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DALLAS - Today, the Dallas City Council approved a resolution that condemns the provisions of Senate Bill 4, passed by the 88th Texas Legislature and signed into law in 2023. The resolution was adopted after being advanced by the Quality of Life, Arts and Culture Committee in May. The committee is chaired by Council Member Adam Bazaldua.
Senate Bill 4 authorizes local law enforcement agencies to arrest people they suspect crossed into the United States unlawfully and creates a system whereby Texas state and local magistrates would have the power to remove individuals from the United States. S.B. 4 was signed into law on December 18, 2023, by the Texas Legislature, and was scheduled to go into effect on March 5, 2024.
The U.S. Department of Justice, the County of El Paso, and two civil rights groups have filed suits against the State of Texas. They state that the law is unconstitutional as it is the role of the federal government to enforce immigration laws. The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has temporarily blocked the law from going into effect. However, the case is expected to go back to the U.S. Supreme Court, which has not yet ruled on the merits of the law.
As approved in the city’s legislative program, the City of Dallas promotes legislation that is inclusive and creates a welcoming environment to all diverse communities. The City of Dallas values the quality of life and safety for all residents, visitors, and the nearly one quarter of residents from a country other than the U.S who reside Dallas.
"Our City has continually prioritized ensuring that Dallas is a welcoming community for all. Today, my colleagues reaffirmed that commitment,” said Council Member Bazaldua. “We have heard and appreciate the concern of our state and community leaders regarding the legislative intent, as well as resources and enforcement. However, without exception, profiling – real or perceived – cannot be allowed in our community. We look forward to working with our partners across the state and in Washington to ensure compliance with governing federal immigration laws. I want to also specifically thank the residents who have reached out to us to express concern about the potential implications of this bill.”
The City of Dallas is committed to protecting all residents regardless of their immigration status and fostering a community where all feel safe and valued, while preventing harmful measures like S.B. 4 in the future.
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