Mexico comments on new, controversial Texas Senate Bill 4
There has been a tug-of-war between Texas and the Supreme Court for several days. This concerns the passage of Senate Bill 4, which introduces the threat of imprisonment, arrest, and even deportation for illegally crossing the Mexican-American border.
11:59 AM EDT, March 20, 2024
Senate Bill 4 is an act enacted by Texas lawmakers a year ago, which significantly expands the competencies of the Texas authorities to protect the borders against illegal migrants. According to this bill, illegal entry into the state will be treated as a misdemeanor and may result in up to six months in prison. However, if someone who has tried to do this before crosses the border illegally again, you could be sentenced to up to 10 to 20 years in prison.
This bill was frozen and held for a long time, but on Wednesday, the Supreme Court agreed to enact such a law in Texas, which caused a major backlash from Mexico. Alicia Barcena, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, commented on the American Supreme Court decision on X.
"Texas Law SB4 surprisingly goes into effect today. Attacks the rights of migrants. In front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I have been clear: the protection and support of our fellow citizens is the priority. I reject this measure that criminalizes and discriminates against people who have no mobility," she said.
Moreover, the White House also commented on the Supreme Court decision in a released statement.
"We fundamentally disagree with the Supreme Court’s order allowing Texas’ harmful and unconstitutional law to go into effect. S.B. 4 will not only make communities in Texas less safe, it will also burden law enforcement, and sow chaos and confusion at our southern border. S.B. 4 is just another example of Republican officials politicizing the border while blocking real solutions," said President Biden's administration on Wednesday.
Sources: The New York Times, The White House
