Target: U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia
Goal: Support the decision to stop the ban on sanctuary cities in Texas.
A court has blocked the new Texas immigration law that puts “sanctuary cities” under fire, a mere two days before it was supposed to go into effect. The attack on sanctuary cities, encouraged by President Trump’s harsh executive order on immigration during his first week as president, sparked much controversy, including petitions like this one at ForceChange. Although the Texas governor vowed to appeal the decision, U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia ruled that the ban in Texas is unlikely to hold up against the Constitution—a victory for human rights.
Sanctuary cities are places that have certain protections in place for law-abiding, undocumented immigrants, where they will not be questioned by police or sent directly to federal authorities based on immigration status alone. However, the Texas bill, called SB4, would unconstitutionally force local law enforcement to hold immigrants for deportation if federal immigration officers request it.
In the court ruling against SB4, Judge Garcia stated, “There is overwhelming evidence by local officials, including local law enforcement, that SB4 will erode public trust and make many communities and neighborhoods less safe. There is also ample evidence that localities will suffer adverse economic consequences which, in turn, harm the State of Texas.” Sign below to support this ruling that stands for the Constitution and for human rights.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Judge Garcia,
Thank you for ruling to uphold the constitution and stop SB4’s attack on sanctuary cities in Texas. The bill, which would force local officers to detain immigrants at the behest of immigration officers, is a violation of human rights and a threat to Texas cities.
As you stated in your ruling, the economy, public safety, and community trust within these cities would suffer greatly if this law were allowed to stand. It does not hold up against the Constitution. I support the decision to block SB4 and protect sanctuary cities.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Trey Ratcliff
440 Signatures