Appeals court seems skeptical of Texas' argument for immigration law
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals appeared unreceptive to Texas' arguments that its new immigration law should take effect because it "mirrors" federal law.
Judges on the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals appeared unreceptive to arguments by Texas' solicitor general Wednesday that the state's new immigration law should take effect because it "mirrors" federal law.
A three-judge panel of the court had ruled 2-1 late Tuesday that the measure, known as Senate Bill 4, should be temporarily blocked while the judges hear the case. Earlier Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court said it could take effect.
"Texas has a right to defend itself," state Solicitor General Aaron Nielson said, adding that the district court had acknowledged that "sometimes those associated with the cartels cross over the border with malicious intent."
Migrants cross into the United States from Mexico in El Paso, Texas, on May 8.John Moore / Getty Images fileThe law, which Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, signed in December, would allow police officers to arrest migrants and impose criminal penalties. It would also empower state judges to order the deportation of people to Mexico.
Chief Judge Priscilla Richman, a George W. Bush appointee, noted that states don't have police power to remove people from the U.S.
Rating: 5