12/19/2023

Under New State Law, Texas to Arrest Migrants Crossing Border Illegally

Greg Abbott, the Republican governor, is expected to sign the bill into law

Greg Abbott, Texas' Republican governor, is expected to sign a law on Monday that will allow state law enforcement to arrest people suspected of crossing the U.S.-Mexico border illegally, giving local officers powers long delegated to the federal government in a move that will likely trigger legal challenges by rights groups.

The law, known as SB 4, will take effect in March 2024 and create a new state crime for illegal entry or re-entry into Texas, with penalties ranging from 180 days in jail to 20 years in prison. Texas magistrate judges will be required to order migrants to return to Mexico, with up to 20-year sentences for those who refuse to comply.

Migrants who cross illegally can already be charged with illegal entry or re-entry under existing U.S. federal law enforced by U.S. border agents and federal prosecutors.

Please select this link to read the complete article from Reuters.