Texas Taking Bold Steps to Detain Unauthorized Immigrants, Shaking Federal Government

Texas has implemented a new law that criminalizes border crossings and carries prison sentences, making it one of the most stringent immigration laws enacted by a US state. Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, believes the law will help curb the influx of illegal entries into Texas. However, critics argue that it will lead to racial profiling. This law comes at a time when there is increasing concern over President Joe Biden's handling of the border and a surge in illegal migration. Controversially, US courts have previously stated that only the federal government can enforce immigration laws. Currently, crossing the border illegally is considered a federal offense, but it is handled as a civil case in the immigration court system. The law, known as SB4, is scheduled to take effect in March after being passed by Texas' Republican-led legislature in November. It grants local and state police officers the authority to stop and arrest individuals suspected of crossing the border illegally, except in schools and hospitals. Penalties for violations range from minor offenses to felonies that could result in imprisonment or fines of up to $2,000. In some cases, judges can order those arrested to be returned to Mexico, although it remains uncertain how Texas intends to enforce this provision. Migrants' penalties for illegal re-entry could reach 20 years imprisonment, depending on their immigration and criminal records. Despite Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick advertising the law as a way to ensure safety and strengthen border security, SB4 is expected to face legal challenges from immigration advocates. Democratic lawmakers and the Mexican government have also criticized the law. The American Civil Liberties Union has expressed concerns about racial profiling and the detention of both US citizens and immigrants resulting from legislation like SB4. The White House spokesperson emphasized that determining how and when to remove noncitizens for immigration law violations is predominantly the responsibility of the federal government, not individual states. The justice department, responsible for taking legal action against Texas, if necessary, has not provided a comment on the matter. Border and immigration issues have become a political predicament for President Biden, especially since a record-breaking 2.4 million encounters with migrants were registered at the border during the fiscal year that ended in September. Republican lawmakers have attempted to leverage US military aid to Ukraine in exchange for policies to combat illegal immigration.