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Texas Policy Experts and Advocates Discuss SB4 Ruling on Press Call

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A recording of today’s call is available here.

Austin, TX – On a press call today, legal and policy experts and advocates discussed the mixed decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit on Texas’ draconian SB4 law. The decision maintains a block on several key provisions of SB4.  The decision also allows two provisions of SB4 to go into effect but permits local jurisdictions to use their discretion on how they carry out these provisions.

Nina Perales, VP Litigation, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), said, “Although portions of SB4 have been allowed to come into effect, the courts have significantly cut back on their scope.  Local jurisdictions retain the ability to discuss and set priorities for their officers and employees with respect to immigration inquiries and assisting ICE.  Similarly, local jurisdictions can decline to fulfill ICE detainer requests on a case-by-case basis.  This is not the SB4 that Texas wanted; Texas has failed in its goal of punishing local jurisdictions that adopt policies that protect public safety and promote community trust.”

Mary Moreno, Communications Director, Texas Organizing Project Education Fund, said, “While we would have preferred that the court fully upheld the injunction imposed by the San Antonio federal court, we continue to be ready to fight on multiple fronts to completely repeal this racist law, through the courts and on the streets.

“Meanwhile, we’ll continue informing our communities of their rights, namely that if local police question their immigration status, they do not and should not answer, and that they should record all interactions with police and report any instance where they’re asked for their immigration status.

“The fight for justice has never been easy, and the road is never without obstacles, but we’re determined to keep fighting. Our cause is just and we will persevere because injustice cannot stand.”

Julieta Garibay, Campaigns Director, Co-Founder, United We Dream, said, “SB4 is racist, and it will always be racist in any form. SB4 is the work of right-wing Texas politicians to further a white supremacist agenda to terrorize, detain, deport, incarcerate and separate families of color across Texas. With the decision from the court, across Texas cities and universities, United We Dream and our community will continue to build power, networks of protection, and to exemplify the resilience of our communities. We remain vigilant and organized in our work to push leadership to pass policies that will protect our families from further terror, separation, and racial profiling.”

Follow Mario Carrillo and America’s Voice: Texas on Twitter: @_mariocarrillo_  and @AmericasVoice

America’s Voice: Texas– Harnessing the power of American voices and American values to win common sense immigration reform

www.americasvoice.org

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