ABBOTT SIGNS LAW MAKING ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION A STATE CRIME IN TEXAS

Police in Texas use the state’s trespassing law against illegal immigrants when they are found on private property. Thousands of prosecutions have been brought. Still, making a state crime specifically about illegal immigration could trample on Congress’ power.

“We believe that these pieces of legislation are unconstitutional, an overreach of state power and a violation of federal law,” said Faisal Al-Juburi, chief external affairs officer at RAICES, which provides legal services to immigrants in Texas. Mr. Al-Juburi said Texas will now be “an even more hostile state for immigrants, regardless of status.” He said he hopes the Justice Department attempts to stop the state policy.

That would not be surprising. The Justice Department is already battling Texas on several fronts over immigration. Read more at The Washington Times.