HOUSTON, Texas – The US Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against the state of Texas over a new immigration law that restricts the transportation of undocumented immigrants. The department argues that the law interferes with federal immigration enforcement and is unconstitutional.
The law in question, known as Senate Bill 20, was signed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in October 2021 and went into effect on March 1, 2022. It allows law enforcement officers to stop and detain vehicles suspected of transporting undocumented immigrants and imposes penalties on drivers who knowingly transport undocumented individuals.
Critics of the law argue that it could lead to racial profiling and harassment, as officers may now have the authority to target individuals based on their appearance or perceived immigration status. They also say that the law conflicts with federal immigration laws and could hinder cooperation between local law enforcement and federal agencies.
In response to the lawsuit, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton defended the law, stating that it was enacted to protect the safety and security of Texans. He argued that the state has the right to enforce its own immigration policies and that the law is consistent with the US Constitution.
The lawsuit comes amid ongoing debates and legal battles over immigration policies in the United States. The Biden administration has taken steps to reverse some of the immigration restrictions put in place by the previous administration, but has faced challenges and pushback from several states, including Texas.
The Justice Department’s lawsuit seeks to block the enforcement of Senate Bill 20 and declare it invalid. It argues that the law interferes with the federal government’s exclusive authority to regulate immigration and violates the Supremacy Clause of the US Constitution.
The outcome of the lawsuit could have significant implications for immigration policies in Texas and potentially impact the ability of other states to enact similar laws. As the legal battle unfolds, advocates on both sides of the issue will likely continue to voice their concerns and fight for their respective positions.
In summary, the US Justice Department has sued Texas over its immigration law, alleging that it interferes with federal immigration enforcement. The lawsuit adds to the ongoing legal battles surrounding immigration policies in the United States. The outcome of the case will have implications not only for Texas but potentially for other states as well.