US Supreme Court again blocks Texas immigration law that President Joe Biden’s administration called unconstitutional from taking effect.
The US Supreme Court has again blocked a Texas immigration law that President Joe Biden’s administration has called unconstitutional from taking effect.
SB4 would allow local and state police to arrest those illegally crossing the border from Mexico.
It would be among the toughest immigration measures in any US state.
A record high of at least 6.3 million migrants have been held crossing illegally into the US since Mr Biden took office in 2021.
In Monday’s ruling, the Supreme Court imposed an administrative stay, meaning SB4 cannot be enforced while emergency appeals from the Biden administration and other challengers play out.
Justice Samuel Alito’s brief order suggested the court could take additional action. It is the third time the conservative justice has paused SB4.
SB4 would empower local and state police officers to stop and arrest anyone suspected of having crossed the border illegally, except in schools, healthcare facilities and places of worship.
Punishments would range from misdemeanours to felonies and potential imprisonment, or fines of up to $2,000 (£1,570).
Penalties for illegal re-entry to Texas could go up to 20 years in prison, depending on a person’s immigration and criminal history.
SB4 was signed into law by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in December. It was initially due to come into effect on 5 March, but was repeatedly stopped amid an ongoing lawsuit.
