EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego attended President Joe Biden’s remarks event Thursday, Feb. 29 at the Brownsville Border Patrol Station where the president highlighted the need for comprehensive immigration reform, the El Paso County announced in a news release.
The County says that two weeks ago, Samaniego and commissioners sent a letter to President Biden highlighting challenges faced at the border and concerns with the state’s border policies, specifically opposing SB 4 law that was set to go into effect on March 5.
“The federal government should support border communities like El Paso County so we may continue providing services to newcomers in a safe and humane way without overwhelming our local social services and law enforcement,” said Judge Ricardo Samaniego, El Paso County Judge. “I’m hopeful that the President’s visit to the border will be an important step in improving our immigration system while allowing us to remain a welcoming community to recent immigrants.”
During his visit President Biden also met with U.S. Border Patrol agents, law enforcement and other local leaders, according to the County.
In addition, El Paso County leaders are celebrating the injunction of SB 4, a law that criminalizes illegal entry and re-entry into the United States and authorizes the removal of noncitizens, according to the County.
“El Paso County and other civil rights groups including the ACLU filed the lawsuit in December 2023 arguing that S.B. 4 violates the supremacy clause of the U.S. Constitution and is preempted by federal law. The court found that plaintiffs (including El Paso County) are likely to succeed on the merits of their claims and will suffer irreparable harm if the injunction is not granted,” read the news release.
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