| Houston, Texas – A United States federal appeals court issued a decision to continue to block the implementation of Senate Bill 4 (SB 4), a harsh anti-immigration law that would have allowed state law enforcement officials to arrest anyone suspected of crossing the border outside of ports of entry. The court denied the state of Texas’ motion to suspend a previous court order that found the law in conflict with federal immigration laws while its appeal is pending. Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee gave the following statement in response: The decision from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals shows that Republicans in Texas are overstepping their authority once again and disregarding the federal government's jurisdiction over immigration laws. Our communities should not have to live in a state of fear and confusion, which is exactly what SB4 was designed to do. Unfortunately, Republican leaders in Austin are more interested in fueling anti-immigrant rhetoric than actually creating real, workable solutions to address our immigration laws. While this back-and-forth can create a sense of uncertainty for the people who live here, this ruling makes me hopeful that the Fifth Circuit will follow clear Supreme Court precedent and rule against the law when it considers the merits. About the Harris County Attorney's Office Christian D. Menefee serves as the elected, top civil lawyer for Texas’ largest county. The Harris County Attorney’s Office represents the county in all civil matters including lawsuits. Menefee leads an office of 250 attorneys and staff members. He entered office at 32 years old, making him the youngest person and first African American elected as the Harris County Attorney. ### |