Despite CBP Response, Border and Immigrant Rights Advocates Keep Pushing for Biden’s Rejection of Operation Lone Star and SB 602 Agreements in Texas
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2024
Contact: [email protected]
Despite CBP Response, Border and Immigrant Rights Advocates Keep Pushing for Biden’s Rejection of Operation Lone Star and SB 602 Agreements in Texas
TEXAS — In response to a joint letter sent by 128 immigrant rights and border organizations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a response denying any current federal engagement with Texas’ SB 602, confirming that the agency has no “agreement or policy in place directing DHS law enforcement personnel to [...] support [...] legislation passed by the State of Texas”.
While advocates appreciate the news that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – which oversees CBP – has no current agreements allowing Border Patrol to enforce Texas state criminal laws at its checkpoints and Ports of Entry, advocacy organizations continue to urge the Biden Administration to reject any and all such agreements in the future.
Because Texas’ SB 602 is just one of a series of measures passed in a rash of anti-immigrant, anti-Black and anti-Latino sentiment that no federal agency should endorse, we demand DHS also reject dangerous ongoing entanglement between federal and Texas officials under Operation Lone Star.
While Texas continues its relentless expansion of Operation Lone Star in violation of civil and human rights, the federal government is under no obligation to help it. DHS must reject any future requests to enter agreements under SB 602 and to otherwise advance the illegal aims of Operation Lone Star.
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ABOUT THE SOUTHERN BORDER COMMUNITIES COALITION:
The Southern Border Communities Coalition (SBCC) brings together organizations from San Diego, California to Brownsville, Texas, to ensure that border enforcement policies and practices are accountable and fair, respect human dignity and human rights, and prevent the loss of life in the region.
ABOUT LATINOJUSTICE PRLDEF:
LatinoJustice PRLDEF works to create a more just society by using and challenging the rule of law to secure transformative, equitable and accessible justice, by empowering our community and by fostering leadership through advocacy and education. For over 50 years, LatinoJustice PRLDEF has acted as an advocate against injustices throughout the country. To learn more about LatinoJustice, visit www.LatinoJustice.org
ABOUT THE IMMIGRANT LEGAL RESOURCE CENTER (ILRC) :
The Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) is a national nonprofit that works with immigrants, community organizations, legal professionals, and policy makers to build a democratic society that values diversity and the rights of all people. Through community education programs, legal training & technical assistance, and policy development & advocacy, the ILRC works to protect and defend the fundamental rights of immigrant families and communities. Go to www.ilrc.org for more information.