Texas Governor Signs Controversial Immigration Bill SB4, Allowing State Law Enforcement to Arrest and Deport Migrants Suspected of Crossing Border Illegally.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Monday signed into law a sweeping new immigration bill, SB4, that gives state law enforcement the power to arrest and seek the deportation of migrants suspected of crossing the border illegally. The bill is the most dramatic attempt by a state to police immigration since a 2010 Arizona law that was largely struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court.

SB4 allows police to stop, arrest and jail migrants on new, state-level illegal entry charges. It also allows state judges to issue de facto deportation orders against suspected violators of the law, though it is unclear how this provision could be enforced.

The bill has been met with strong opposition from civil rights groups, who argue that it will lead to racial profiling and discrimination against immigrants. Critics have also argued that the bill is unconstitutional, as immigration and border enforcement are federal prerogatives.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has defended the bill, saying it is necessary to protect Texans from “dangerous criminals who have no right to be in our state.” He has also said that the bill does not authorize racial profiling and that it is consistent with federal law.

The law is set to take effect on September 1, and it remains to be seen how it will be enforced. It is likely to face legal challenges in the coming months.