South Texas Coalition of Mayors sends message to Supreme Court: Prevent SB4 from becoming law

EDINBURG, Texas – The South Texas Coalition of Mayors has come out against Senate Bill 4.

The bill, championed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and signed into law in December, 2023, would give local and state authorities in Texas the power to arrest migrants they suspect to have crossed the border into the U.S. illegally and deport them to Mexico. Mexico says it will not accept migrants sent over by the State of Texas.

SB 4 is being challenged in the courts by the U.S. Department of Justice, El Paso County, and others.

The South Texas Coalition of Mayors founded the South Texas Alliance of Cities in May 2023. Its inaugural chairman is Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza.

Here is what the South Texas Coalition of Mayors says of SB4:

“As members of the South Texas Alliance of Cities, we are disappointed in the recent developments surrounding Senate Bill 4 (SB4). While there is some relief that a federal appeals court let an earlier injunction stand, blocking SB4, we remain concerned about its potential implications. The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to lift the stay on SB4 while considering a ruling on its merits only adds to our apprehension. 

“As mayors representing cities along the border, we know firsthand that SB4 is not a solution to the border issues we face. Instead, SB4 will create further confusion and chaos. 

“The law will add unnecessary burdens for local law enforcement while diverting valuable time and resources from local police departments that are working tirelessly to fight local crimes and protect their communities. Every day that this law may be in effect increases the risk that our residents will be subjected to racial profiling. 

“Our region faces many complex issues that require real solutions. SB4 distracts from our efforts to work on bipartisan solutions, such as the bipartisan border bill, which will provide communities with resources to address the challenges in a compassionate, humane manner. 

“We sincerely hope that as the appeal heads back to the Supreme Court, the highest court will heed our concerns and prevent SB4 from becoming law.”

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