TEXAS, USA — On Tuesday, March 12, the United States Supreme Court has once again extended its pause on Senate Bill 4, which was set to go into effect today.
Senate Bill 4's enforcement, originally scheduled to start today, has been postponed until Monday, the 18th.
This bill, if passed, would grant state and local law enforcement the authority to arrest individuals they suspect of entering the U.S. illegally.
The contentious legislation has sparked debates nationwide, with concerns over its potential impact on communities, particularly in Central Texas. Parnell McNamara, the McLennan County Sheriff, expressed his commitment to collaborate with other agencies to address illegal immigration and drug trafficking. He emphasized the need to curb the flow of illegal immigrants and drugs into the region.
However, Sarah Cruz of the ACLU of Texas, a key player in delaying the bill's implementation, voiced strong opposition, citing concerns about potential racial profiling. She warned against the detrimental effects the bill could have on individuals' rights and safety within the community.
"It would make everything worse, because it would just allow law enforcement officials to now start detaining and arresting you know, because they suspect that you entered the border between ports of entry."
Parnell McNamara McLennan County Sheriff, on the other hand, talked about the challenges posed by an open border and the need for effective measures to secure the region.
"The borders wide open. Anybody that says the border secure is not telling the truth at all, McNamara said."
As the legal battle continues, both sides are urging residents to know their rights and remain vigilant. Cruz advised individuals to assert their rights during interactions with law enforcement, while McNamara emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the bill's fate until a final decision is made.
"Till it comes down to the final vote and all that we're not really going to know exactly what we'll need to do, McNamara said."