Opponents of SB 4 call it a “show me your papers” measure.
It allows law enforcement to ask the immigration status of those detained. This could include those arrested for a crime or those stopped because of a traffic violation.
Many say, there is a heightened sense of worry among the migrant community.
The Sunday evening crowd strolled through Harry Hines Bazaar in Dallas and walked out into a new Texas.
“Really upset," said Annette Perez after being told Governor Greg Abbott signed SB 4 Sunday evening.
“I'm really scared because one day what if immigration goes to my house and takes my husband because he's not from here," she said.
Perez fears for her undocumented husband's future.
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He works to support their three American children.
In recent months some colleges in North Texas have stepped forward to welcome undocumented students and staff. The measure bans so-called “sanctuary campuses” as well.
“I'm very shocked and very disappointed in our government,” said Melissa Jaramillo.
Some quickly brought up the effect they think this measure will have, something even law enforcement agencies have warned about.
“There's going to be more crime because nobody's going to call the police anymore to report when there's a crime,” said Jose Contreras. “How are you going to call the police and report something they're going to start asking you for your papers?”
“If they see a crime they're going to be afraid to call and ask for help," said Jaramillo.
The ACLU of Texas released a statement saying SB 4 has already had a negative impact on victims of rape and domestic abuse. In Houston, for example, the organization says the number of Hispanics reporting rape fell 24% from last year.
