The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) released a statement regarding reports that Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) plans to sign SB 4 into law. If signed, SB 4 would allow people who enter America unlawfully to be prosecuted.
“We strongly urge Governor Greg Abbott to veto the anti-immigrant bill, SB 4, and to block additional policies that will exacerbate racial profiling in the Lone Star State. From Operation Lone Star to SB 4, Abbott has shown a total disregard for the rule of law and the well-being of his constituents," reads the statement.
The Abbott administration has been trying to combat illegal immigration for some time. However, many of his tactics have been criticized as being inhumane and harsh.
“SB 4 is an unconstitutional usurpation of federal authority over immigration enforcement that will undermine the rights of asylum-seekers and put innocent people at risk of harassment and targeting on the basis of their suspected immigration status.”
Some of the tactics Gov. Abbott has implored include floating marine barriers in the Rio Grande, as well as the use of border walls along the U.S.-Mexico border.
“State law enforcement officers and judges will be asked to enforce immigration law with little training or preparation – raising the likelihood of serious civil rights violations and eroding trust between people of color and local police departments if SB 4 becomes law. There are better methods to address our broken immigration system.”
The signees appealed to President Joe Biden (D) to push against the bill, if Abbott were to sign it.
“If SB 4 is signed into Texas law by Governor Abbott, we strongly urge the Biden administration to challenge the legislation, especially given that there is legal precedent established from Arizona v. United States.”
The statement was signed by several House Democrats including Texas Representatives Sylvia Garcia (D) and Joaquin Castro (D).
In October, Gov. Abbott announced new border wall construction has taken place along the New Mexico border.
In a tweet, the Texas governor discussed why he built the wall.
“Texas installs fencing along NEW Mexico border. Our barriers around El Paso forced the migrants crossing illegally to enter into New Mexico,” said Gov. Abbott.
Abbott stated that he planned to put a stop to the migrants he claimed were illegally crossing the New Mexico border.
“They then entered into El Paso from there. To end that, we are building a barrier on the New Mexico border.”
