ACLU Comment on Federal Appeals Court Texas SB4 Ruling

SAN ANTONIO — A federal appeals court today upheld portions of Texas’ anti-immigrant SB4 law. The American Civil Liberties Union is challenging the law.

Lee Gelernt, deputy director of the ACLU’s Immigrants’ Rights Project, who argued the case before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, had this reaction:

“We are exploring all legal options going forward. The court made clear that we remain free to challenge the manner in which the law is implemented, so we will be monitoring the situation on the ground closely. We are also pleased that the court narrowed the law in certain respects and accepted Texas’ critical concession that localities are free to decline ICE requests for assistance to preserve local resources.”

Andre Segura, legal director of the ACLU of Texas, said: “Now more than ever, it’s critical for all Texans to know their rights. The Fifth Circuit’s decision, while disappointing, does not change the fact that everyone has rights, most importantly the right to remain silent when questioned by police about immigration status.”

The ruling is at: https://www.aclu.org/legal-document/city-el-cenizo-et-al-v-state-texas-et-al

More information is at: https://www.aclu.org/cases/city-el-cenizo-et-al-v-state-texas-et-al