ACLU of Texas Comment on Senate Concurrence Vote of SB4

AUSTIN — Last night, the Texas Senate voted to confirm the House’s amended version of Senate Bill 4 (SB4), the bill that would turn Texas into a “show me your papers” state, ban “sanctuary cities” policies and require local law enforcement to serve as federal immigration agents. The bill now heads to Gov. Greg Abbott, who is expected to sign it.

“A state that prides itself on its commitment to individual freedom is about to become a ‘show me your papers’ state,” said Terri Burke, executive director of the ACLU of Texas. “A state that prides itself on its commitment to democracy is about to threaten local officials with removal from office if they don’t bend to Trump’s harsh immigration policies. A state that prides itself on its hospitality is about to treat immigrants — people who enrich our lives every day in so many ways, both culturally and economically — like strangers, like people to be feared. This bitter piece of legislation is not only worse than Arizona’s law on which it was modeled; it is inhumane, undemocratic and un-Texan.”