Changes to immigration laws sparked a full protest at the Texas Capitol last weekend. Leaders, nonprofit organizations, and passionate individuals unified in opposition to the current proposed Texas law, ‘Senate Bill 4’.
The Senate Bill 4, commonly referred to as SB4, would make it illegal to cross the Texas border outside of designated entry points. The bill also makes room for judges, local and state police to arrest suspected illegal immigrants and deport them. However, just before this occurred, District Judge David Ezra blocked on appeal, reasoning that SB4 is unconstitutional. CBS Austin reported that the bill has “stimulated and heightened anxiety among immigrant communities with individuals fearing for their safety and contemplating whether to remain in Texas.”
The protesters in Downtown Austin were a visual example of that concern. The uproar of deep-rooted concerns was heard through passionate chants and heart-felt speeches. There were grand displays of visual and performing artists. There were multiple notable organizations and leaders in attendance at the protest, including Senior Campaign Strategist of the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, Caroline Canizales, Executive Director for Border Network for Human Rights, Fernando Garcia, and ACLU Border and Immigrants’ Rights strategist, Sarah Cruz.
The only slither of empathy found in the SB4 is the clause excluding churches, elementary & middle schools, healthcare facilities or survivors of certain assaults. Outside of those exceptions, people who have lived in Texas for generations could be at risk of deportation at the discretion of someone’s assumptions.
In a press release referencing SB4, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton stated, “Texas has a clear right to defend itself from the drug smugglers, human traffickers, cartels and legions of illegal aliens crossing into our state as a consequences of the Biden Administration’s deliberate policy choices.” Paxton’s choice of words was perceived as offensive and demeaning blanket statements with a strong undertone of being racially motivated.
The dialog in favor of SB4’s effect on immigration laws holds racially fueled verbiage that further escalates the racial divide felt amongst local communities.
The Biden administration has been urging the supreme court to block the new law. The Appellate court gave no explanation.
