AUSTIN, Texas — The fate of a controversial Texas immigration law is now in a judge’s hands.
On Thursday, a federal judge heard arguments calling for a preliminary injunction to stop Senate Bill 4, which is a measure that would give Texas law enforcement the ability to arrest anyone suspected of entering the country illegally and escort them to the border.
Senate Bill 4 is slated to become law on March 5, but a group of opponents who gathered at the capital Thursday said it won't happen without a fight. They are hoping the results of a preliminary injunction will be its biggest defense.
"We’re hoping the Texans far and wide begin to understand what is at stake," said Jennefer Canales-Pelaez, with the Immigrant Legal Resource Center.
After Gov. Abbot signed the bill, the ACLU filed a lawsuit on behalf of opponents, claiming the bill is unconstitutional because it oversteps the federal government’s authority and adding that Black and brown Texans will be more vulnerable to racial profiling.
"The fear cultivated by SB4 will be felt among immigrant communities across the state," said Elyse McMahon with Las Americas.
Supporters say it's what Texas needs to protect the border and have previously argued the law would primarily impact cities along the border.
The United States District Court for the Western District of Texas in Austin is expected to issue a decision on the injunction as soon as possible.
KHOU contacted the bill's sponsor and multiple co-sponsors, and we are waiting to hear back, but we’ve previously reported that some supporters call the bill one of the strongest stands that any state has taken to protect its citizens and its sovereignty.