Texas Sanctuary City Bill Getting closer to Passage

Texas State Senate bill SB 9 would make it illegal for municipalities to enact policies that prevent police officers from checking on the immigration status of individuals who raise suspicions about whether they're in the country legally. Aside from the fact that the Democrats have only themselves to blame for this bill coming to the floor in a special session caused by a Democrat filibuster, the teeth in the bill are starting to show. Municipalities who fail to comply face the prospect of losing state funds.

Via Texas Tribune:

The legislation, by state Sen. Tommy Williams, R-The Woodlands, prevents cities, counties and other governmental entities from adopting policies that prevent law enforcement officers or other employees from inquiring into the immigration status of a person arrested or lawfully detained. Authorities can subsequently report individuals to federal immigration officials if they are thought to be in the country illegally.

If Senate Bill 9 passes both chambers of the Texas Legislature — which could happen as early as next week — communities that prohibit such immigration screenings would lose state grant money. But how much is uncertain.

The controversial bill is a huge win for those who support immigration enforcement but the Democrats have only themselves to blame for its passage. State senator Wendy Davis (D-Fort Worth) filibustered a school spending bill that could not be left unresolved. The regular session ended, Perry had to call a special session, and SB 9 is likely to pass. Sometimes pride and partisanship bites you in the behind.

The bill is mired in controversy. Republicans say Texans need to know who is living within the state, especially when a bloody cartel-fueled drug war rages just south of the state’s border and the federal government refuses to secure it. Others, mainly Democrats and minorities, claim the legislation is nothing more than chest-thumping conservative xenophobia.

Under the proposed legislation, local law enforcement would be required to assist federal immigration officers in certain investigations and allow them access to municipal and county jails for enforcement activities. A provision of the bill would allow any citizen to file a complaint against a government entity if it is believed to have violated the sanctuary cities law.

Typical communist (Democrat) tactic. Demagogue as xenophobes, those who want their sovereignty protected.

More at Texas Tribune.