ACLU Comment on Federal Appeals Court Texas SB4 Ruling
SAN ANTONIO — A federal appeals court today upheld portions of Texas’ anti-immigrant SB4 law. The American Civil Liberties Union is challenging the law.
Lee Gelernt, deputy director of the ACLU’s Immigrants’ Rights Project, who argued the case before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, had this reaction:
“We are exploring all legal options going forward. The court made clear that we remain free to challenge the manner in which the law is implemented, so we will be monitoring the situation on the ground closely. We are also pleased that the court narrowed the law in certain respects and accepted Texas’ critical concession that localities are free to decline ICE requests for assistance to preserve local resources.”
Andre Segura, legal director of the ACLU of Texas, said: “Now more than ever, it’s critical for all Texans to know their rights. The Fifth Circuit’s decision, while disappointing, does not change the fact that everyone has rights, most importantly the right to remain silent when questioned by police about immigration status.”
The ruling is at: https://www.aclu.org/legal-document/city-el-cenizo-et-al-v-state-texas-et-al
More information is at: https://www.aclu.org/cases/city-el-cenizo-et-al-v-state-texas-et-al
SAN ANTONIO — A federal appeals court today upheld portions of Texas’ anti-immigrant SB4 law. The American Civil Liberties Union is challenging the law.
Lee Gelernt, deputy director of the ACLU’s Immigrants’ Rights Project, who argued the case before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, had this reaction:
“We are exploring all legal options going forward. The court made clear that we remain free to challenge the manner in which the law is implemented, so we will be monitoring the situation on the ground closely. We are also pleased that the court narrowed the law in certain respects and accepted Texas’ critical concession that localities are free to decline ICE requests for assistance to preserve local resources.”
Andre Segura, legal director of the ACLU of Texas, said: “Now more than ever, it’s critical for all Texans to know their rights. The Fifth Circuit’s decision, while disappointing, does not change the fact that everyone has rights, most importantly the right to remain silent when questioned by police about immigration status.”
The ruling is at: https://www.aclu.org/legal-document/city-el-cenizo-et-al-v-state-texas-et-al
More information is at: https://www.aclu.org/cases/city-el-cenizo-et-al-v-state-texas-et-al
Stay informed
Every month, you'll receive regular roundups of the most important civil rights and civil liberties developments. Remember: a well-informed citizenry is the best defense against tyranny.
By completing this form, I agree to receive occasional emails per the terms of the ACLU’s privacy policy.
The latest in Immigrants' Rights
-
This Law Could Criminalize Everyday Conversations About Immigration
-
Three Years Later, COVID-19 is Still a Threat to People Who Are Incarcerated
-
Florida Sheriff Settles Lawsuit for Unlawfully Profiling and Detaining Florida Resident Born Abroad
-
ACLU Slams Biden’s Plans to Revive the Practice of Detaining Migrant Families
ACLU's Vision
The American Civil Liberties Union is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America.
Learn More About Immigrants' Rights

The fundamental constitutional protections of due process and equal protection embodied in our Constitution and Bill of Rights apply to every person, regardless of immigration status.