NHCSL Statement on SB4

WASHINGTON, DC – The National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL), which represents the interests of over 400 state legislators from both parties in state legislatures across the country, issued the following statement today regarding a court order temporarily blocking enforcement of Texas’ SB4 law:

"SB4 is a 'show me your papers' law on steroids and should have no place in our system of justice. This disastrous legislation is contrary to the rule of law, infringes the free speech rights of Texas public officials, and unduly targets minorities for how the look or speak and not for any crime they have committed. That is why judge García correctly stopped enforcement of this law until the court can properly review the likely unconstitutionality of at least three of its most troublesome provisions. NHCSL is proud to have been the first national Latino group to announce a boycott of the Lone Star State due to this law and we will keep fighting until it is struck down or overturned," said NHCSL Executive Director Kenneth Romero-Cruz.

"While judge García did not enjoin police and other officers from inquiring as to immigration status during a legal detention, we urge officers to keep their vital community role in mind and voluntarily refrain from doing so. This way local police will not get a reputation as immigration agents," concluded Romero-Cruz.

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NHCSL is the premier national association of Hispanic state legislators working to design and implement policies and procedures that will improve the quality of life for Hispanics throughout the country. NHCSL was founded in 1989 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)3 with the mission to be the most effective voice for the more than 410 Hispanic legislators. For more information visit www.nhcsl.org.