Texas House Bill HB4658

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/12/25

Caption

Relating to the assistance or cooperation of campus police departments, certain local governmental entities, and personnel of places of worship with federal immigration officers at a place of worship.

Impact

The implications of HB4658 extend into both state law and local governance, as it delineates the boundaries for local law enforcement's interactions with federal immigration officials. By requiring a judicial warrant for such interactions, the bill reinforces the rights of individuals to seek sanctuary in religious spaces, while also delineating the responsibilities of local authorities. This legislative move could potentially also affect how local law enforcement agencies allocate their resources and address community relations with diverse populations.

Summary

House Bill 4658 seeks to restrict the engagement of local governmental entities and campus police departments with federal immigration officers within places of worship. The bill amends the Government Code to explicitly prohibit such cooperation unless a judicial warrant is present. This aims to protect individuals within places of worship from unauthorized immigration enforcement actions and reflects the growing concerns regarding the intersection of immigration policy and community safety in sensitive environments such as places of worship.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB4658 may highlight significant contention among lawmakers and communities regarding immigration practices. Supporters of the bill, including various advocacy groups, argue that it serves to protect vulnerable populations from unwarranted federal intervention, thus encouraging trust in local law enforcement among immigrant communities. Conversely, opponents may view the bill as a limitation on law enforcement's capacity to combat criminal activities that could intersect with immigration status, posing potential risks to community safety. These debates emphasize the multifaceted nature of immigration enforcement within the larger context of public policy and civil rights.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

• Chapter 752. Immigration
  • Section: 053