The state of Texas went before an appeals court Friday to argue for its ban on sanctuary cities, much of which was blocked by a lower court last month before it could take effect.
The law states Texas police chiefs could be removed from office and have criminal charges filed against them if they don’t cooperate with federal immigration officials’ requests to detain illegal immigrants when they are jailed on non-immigration offenses. It was set to take effect Sept. 1, but was stayed Aug. 31 by U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions supports the law along with the Department of Justice, which filed arguments in support of it along with several state attorneys general, Fox News reported.
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans is hearing the case. A decision is not expected Friday, The Washington Post reported.
Immigrants and immigrant advocates protested outside the courthouse as arguments were heard.
The law’s opponents say it detains immigrants without probable cause and puts local police in the role of immigration enforcement officers. Supporters say the officers have probable cause when they originally detain them, and that federal and local officials have historically cooperated often on immigration-related matters.
Some business groups opposed the law because of fears it could hurt the economy and cause a labor shortage, the Post noted.
Twitter users pointed out illegal immigration was already against the law even before Texas passed the law.
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