Senator Perry files to eliminate sanctuary cities in Texas

On Tuesday, Senator Charles Perry filed SB 4, which would eliminate "Sanctuary Cities" in Texas. It would require local governments and police to uphold the law and enforce current immigration laws.

“By electing a Republican president and Republican majorities in Congress, the American people made it clear that solving our illegal immigration crisis must be a priority,” said Senator Perry. “That starts by eliminating sanctuary cities, securing our border, and enforcing the immigration laws we currently have on the books. We cannot sit idly by and allow local policies to undercut efforts made at the federal and state level."

On Monday, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick listed ending sanctuary city policies as one of his top 10 priorities for the upcoming session.

“No city in Texas should be allowed to ignore the law. We will end this practice once and for all this session," Patrick said.

Back in 2015, Perry authored SB 185 which would have eliminated Sanctuary Cities within the State of Texas. In July 2016, the U.S. Department of Justice released updated rules disqualifying sanctuary cities from receiving U.S. Department of Justice grant money.

"Banning sanctuary city policies will help prevent criminal aliens from being put back on our streets,” Perry said. “I have no doubt that with the help of my colleagues in the Texas Legislature, we will pass this bill.”