Gov. Greg Abbott (R-Texas) has signed a package of border security legislation into law. The Governor's administration asserts that these three laws will bolster the state's border security, curb human trafficking, impede illegal border crossings and ensure the safety of Texans.
In a statement from the Texas Government, Gov. Abbott criticized President Biden's approach to border control. "President Biden’s deliberate inaction has left Texas to fend for itself," he said. He went on to express his commitment to strengthening Texas' defenses against illegal immigration: "Today, I will sign three laws to better protect Texas—and America—from President Biden’s border neglect." The Governor further explained the intended impact of these laws: "These laws will help stop the tidal wave of illegal entry into Texas, add additional funding to build more border wall, and crackdown on human smuggling."
According to a press release from Abbott's office, a bill-signing ceremony took place at the Texas border wall in Brownsville. The event saw Abbott joined by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, National Border Patrol Council (NBPC) President Brandon Judd, Adjutant General of Texas Major General Thomas Suelzer, Texas Border Czar Mike Banks and other state senators and representatives.
The press release also detailed the content of the bills. The first bill, SB 4 from Special Session 3, increases penalties for human smuggling and was passed with bipartisan support. Another bill allocates $1.54 billion for border security operations as well as construction and maintenance of border barrier infrastructure. The final bill establishes a criminal offense for illegal entry into this state from a foreign nation, imposing severe penalties on repeat offenders.
As reported by the Texas Tribune, the human smuggling law is set to come into effect in early February while the laws regarding border barrier and illegal crossing are slated for implementation in early March. However, there are concerns about whether making illegal crossing a state offense is constitutional, given that the Supreme Court has previously ruled that only the federal government can enforce immigration laws.
In the press release, Lieutenant Governor Patrick echoed Abbott's sentiments, emphasizing that passing these laws and securing the border have been among his top priorities. Judd, Suelzer and Banks also released statements expressing their gratitude to Abbott for passing this legislation.
Abbott assumed office as governor of Texas in 2015, and since then, border security has been a key issue for him. He has consistently criticized federal government policies while advocating for stronger state legislation on the matter.
