North Austin News

A group of Texas lawmakers, including Congressman Michael McCaul and Roger Williams, have written a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland expressing their concern and urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) to reconsider its lawsuit against the state of Texas. The lawsuit is in relation to Senate Bill 4 (SB4), which was signed into law by Texas Governor Greg Abbott on December 18, 2023, making illegal entry into or presence in Texas a state crime.

In the letter, the lawmakers argue that the high levels of illegal migration have had a negative impact on Texans and that Governor Abbott's actions are necessary due to the Biden Administration's failure to address the issue. They point out that SB4 simply follows current federal immigration law, which already makes it a crime to cross into the U.S illegally. The lawmakers also criticize President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas for their open-border policies, stating that they have failed Texans and the American people.

The letter was signed by a total of 21 members of the Texas congressional delegation, including Pat Fallon, Jake Ellzey, Dan Crenshaw, Chip Roy, and Ronny Jackson, among others.

The lawmakers highlight the alarming number of illegal border crossings since President Biden took office, with over 6.7 million encounters at the southern border. They argue that the Biden Administration's open-border policies have turned every state into a border state and have failed to protect the American people.

The lawmakers urge Attorney General Garland to reconsider the DOJ's lawsuit and allow Texas to act in a manner that is consistent with its goal of ensuring the safety of its residents. They emphasize that Texas should not be punished for the current administration's refusal to enforce existing immigration laws.

In conclusion, the letter serves as a plea from Texas lawmakers to the DOJ to reconsider its lawsuit against the state of Texas. They argue that SB4 is in line with existing federal immigration law and that Governor Abbott's actions are necessary to ensure the safety of Texans. They call out the Biden Administration for its open-border policies and urge Attorney General Garland to allow Texas to address the issue effectively.