By Natalia Rueda 
Texas SB4, considered the toughest anti-immigration law in the United States, went into effect for only a few hours on March 19 before being blocked by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, the fourth time it has been delayed. This law has generated outrage and controversy in the community due to its restrictions and powers to detain, jail and deport undocumented immigrants.
SB4 establishes new penalties for those who enter the country without proper documentation and grants the state a power that previously only the federal government had to deport people. This has generated great fear and uncertainty in immigrant communities in Texas as they could be subjected to abuses of power by law enforcement who are allowed to request documents from anyone suspected of having entered the country illegally. As a result, these individuals could face up to 20 years in prison.
In light of this situation, civil rights groups have filed lawsuits to block the implementation of SB4, arguing that it violates the rights of immigrants and causes unnecessary criminalization. In addition, the Biden administration has opposed this law, pointing out that the state of Texas does not have the authority to manage its own immigration system.
Marisa Limón Garza, executive director of the Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center in El Paso, Texas, expressed concern about the negative impact of SB4 on the community. According to her, this law will criminalize countless U.S. citizens, mixed-status families and undocumented immigrants, and expose them to unlawful interrogation and detention.
For its part, the Texas government justifies the implementation of this law as a response to the Biden administration’s inaction on the border situation, arguing that it will serve to control what they call an “invasion”. However, the consequences it could have on the immigrant community are worrisome and that is why legal actions have been taken to block its implementation.