A new law that gives local law enforcement in Texas the authority to arrest migrants “violates the US Constitution,” the Department of Justice said in a letter to Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday, threatening to sue unless Abbott backs down from enforcing it.

The letter, obtained by CNN, marks the latest escalation between President Joe Biden and Abbott over the handling of the US-Mexico border.

Earlier this month, Abbott, a Republican, signed into law the measure, known as Senate Bill 4, which gives local law enforcement the power to arrest migrants and gives judges the ability to issue orders to remove people from the United States. The White House slammed the law, calling it “incredibly extreme.” It’s expected to take effect in March.

  • Boddhisatva@lemmy.world
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    2 years ago

    Sure does. The Federal government decides who gets to enter the country. Anyone who is allowed into the country is allowed to travel to any state. Therefore, if the fed says these people can enter the country to request asylum or whatever, no state can just arrest them.

  • Melllvar@startrek.website
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    2 years ago

    Even if they actually support this sort of thing, don’t Texan voters realize they’re being manipulated?

    • nxdefiant@startrek.website
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      2 years ago

      Practically noone in Texas votes. That’s probably the biggest problem, followed closely by conservatives make it as difficult as possible for city populations to vote

    • LifeInMultipleChoice@lemmy.world
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      2 years ago

      Yeah, we need go start creating some form of penalties for officals signing unconstitutional bills. Maybe 10% of your salary and a strike on your record. 3 strikes and you are barred from office for the misuse of federal/state funds/time.

      Florida and Texas are rife with this shit.

  • PatFusty@lemm.ee
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    2 years ago

    This is going to encourage Abbott to send more immigrant convoys to DC in busses.