Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has expressed his support for the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to permit law enforcement officers to enforce the illegal entry law, Senate Bill 4, amidst an ongoing lawsuit. The bill, approved by the Texas legislature in 2023, authorizes law enforcement officials to arrest individuals who unlawfully enter the United States.
"Today, the Supreme Court allowed S.B. 4 to be enforced while Texas continues to fight for the law in court," Cruz stated. "This was the right decision. Under Joe Biden, we have encountered unprecedented levels of illegal immigration at our Southern border, and Texas communities are suffering because of it. Joe Biden is refusing to enforce the law, and I hope that the Supreme Court will ultimately recognize the right of Texas to secure our border on our own."
According to a press release from Cruz's office, this legislation was scheduled to take effect earlier this month. However, both the U.S. Justice Department and various immigration advocacy organizations have filed lawsuits aiming to prevent its enforcement. This litigation is currently proceeding through federal courts.
Cruz further explained his stance on immigration reform: "My legislation, the Senate companion to H.R. 2, would help alleviate this crisis at the federal level so that Texas doesn't need to secure the border alone." He added that "H.R. 2 would punish visa overstays, reform immigration parole, asylum and legal immigration workforce issues and prevent uncontrolled alien flow into the United States."
The news release also highlighted Cruz's role in leading the Senate counterpart to H.R. 2, a border security bill passed by the House of Representatives. This bill proposes resuming construction on border walls, tightening asylum standards, criminalizing visa overstays and increasing Border Patrol agents.
However, CNN reported that just one day after receiving clearance from the Supreme Court for implementation on March 19th, S.B. 4 was blocked by the 5th Circuit. The federal appeals court is currently considering arguments presented on Wednesday regarding whether Texas should be allowed to enforce the law. The judges have not yet announced when they will deliver their decision.