DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF News) — Following Executive Session Wednesday, Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings said the city will join other cities to challenge the Sanctuary Cities Bill.
Statement from Mayor Mike Rawlings:
The City Council was briefed this afternoon in executive session regarding the lawsuit the State of Texas recently filed against various state governmental entities and officials concerning Senate Bill 4, which is known as the “sanctuary cities” bill. The bill is unconstitutional and would infringe upon the city’s ability to protect public safety. My City Council colleagues and I understand the serious constitutional concerns with SB4. On the advice of the City Attorney’s Office, we will work with other cities throughout the State to challenge this bill in court.
Protesters representing a handful of activist groups, including LULAC and the Workers Defense Project, gathered outside Dallas City Hall this morning, holding “No SB4” signs and chanting “No SB4!” Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings showed up as well, who gave his own comments.
“As we deal with this thorny issue at the national level and at the state level, we have to realize that we’re humans first and foremost,” Rawlings said after other activist groups delayed his comments by loudly chanting, drowning out the mayor’s words.
Scene has been a cluster. Different protesting groups chanting, leaders arguing for podium time, chanting over Mayor's statement of support. pic.twitter.com/dpnboNRJsj
— Scott Sidway (@ScottyWK) June 7, 2017
“We are a stronger city together,” Rawlings added. “A city that needs to be a city of love and acceptance, not of hate. A city that believes in progress, not regression.”
If Dallas ends up suing Texas, they’ll join other major cities in the state, including San Antonio, Austin and El Paso.
The council held an open-mic session for activists who signed up to speak their minds about the new law. Under it, police officers will be allowed to ask people about their immigration status, even at routine traffic stops. Supporters say it will help keep Texas more safe. Opponents, however, say it opens a slippery slope.
“In Dallas Fort Worth, we have a long history of police brutality and stressed community-police relations in low income, working-class, predominantly minority areas,” said Sean Paul Segura. “SB-4 leaves the door wide open for racial profiling, humiliation, and oppression.”
