AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A Texas immigration crackdown on “sanctuary cities” took effect Tuesday after a federal appeals court upheld a divisive law backed by the Trump administration that threatens elected officials with jail time and allows police officers to ask people during routine stops whether they’re in the U.S. illegally.
The ruling was a blow to Texas’ biggest cities —including Houston, Dallas and San Antonio — that sued last year to prevent enforcement of what opponents said is now the toughest state-level immigration measure on the books in the U.S.
The decision by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans is a victory for the state’s Republican leaders. After the decision was announced Gov. Greg Abbott tweeted, “Texas Ban on Sanctuary City Policies upheld by Federal Court of Appeals. Allegations of discrimination were rejected. Law is in effect.”
The Dallas Morning News reported the court decision allows all but one statute of the law to stand, blocking the section that threatens to discipline or dismiss local officials for “endorsing” sanctuary cities policies. In its decision the court wrote the word “endorse” is too broad and may be used to risk the First Amendment guarantees to free speech.
