The U.S. Department of Justice says it will sue Texas over a new law that makes illegal entry into Texas from a foreign country between ports of entry a state crime.
Gov. Greg Abbott signed SB 4 into law on Dec. 18, saying its goal is to “stop the tidal wave of illegal entry into Texas.” It creates a new state criminal offense for illegal entry into Texas from a foreign nation. Repeat offenders who illegally reenter Texas can face a prison sentence of up to 20 years, according to the new law.
Although the law is slated to go into effect March 5, it will likely be halted, held up by two lawsuits.