Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed three immigration-related bills, sparking legal controversy and criticism. Among the laws signed was Senate Bill 4, dubbed the “Show Me Your Papers” law, making it a criminal offense to unlawfully enter Texas from Mexico. The legislation grants state and local law enforcement the authority to arrest individuals suspected of illegal entry and permits judges to order deportation without prosecution. Governor Abbott, in a ceremony at the Texas-Mexico border, attributed a surge in illegal crossings to President Biden’s policy changes, stating that the new laws aim to address the challenge and allocate funds for additional border wall construction. These laws go into effect in March 2024.

Another law signed by Abbott allocates $1.54 billion in state funds for the ongoing construction and maintenance of the Texas-Mexico border wall. Notably, $40 million from this allocation is earmarked for enhanced law enforcement patrols in Colony Ridge, a Houston-area subdivision primarily inhabited by Latino families. This move follows right-wing media portraying the neighborhood as a “crime-ridden, poverty-stricken settlement of illegal aliens.” Additionally, a bill signed by Texas Governor Abbott increases the minimum sentence for smuggling immigrants or operating a “stash house” from two to 10 years in prison.

Critics argue that these measures are unconstitutional and will likely lead to legal disputes with the federal government.

ILBSG continues to monitor ongoing updates that may affect U.S. immigration. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration-related issue, contact us at ILBSG.

Texas immigration U.S. Border