Member-only story

POLITICS

New Texas Law Allows Migrants Entering Texas Illegally to Be Arrested for Trespassing

They can be arrested up to two years after they cross illegally

Caren White

--

Photo by Greg Bulla on Unsplash

What’s Texas known for these days? Abortion bans and illegal migrants. Now that AG Ken Paxton has gotten abortion all squared away, Gov. Greg Abbott has stepped up with a new plan to stop the tidal wave of migrants crossing illegally into Texas every day.

I should probably stop here to say that while I don’t agree with Abbott’s methods, I understand his motives. Those of us who don’t live anywhere near the southern border can’t even begin to imagine how difficult it has become with thousands of migrants pouring into the country through Texas every single day.

Having said that, Abbott has signed new legislation, slated to take effect in March 2024, that makes it a misdemeanor to enter Texas from Mexico anywhere except through legal crossing points. The new law empowers law enforcement to arrest any migrant crossing illegally anywhere along the Texas border.

While court proceedings are going on, the migrants can be ordered to return to Mexico. If they refuse to leave, they can be prosecuted, and the charges will be bumped up to a felony. Crossing the border illegally is already a…

--

--

Caren White
Caren White

Written by Caren White

Just an old woman ranting on the internet. I always speak my mind.

Responses (4)