Why Texas' Sanctuary City Ban Threatens to Do More Harm Than Good

This newspaper has argued for years that Texas should not welcome or encourage illegal immigration. So we can understand why the "sanctuary city" bill that Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law this weekend sounds reasonable to so many. Why shouldn't law enforcement officers be able to ask people if they're violating a law?Here's why this piece of legislation is a disaster that threatens to do more harm than good: It encourages unfair treatment of millions of law-abiding American citizens. And instead of rooting out illegal activity, it could make the state a haven for more.It's disappointing that Abbott signed Senate Bill 4 into Texas law Sunday. Enforcing immigration law is a federal responsibility; local and state agencies should not be doing that job.The law, which goes into effect Sept. 1, bans cities, counties and universities from prohibiting their local law enforcement officers from asking about immigration status and enforcing immigration law. Those who violate the ban pay a hefty price — up to $25,000 for each day they are in violation.  Continue reading...