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DALLAS - Today, the Dallas City Council approved a resolution condemning certain provisions of Senate Bill (SB) 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.
SB 4 authorizes local law enforcement agencies to arrest persons they suspect crossed into the United States unlawfully and creates a system whereby Texas state and local magistrates would have the power to deport individuals from the United States.
The U.S. Department of Justice, the County of El Paso, and two civil rights groups have filed suits against the State of Texas asserting that the law is unconstitutional and that 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 adopted in the City Council’s legislative program, the City of Dallas supports legislation that ensures a welcoming environment and protects the rights of all communities, including 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. We have heard and appreciate the concern of our state and community leaders regarding the legislative intent surrounding resources and enforcement. However, trust within our community will be irretrievably broken. It is important that we show our support for those who call Dallas home,” said Councilmember Bazaldua. “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.
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