The sanctuary cities bill, the show me your papers bill, Senate Bill 4. Whatever you call it, protesters at the San Antonio Federal Courthouse are not happy about it.
On Monday, a federal judge began hearing arguments to decide whether the controversial SB4 will be permitted to take effect on Sept. 1. Judge Orlando Garcia could grant a preliminary injunction to prevent the bill from becoming law, but the suit could go as far as the U.S. Supreme Court. Hundreds of people rallied outside of the courthouse awaiting a possible injunction.
On Tuesday, the El Paso City Council unanimously voted to join a slew of Texas cities in the lawsuit opposing the bill, including Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Houston and several border cities. The City of El Cenizo was the original plaintiff in the suit, which charges that the bill is unconstitutional, violating the right to due process, the guarantee of equal protection of laws and the protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.
The bill allows, but does not require, law enforcement to question the immigration status of a detained person, and it punishes government officials who do not cooperate with immigration officials.
SB4 is reminiscent of Arizona’a SB1070 law that passed in 2010.
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