US Supreme Court Temporarily Blocks Texas Immigration Law

By Priya Walia Writer Profile Picture Priya Walia 03/05/24 AT 2:25 AM EST

The US Supreme Court temporarily blocked a Senate Bill 4 (SB 4), a Texas law that sought to empower state police to arrest and deport migrants crossing illegally into the United States from Mexico.

The law, caught in a legal tussle between the Biden administration and the Republican-led Texas government, is now under the scrutiny of the nation's highest court.

Justice Samuel Alito issued an order on Monday, temporarily halting the law until at least March 13, following an emergency request by the Justice Department, ABC News reported.

Justice Department raised concerns over the law's potential impact on US-Mexico relations and chaos in enforcing federal immigration laws in Texas .

The law, signed by Republican Governor Greg Abbott in December, grants state officers the power to arrest individuals suspected of illegal entry. Those arrested could either agree to leave the country under a Texas judge's order or face misdemeanor charges. Failure to comply could lead to more serious felony charges upon re-arrest.

A coalition of groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, deems SB 4 as a direct challenge to federal immigration authority, stating that it threatens the integrity of the nation's constitution and laws.

Texas has until March 11 to respond to the Supreme Court's decision. The state's Attorney General's Office argues that SB 4 mirrors federal law and addresses the ongoing crisis at the southern border.

https://www.ibtimes.com/us-supreme-court-temporarily-blocks-texas-immigration-law-3726311