AUSTIN, Texas — Illegal immigration is once again front and center at the Texas Capitol.
Gov. Greg Abbott called a special session to address legislative priorities for him, which include school choice and border security.
The Texas House is set to meet Wednesday to discuss several bills aimed at addressing border security. It’s a priority for the Republican governor but some Democrats are concerned about the potential impact of these bills.
These include Senate Bill 4, which would increase the minimum sentence from two to 10 years for smuggling immigrants or operating a stash house. That bill has received bipartisan support as it’s moved through the legislature.
There’s also House Bill 6, which would approve one and a half billion dollars to continue building barriers along the Texas-Mexico border.
Then there’s House Bill 4. That has drawn the most scrutiny among Democrats. The bill would make unauthorized entry into Texas a state crime and allow local and state law enforcement to arrest violators and order them back to Mexico.
Earlier this month, Abbott highlighted his administration’s efforts to address the issues surrounding the border.
“Texas has taken measures that no state has ever taken in the history of the United States to try to do something to secure our border,” Abbott said.
However, Democrats, including Congressman Joaquin Castro, said bills like HB 4 could lead to racial profiling and complicated situations that are normally handled by the federal government.
“If we were asked by a law enforcement officer right now, 'I want you right now on the spot to prove that you're an American citizen,' I don't have my social security card with me. I don't have my passport with me. And so this really is going to create a dangerous situation for the people of Texas.” Castro said.
There are still steps before this bill reaches the governor’s desk for his approval and opponents already said legal challenges can be expected if it becomes law.