
The Texas Senate on Thursday approved a bill that will give local and state police the authority to arrest illegal migrants by making it a state crime to cross illegally into the United States. The bill, SB11, enables law enforcement to arrest those who violate the law.

Under current law, state and local authorities must seek federal permission before arresting illegals.
"Texas reached a record number of illegal immigrant apprehension in fiscal year 2023, with over 1.84 million apprehensions in Texas Sectors," said state Sen. Brian Birdwell, author of the legislation. "As a result of the federal government’s unwillingness to enforce federal immigration laws and secure our southern border, Texas has stepped up and devoted time and resources to combat the unprecedented border crisis that the state is facing. SB 11 will give out troopers more authority to control the border and keep Texans safe."
The bill passed late Thursday along party lines in a 19-12 vote, and is expected to advance following Gov. Greg Abbott's show of support for the measure earlier this week.
First time offenders face up to one year in jail, while convicted felons with multiple illegal entries could face life in prison.
According to Lt. Gov. Dan Partrick, "This is the third time the Texas Senate has passed this critical legislation. The Senate is committed to securing the southern border and will pass this bill over and over again until it passes the Texas House, where it has died previously."

In an aerial view, migrants are seen grouped together while waiting to be processed on the Ciudad Juarez side of the border, in El Paso, Texas, on Sept. 21, 2023. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images/TNS)
Earlier this month, (more…)