The Supreme Court has issued a stay against a Texas law that expands police officers’ powers to detain migrants, temporarily putting a halt to its enforcement. The order, signed by Associate Justice Samuel Alito, prevents the law, known as SB 4, from going into effect until at least 5 p.m. on March 12.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) had requested the court to temporarily block the enforcement of the state law and had filed an emergency appeal. Last week, Governor Greg Abbott had vowed to continue fighting to protect the state after a federal judge temporarily blocked the law through a preliminary injunction.
SB 4 grants Texas authorities the authority to arrest anyone they believe has crossed into the U.S. illegally. It was signed into law by Governor Abbott in December. The law has received support from over 40 politicians who endorsed an amicus brief in February.
According to Representative Jodey Arrington, a Republican from Texas, the purpose of the law is to “stop the chaos, secure the border, and protect Texans.” He criticized President Biden for disregarding the laws and failing to provide for a common defense. Arrington accused Biden of surrendering control of the border to terrorist drug cartels.
The Supreme Court’s decision to issue a stay on the Texas law is a significant development in the ongoing debate surrounding immigration policies and border security. It highlights the power struggle between states and the federal government in determining immigration enforcement measures.
The State of Texas has until March 11 to respond to the DOJ’s appeal for emergency action. The outcome of this legal battle will have far-reaching implications for immigration policies and law enforcement practices in Texas and potentially across the country.
Governor Abbott has not yet provided a comment on the Supreme Court’s decision. Fox News Digital reached out to him for further information.
Overall, this case raises important questions about the balance between state and federal authority when it comes to immigration enforcement. The Supreme Court’s temporary stay on the Texas law indicates that there are legal complexities and constitutional considerations at play in determining the scope of police powers and immigration policies. As the legal battle continues, the outcome will have significant implications for the rights and treatment of migrants within the United States.
