The fallout from Texas’ new immigration law continues. Protests within and outside that state border continue. The campaign promises of Gov. Greg Abbott have become a welcome relief for some and a harsh reality for others.
However, a far different response to Gov. Greg Abbott’s Sunday signing of the controversial bill provides another wrinkle, if not an interesting twist. An ominous warning has come from a prominent organization.
However, will those living in and driving through Texas need to take heed?
On May 9, the American Civil Liberties Union took the unprecedented step of issuing a travel advisory for people traveling to Texas because of the state’s new immigration policies.
In a statement, Lorella Praeli, ACLU’s director of immigration policy and campaigns, claims that their goal is to protect both Texas residents and travelers from what they fear will become illegal harassment by law enforcement over their immigration status.
“Texas is a state with deep Mexican roots and home to immigrants from all walks of life. Many of us fit the racial profile that the police in Texas will use to enforce Trump’s draconian deportation force.”
The recently enacted SB 4 prohibits cities from declaring sanctuary status and refusing to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. The new law also allows law enforcement to inquire about immigration status of every person they are detaining.
According to Terri Burke, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, the “Lone Star State,” is now the “Show Me State,” as in “show me your papers.