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The Fifth Circuit Court of Apprals has concluded hearing oral arguments over Senate Bill 4, the law that makes illegal immigration a crime in Texas.
In defending the law, Solicitor General Aaron Nielsen said, “What Texas wants to do is coordinate with the federal government. Our laws mirror congress. Texas tries to be consistent with federal law. We don't go out of our way to create conflict. Texas has a right to defend itself.”
Now we wait on the court’s decision.
The law was put back on hold Tuesday night just hours after the Supreme Court lifted their temporary block of the law.
During the short-lived victory, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton posted on X saying, "HUGE WIN: Texas has defeated the Biden Administration’s and ACLU’s emergency motions at the Supreme Court. Our immigration law, SB 4, is now in effect. As always, it’s my honor to defend Texas and its sovereignty, and to lead us to victory in court." No statement has been issued regarding the Fifth Circuit's new stay on the law.
The Supreme Court stated that they cannot make a final ruling on the constitutionality of the law until the Fifth Circuit issues their final ruling. Oral arguments are scheduled to take place this morning via Zoom. Regardless of the Fifth Circuit Court's final decision, SB 4 will likely end up back before the Supreme Court.