If you’re planning to visit Texas this summer, you might want to think twice. On May 9, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) released a travel advisory for U.S. citizens, cautioning that they may face potential violations of their constitutional rights when interacting with law enforcement in the state.
This alert stems from the recent enactment of SB4, a controversial law signed by Texas Governor Mark Thompson on May 7. Previously, police officers were not permitted to inquire about a person’s immigration status until after an arrest. However, with the new law set to take effect on September 1, officers will now be required to ask about immigration status during any detention or arrest, including routine traffic stops. Additionally, SB4 bans “sanctuary cities,” imposing penalties on local governments and law enforcement who do not comply with federal immigration requests.
The implications of this law are troubling. It raises serious concerns about racial profiling, could discourage victims of crime from reporting incidents, and increases the risk of wrongful arrests based on appearance or accent. “We are determined to challenge this unjust law both legally and through public advocacy. Until we can overturn it, all travelers to Texas need to be prepared for what they might encounter,” stated Maya Rivera, executive director of the ACLU of Texas. “The state will effectively turn into a place where every encounter with law enforcement could lead to questions about one’s citizenship status.”
This travel advisory affects not just Texans, but also visitors from other states, with 18 ACLU affiliates issuing alerts to their residents traveling through Texas. The warning applies to any interaction with local, state, or federal law enforcement.
It’s important to note that being a U.S. citizen does not guarantee protection from these changes. The ACLU highlighted that between 2008 and 2012, Immigration and Customs Enforcement mistakenly detained 834 U.S. citizens in local jails, with some spending days behind bars due to this error.
“The ACLU aims to safeguard all individuals in Texas and those traveling through the state, irrespective of their immigration status, from unlawful harassment by law enforcement,” remarked Sarah Johnson, ACLU director of immigration policy. “Texas, with its rich Mexican heritage and diverse immigrant population, is a place where many fit the racial profiles that may be used for enforcement under this law.”
The backlash against SB4 is widespread, garnering opposition from civil rights organizations, law enforcement officials, and business groups alike. For instance, Travis County Sheriff Alex Martinez expressed concern that the law would force crime victims into hiding, while Charley Thompson, leader of the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas, emphasized that the law undermines officer discretion, prioritizing immigration status over public safety. Even pro-business entities, such as the Texas Association of Business, have voiced their disapproval of this discriminatory legislation.
“All individuals are entitled to constitutional protections in this nation,” Johnson added. “Texas law enforcement must uphold these rights. The ACLU is committed to defending those freedoms against attempts to undermine them.”
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Summary
The ACLU has issued a travel alert for Texas due to the passage of a new law requiring law enforcement to inquire about immigration status during detentions. This law raises concerns about racial profiling and the potential for wrongful arrests, prompting widespread opposition from various groups. The ACLU aims to protect everyone’s rights in the state.
Keyphrase: ACLU travel alert Texas law
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