Dallas Lawmaker Is Fasting to Protest Texas Sanctuary Cities Bill

State Rep. Victoria Neave went to Mass at the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe in downtown Dallas on Sunday and took a communion wafer. She said it's the last meal she's going to have through Wednesday.That's when the Texas House is set to to debate the so-called sanctuary cities bill, which Neave opposes. The bill would ban cities, counties and universities from adopting "sanctuary" policies that prevent local law enforcement agencies from asking about a person's immigration status or enforcing immigration law."I want people to know how terrible this law is," said Neave, a Democrat who represents District 107, which includes parts of Dallas, Mesquite and Garland.Supporters of the bill say it's necessary to stop unauthorized immigrants in jail from being released and going on to commit more serious crimes. But critics, like Neave, worry that the legislation will have a "chilling effect" on immigrants, making them afraid to report crimes committed against them or to testify in court for fear of being deported.Neave said the issue is driving "so much fear in our community." She pointed to an immigration forum earlier this year that packed a Mesquite high school cafeteria with 1,000 people.  Continue reading...