New Texas Law Allowing Police to Arrest Migrants Back on Hold

 

The legality of Texas’s controversial new border security law, S.B. 4, remains in flux after a day of conflicting rulings from appellate courts. While the US Supreme Court initially allowed the law to take effect, reversing a lower court injunction, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals soon reinstated the injunction hours later.

S.B. 4 grants broad authority to state and local law enforcement to apprehend and detain those suspected of illegally crossing the border. The Biden administration and immigrant advocates argue this intrudes on federal sovereignty over immigration policy. Justice Sotomayor warned it could upend the balance of power and sow chaos.

The conflicting rulings show the issue is far from settled. Both sides appear poised for further appeals. If ultimately upheld, S.B. 4 could significantly expand Texas’ role in immigration enforcement over President Biden’s objections. Mexico has also signaled noncompliance. As the legal tug-of-war continues, the fate of the law and its implications for border governance remain highly uncertain.