Lubbock Times

Washington, D.C. – Today, Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) expressed disappointment but not surprise at U.S. District Judge David Ezra's decision to block Texas' SB 4 law, which criminalizes illegal border crossings. Arrington stated, "This ruling by the Federal District Judge in Austin is disappointing, but not surprising. It is clear to me and the majority of Americans that what’s happening at our southern border is ‘an actual invasion’ or ‘imminent danger’ per the US Constitution, Article 1 Section 10."

Arrington, who led 45 colleagues in an Amicus Brief supporting SB 4, emphasized his commitment to Texas' right of self-defense, stating, "We’ll see Biden’s DOJ in the 5th circuit."

The background of the case involves Governor Abbott signing Senate Bill 4 into law on December 18, 2023, which criminalizes illegal entry into Texas and allows for the deportation of offenders. The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a lawsuit on January 3, 2024, arguing that the legislation is unconstitutional and preempted by federal law.

In support of Texas, Chairman Arrington filed an amicus brief on February 13th, along with 45 cosigners, asserting that Texas has the constitutional right to self-defense and the power to repel an invasion autonomously from federal regulations.