Texas Representatives across the state recently condemned Texas Governor Greg Abbott's (R) signing of SB 4 into law.
"I signed a law yesterday to criminalize illegal entry into Texas & authorize the removal or imprisonment of illegal immigrants crossing our southern border. Texas will continue stepping up until we have a new president who will enforce the law," said Gov. Abbott.
I signed a law yesterday to criminalize illegal entry into Texas & authorize the removal or imprisonment of illegal immigrants crossing our southern border.
Texas will continue stepping up until we have a new president who will enforce the law. pic.twitter.com/2Rc5XJ2P0T
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) December 19, 2023
Texas Representative Sylvia Garcia (D) shared a statement pointing out how harmful the bill was to migrants who enter Texas.
"I strongly condemn @GovAbbott’s discriminatory S.B. 4 law that was signed into law today. This bill harms Texans. It harms our vecinos, our hermanos, and our familias. Read my statement below"
I strongly condemn @GovAbbott’s discriminatory S.B. 4 law that was signed into law today. This bill harms Texans. It harms our vecinos, our hermanos, and our familias.
Read my statement below ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/3ApQo3haTC
— Rep. Sylvia Garcia (@RepSylviaGarcia) December 18, 2023
Texas Representative Veronica Escobar (D) claimed that the governor had ulterior motives for his reason for signing the new, controversial legislation.
"In his continued efforts to rile up his right-wing base, Greg Abbott just signed SB4 into law - the most extreme anti-immigrant state bill in the US. The bill is problematic, dangerous, and downright unconstitutional."
In his continued efforts to rile up his right-wing base, Greg Abbott just signed SB4 into law - the most extreme anti-immigrant state bill in the US.⁰⁰The bill is problematic, dangerous, and downright unconstitutional. https://t.co/NIp0mucA4v
— Rep. Veronica Escobar (@RepEscobar) December 18, 2023
Texas Representative Joaquin Castro (D) likened Gov. Abbott to former president Donald Trump (R) who recently gave a speech at a New Hampshire rally where he shared a rhetoric that has been deemed to be similar to Adolf Hitler's.
"48 hours after Trump accused immigrants of "poisoning the blood of our country," @GovAbbott is signing a dangerous new law targeting immigrants + everyone who looks like them. Texas Dems + @HispanicCaucus members are asking @TheJusticeDept to block this new law. Read our letter:"
.@GovAbbott & the Texas GOP spent months fearmongering about the immigrants living in Colony Ridge.
Their concern should have been with the developers exploiting Latino families trying to achieve the American dream of owning a home.
I'm glad to see @TheJusticeDept investigating. https://t.co/Lgkbn8L3Pu— Joaquin Castro (@JoaquinCastrotx) December 20, 2023
Texas Representative Greg Casar (D) emphasized the financial toll Gov. Abbott's bills have. Furthermore, he pushed for the United States Justice Department to block the measures.
"Greg Abbott just signed #SB3 & #SB4 — a billion dollars for a dangerous border wall & deadly buoys, and a new “Show Me Your Papers” bill — into law. We’re calling on @TheJusticeDept to block these unconstitutional policies before they take effect."
Greg Abbott just signed #SB3 & #SB4 — a billion dollars for a dangerous border wall & deadly buoys, and a new “Show Me Your Papers” bill — into law.
We’re calling on @TheJusticeDept to block these unconstitutional policies before they take effect. https://t.co/c4YMwD5zy7
— Congressman Greg Casar (@RepCasar) December 18, 2023
Critics and legal experts have challenged the legislation for its potential to cause racial profiling. Furthermore, some have questioned if the bill oversteps state powers, as some argue deportations are to be administered by the federal government.
Despite legal obligations to accept Mexican citizens, the Mexican foreign relations department has stated they will not do so. It is worth noting that, under Texas law, non-Mexican citizens would also end up being deported to Mexican ports of entry, as well, which is against Mexico's laws.
