Governor Greg Abbott Signs New Bill Banning Sanctuary Cities In Texas

Texas GOP Governor Greg Abbott has signed into law a new bill to effectively ban sanctuary cities in the Lone Star State. The new law puts tough penalties in place for municipalities and officials that refuse to comply with federal immigration authorities, allowing law enforcement to prevent criminal illegal alien activity with greater ease. As this legislation shows, Governor Abbott is focused on keeping Texans safe.

The Washington Times reports:

“Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed the country’s toughest anti-sanctuary city law Sunday, moving not only to fine jurisdictions that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration agents but even threatening jail time for the sheriffs or police chiefs who refuse to cooperate.

Elected or appointed officials who approve sanctuary policies could be ousted from office under the new law, which takes effect Sept. 1.

The law also permits police and sheriff’s departments to inquire about the immigration status of those they stop during routine business.

‘My top priority is public safety, and this bill furthers that objective by keeping dangerous criminals off our streets,’ Mr. Abbott said in a statement announcing the signing.”