In a direct challenge to federal authority over immigration, the Texas House passed a bill on Thursday that establishes a state-level offense for individuals entering the United States from Mexico outside of official entry points.

This legislation grants local law enforcement agencies the authority to apprehend and detain unauthorized migrants or to facilitate their return to Mexico.

This move was in response to a call from Governor Greg Abbott and marks a significant escalation of his multibillion-dollar border security initiative, known as Operation Lone Star, DNYUZ reported.

Additionally, the Texas House approved an extra $1.5 billion for the state to utilize in constructing its own barriers along the international border.

The measure regarding arrests will now go back to the Senate, which has already passed its own version of the bill, and will subsequently head to Governor Abbott’s desk for his approval.

Written by staff