Texas Senate Bill 4, also known as SB4, has been a controversial topic in the state of Texas. The law, signed into effect by Governor Greg Abbott in December, aims to crack down on illegal border crossings by giving local law enforcement the authority to make arrests and judges the power to return migrants to Mexico if convicted. However, the law has faced significant backlash and is now the subject of several federal lawsuits.
As the deadline looms for the U.S. Supreme Court to make a decision on SB4, the fate of the law hangs in the balance. The Supreme Court has the power to place a hold on the law, effectively halting its implementation. The court had previously issued a temporary hold on SB4 in March as justices considered its constitutionality, and that hold was extended through Monday.
If no further action is taken, SB4 is set to go into effect at 4 p.m. on Monday. This has raised concerns among opponents of the law, who argue that it could lead to increased racial profiling and discrimination against immigrants. The Sheriff of Webb County, located along the border at Laredo, expressed concerns about the law in a recent interview with CBS News, stating that his department had not yet received any new resources or training to enforce SB4.
The outcome of the Supreme Court’s decision on SB4 will have far-reaching implications for immigration enforcement in Texas. As the state continues to grapple with the influx of migrants crossing the Rio Grande, the implementation of SB4 could have a significant impact on how law enforcement handles immigration cases. Ultimately, it will be up to the Supreme Court to determine whether SB4 will be allowed to go into effect or whether it will face further legal challenges.