TEXAS GOV. SIGNS BAN ON SANCTUARY CITIES
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has signed the so-called “sanctuary cities” bill.
The law allows police to ask about a person’s immigration status and threatens sheriffs and police chiefs with jail time if they do not cooperate with federal authorities.
The new measure would also fine government entities up to $25,500 each day for not complying with immigration laws and detention requests.
The bill cleared its last hurdle last week in the Republican-controlled Legislature.
Gov. Abbott signed the bill on Sunday with little advance notice on Facebook Live.
"As Governor, my top priority is public safety, and this bill furthers that objective by keeping dangerous criminals off our streets," Abbott said in a press release. "It's inexcusable to release individuals from jail that have been charged with heinous crimes like sexual assault against minors, domestic violence and robbery."
The measure goes into effect September 1st, according to the governor’s office.