Texas House Bill HB183

Texas 2017 - 85th 1st C.S.

Caption

Relating to the repeal of certain provisions governing state and local enforcement of immigration laws and other provisions related to immigration law.

Impact

The repeal of these provisions is expected to have a significant impact on the operational relationship between local law enforcement and federal immigration agencies. By removing obligations that compel local entities to align with federal immigration enforcement, it aims to restore a level of local autonomy over enforcement priorities. This could foster improved relations between immigrant communities and local law enforcement, addressing concerns that such measures lead to racial profiling and the deterioration of public safety due to community distrust.

Summary

House Bill 183 seeks to repeal various provisions that govern state and local enforcement of immigration laws in Texas. Specifically, it targets provisions that were originally enacted as part of Senate Bill 4 in the 85th Legislature, which imposed stricter immigration enforcement measures across the state. The repeal will eliminate requirements that have been criticized for encouraging local law enforcement to act cooperatively with federal immigration authorities, potentially affecting community-policing efforts and immigrant trust in local law enforcement.

Contention

Notably, the bill faces opposition from certain factions who argue that rescinding these provisions may undermine law enforcement's ability to address immigration-related crime effectively. Critics of the repeal suggest that without these tools, local jurisdictions might be less equipped to cooperate with federal authorities on immigration matters, potentially leading to legal and public safety challenges. Proponents, however, argue that effective policing should not be contingent on enforcing federal immigration laws at the local level, advocating instead for the prioritization of community safety and trust.