AUSTIN, Texas — Embracing one of Gov. Rick Perry’s top priorities, the Texas Senate passed a “sanctuary city” bill on a party-line 19-12 vote early Wednesday despite warnings from the chamber’s Latinos that the bill will breed discrimination and make Texas “an unwelcoming place.”
Senate Bill 9 would halt state aid to local governments that prohibit officers from inquiring about immigration status. Sen. Tommy Williams, R-Woodlands, said the bill would permit, but not require, officers to ask about citizenship or immigration status when they arrest or detain someone.
Williams defended the bill as a deterrent against criminal elements entering from Mexico and said it would help establish a coherent statewide policy.
“This is not about political parties, nor is it about race or hate or fear-mongering,” he said.
Sen. Steve Ogden, R-Bryan, evoked memories of 9/11 in saying the bill could help “provide some additional protection . . . from those people who are here to harm us.”
The seven Latino senators assailed the bill in an emotional round of speeches before the final vote, saying the measure would lead to racial profiling and harassment of Latinos.
Law enforcement leaders from large cities say the requirements will increase their costs, impose extra duties on overburdened officers and make Latinos afraid to cooperate with law enforcement.
Senators adopted an amendment that would prohibit peace officers from stopping a motor vehicle or conducting a search solely to enforce federal immigration laws.
