Dallas (WBAP/KLIF) Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings says he’s pleased a federal judge has temporarily blocked most of Texas’ tough new “sanctuary cities” law. The law would allow police to inquire about people’s immigration status during routine interactions such as traffic stops.
Opponents call the measure, which sailed through the Republican-controlled Legislature, a “show your papers” law. They sued, and the ruling by U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia in San Antonio keeps it from taking effect Friday, allowing the case time to proceed.
Conservatives say the crackdown on illegal immigration enforces the rule of law.
In a written statement to WBAP/KLIF news, Rawlings said, “The ruling allows our Dallas police officers and local law enforcement officers across the state to focus on their jobs of protecting our neighborhoods. SB4 is an unconstitutional, unfunded mandate that would make our city less safe.” Rawlings goes on to say the city has a long way to go to defeat the misguided legislation, but the people should rest easier knowing the law will not take effect Friday.
Under the law, Texas could fine police and counties that don’t honor federal requests to hold people jailed on nonimmigration offenses longer for possible deportation. It also ensures that police chiefs and sheriffs could face removal from office and criminal charges for not complying with federal “detainer” requests. Dallas is one of a handful of cities to join the lawsuit. The Fort Worth city council voted not to join the lawsuit.
