Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas It is imperative that all jurisdictions work cooperatively & energetically with federal & state officials to secure our borders" said State Senator Tommy Williams (R-The Woodlands) the author of Senate Bill 11 to end sanctuary cities. Senate Bill 11 would prohibit local governments and officials from adopting a rule order ordinance or policy under which the entity prohibits the enforcement of the laws of this state or federal laws relating to immigrants or immigration ...
Today the
Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute (TCCRI) announced support for legislation that will abolish sanctuary cities penalizing governmental entities for refusing to enforce state or federal laws pertaining to immigration. Legislation prohibiting sanctuary cities was made an emergency item by Governor Rick Perry allowing legislators to fast-track the passage of legislation.
Said Senator Williams Our shared international border with Mexico provides substantial trade and economic opportunities but it also presents unique law enforcement challenges."
Under the Senate Bill 11 those entities that maintain sanctuary policies would lose state grant funds.
Other similar legislation has been filed in the Texas House of Representatives. The various sanctuary city bills follow one of two models:
- Amending existing statute which prohibits entities from adopting policies under which they will not enforce state or federal drug laws; or
- Creating a new subsection of law that specifically prohibits local
governments from actively circumventing state and federal immigration laws.
State Representative Burt Solomons (R-Carrollton) who has filed HB 12 stated: While it is true that immigration policy is primarily a federal responsibility Texas local law enforcement has an obligation to assist with upholding local state and federal laws. It should not be an option to pick and choose what immigration laws are enforceable.
The City of Irving Texas provides a positive example of how local governments can successfully confront illegal immigration. Under Irvings 24/7 Criminal Alien Program" a partnership with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) federal agents screen prisoners to determine their residency status. Since the program started federal agents have processed for deportation almost 6000 illegal immigrants from Irving jails (according to Irving Mayor Herb Gears; July 9 2010; Dallas Morning News).
State Rep. Patricia Harless (R-Spring) who has also filed House Bill 113 on
the issue added: Maintaining public safety in Texas requires that sanctuary city policies be strictly prohibited. Selective enforcement of state and federal laws by local officials exposes residents to the terrible consequences of sanctuary policies including the crime associated with illegal immigration. She added:
As state lawmakers we appreciate that Governor Perry has made public safety and law enforcement a priority for the 82nd Texas Legislature allowing us to act fast to prohibit sanctuary cities.
State Representative Gary Elkins (R-Houston) who has filed House Bill 838 concluded:
However costly and burdensome it may be there is a legal process to enter the United States and we warmly welcome those who come here legally. As long as immigrants enter the U.S. and Texas illegally it remains necessary to take prudent steps to enforce the law and ensure public safety in Texas.
