Texas Senate votes to OK contentious ‘sanctuary cities’ bill
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, speaks as the Texas Senate debates a contentious “sanctuary cities” proposal that would compel local police to enforce federal immigration laws and is on track to be the first piece of legislation passed by either chamber this session, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017, at the Texas Capitol in Austin, Texas.
AUSTIN, Texas >> The Texas Senate has preliminarily approved an anti-“sanctuary cities” bill punishing local governments that don’t cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
It’s the strongest indication yet that the state’s Republicans look to crack down on an issue championed by President Donald Trump.
Tuesday night’s vote after hours of sometimes-emotional debate clears the way for the proposal to sail through the GOP-controlled Texas Legislature in record time. It stalled in previous sessions.
The bill still needs final Senate approval Wednesday, then must clear the state House. But Gov. Greg Abbott has made it an “emergency item” speeding up that process.
The proposal denies state grant money to jurisdictions where police refuse federal requests to surrender immigrants already in custody for possible deportation.
Abbott also has called for removing from office locally elected officials resisting such requests.
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2 responses to “Texas Senate votes to OK contentious ‘sanctuary cities’ bill”
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Wow. I have visited Austin and toured the Capitol. Texas, you have again taken the lead of all States. Mahalo.
The “Texas Border Wars” TV program is very informative. Residents along the US side of the border shouldn’t have to fear for their lives the way they do. “Abbott also has called for removing from office locally elected officials resisting”. Good move. That’s what needs to be done in every state, especially California where the far left is out of control. I find it appalling that elected state government officials refuse to follow federal law and think they’re above it.