State immigration-crossing crime and local police enforcement mandate
Enacted5/10
⚖ currently enforceable after Apr 2026 ruling
Texas · Texas SB 4 · Signed Dec 18, 2023
Impact 5/10
Creates a state crime for illegal entry into Texas outside a port of entry; police can arrest, and state judges can order removal to Mexico. Blocked by courts for over two years, but the en banc Fifth Circuit vacated the injunction in April 2026 and stayed a successor injunction in June 2026, so the law is currently enforceable. Supreme Court review is possible.
Policing & justiceImmigrationSafety net & benefitsLow-incomeImmigrantsRural residents
Sources
✓ Verified against primary sources 2026-08-15