Border security law in the US paused again: Illegal immigrants remain free

12PUNTO FOREIGN NEWS

The implementation of a new border security law that would allow the state to arrest and deport illegal immigrants has been suspended again after a federal court decided to temporarily block the law until the legal challenge by President Joe Biden's administration is resolved.

The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals issued the decision to halt the law's implementation just hours after the US Supreme Court rejected an 'emergency' request from the Biden administration to block the enforcement of the law, also known as the 'Texas law'.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has been in disputes with the White House over the influx of migrants across the Mexican border. Although border security normally falls under the jurisdiction of the federal government, Abbott argues that the state is exercising its constitutional right to self-defense, claiming that Biden's neglect of duty has triggered an 'invasion' of migrants.

On Wednesday, a three-judge panel of the 5th Circuit heard arguments from both sides regarding whether the controversial Texas law should go back into effect while the case is still ongoing. The Biden administration insisted that only the federal government has jurisdiction over border security.

The new law, also known as SB4, makes it a state crime to cross into Texas from Mexico outside of legal ports of entry. While first-time offenders could face up to six months in prison, repeat offenders could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison. Judges would have the authority to order migrants to return to Mexico or initiate prosecution if they do not leave voluntarily.

SB4 was part of a broader effort to secure the border between Texas and Mexico. After taking office in January 2021, Biden halted the border security practices initiated by his predecessor Donald Trump, arguing that the practices were 'inhumane'.