Texas Governor to Sign Controversial Anti-Migrant Bills into Law

Texas Governor Greg Abbott is expected to sign a new law on Monday that will authorize state and local police to arrest migrants believed to be in the state illegally and grant state judges the power to order them to return to Mexico. The law, known as Senate Bill 4, has faced criticism from civil rights groups, Mexican officials, and Congressional Democrats who argue that it will lead to discrimination against Hispanic and Latino Texans. The law creates a new state crime of illegal entry from a foreign nation and imposes penalties of up to six months in jail or a $2,000 fine. It also allows state judges to order the expulsion of migrants to their country of entry. Abbott is also expected to sign a separate bill allocating $1.54 billion for the construction of a state border wall. Critics argue that the law is unconstitutional and likely to be struck down in court.