Immigration

A Win for Border Security: Supreme Court Backs Texas in Landmark Decision

Published

March 19, 2024

In a decisive 6-3 ruling, the Supreme Court has granted Texas the green light to enforce Senate Bill 4 (SB4), a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at curbing illegal immigration. This law empowers local law enforcement to inquire about individuals’ immigration status during routine stops and mandates cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott hailed the decision as a “positive development” on Twitter, stating, “BREAKING: In a 6-3 decision, SCOTUS allows Texas to begin enforcing SB4 that allows the arrest of illegal immigrants. We still have to have hearings in the 5th circuit federal court of appeals. But this is clearly a positive development.”

BREAKING: In a 6-3 decision SCOTUS allows Texas to begin enforcing SB4 that allows the arrest of illegal immigrants.
We still have to have hearings in the 5th circuit federal court of appeals.
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But this is clearly a positive development.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) March 19, 2024

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This ruling comes as Texas takes bold measures to address the surge of migrants, including busing them to Democratic-led cities and implementing floating barriers in the Rio Grande. Critics argue that SB4, often dubbed the “show me your papers” law, will lead to racial profiling and erode trust between communities and law enforcement. However, supporters, including many conservatives, see it as a necessary step to uphold the rule of law and ensure public safety.

The Supreme Court’s decision underscores the principle that immigration enforcement is not solely a federal concern but also a state matter. It affirms the right of states like Texas, which bear the brunt of illegal immigration, to protect their borders and citizens.

As legal battles over SB4 and similar laws continue, this ruling serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between federal authority and state rights in immigration policy. It sends a strong message that laws aimed at curbing illegal immigration will be taken seriously and that states have a legitimate role in addressing this national issue.