Abbott and allies say the measure will focus on border counties and improve border enforcement, despite concerns about racial profiling and family separations. Opponents worry the conservative Supreme Court may reverse its 2012 decision amid escalating tensions. Mexico fiercely opposes the legal deportation of non-Mexicans.
This highlights the complex relationship between federal and state authority in immigration policy and Texas’ assertiveness under Governor Abbott.
READ ALSO: Texas Governor Signs Bill That Lets Police Arrest Migrants Who Enter US Illegally
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