Texas Gov. Perry Wins 'Sanctuary City' Fight

Texas Gov. Rick Perry and Republican lawmakers won hard fought victory Tuesday in moving forward a “sanctuary cities” bill that would bar local governments and school districts from adopting policies that prohibit the enforcement of federal immigration laws. At the state of the legislative session, Perry and the state GOP declared the measure a priority, the Austin American-Statesman reported Monday.

In the end, the Republican-controlled House had to cut off the debate after opponents tried to slow its passage proposing about 30 amendments. The bill’s author Burt Solomons, a Carrollton Republican, moved to end the debate and lawmakers passed the bill along party lines.

Under the proposed law, the state could withhold grants and other funding from any government entity that refuses to comply.

Opponents of the bill charged that it would target Hispanics. But Latino House members rose to support the measure, including Rep. Jose Aliseda, R-Beeville, who offered a different perspective.

“My skin is brown,” Aliseda said. “I am Hispanic, and I am not afraid of [the bill].”

He said he has never suffered from harassment or racial profiling. Speaking in support of the bill, Aliseda said it would require law enforcement to follow federal law already in place.