Republicans Continue to Play Dangerous Games with the Federal Government and Mexico While Lives Are At Stake
For Immediate Release: December 28, 2023
TEXAS – The Department of Justice is threatening legal action against Texas if Governor Greg Abbott implements a new law that empowers Texas police officers to arrest and detain any person on the suspicion that they have crossed the border illegally.
The new law empowers local police forces and judges to oversee federal immigration law, authorizing untrained local judges to order immigrants to return to Mexico. Civil liberties groups have already sued to stop the law from taking effect.
Senator Roland Gutierrez issued a statement in response to Texas’ dangerous border bill:
“Instead of offering up solutions and working with our allies to solve the immigration and labor issues we face, Republicans have decided to go rogue and harass Latinos and people of color at the border. Make no mistake, Abbott is creating a police force that will unlawfully arrest citizens and lawful permanent residents.
“This law is unconstitutional. Republicans have leaned fully into chaos, playing a dangerous game with the federal government and the international community while people’s lives are at risk every day.
“I am asking the Department of Justice to continue investigating Operation Lone Star and to swiftly put an end to the cruelty that this governor has caused at the border so that we can focus on the real solutions.”
###