Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed the country’s toughest anti-sanctuary city law Sunday, moving not only to fine jurisdictions that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration agents but even threatening jail time for the sheriffs or police chiefs who refuse to cooperate.
Elected or appointed officials who approve sanctuary policies could be ousted from office under the new law, which takes effect Sept. 1.
“My top priority is public safety, and this bill furthers that objective by keeping dangerous criminals off our streets,” Mr. Abbott said in a statement announcing the signing.
Immigrant-rights groups had pleaded with the governor to veto the law, saying it would scare both legal and illegal immigrants and make Texas less safe, because those communities will want to avoid police, which means they’ll report fewer crimes.
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.
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