Governor draws criticism for Texas Senate Bill 4 signing

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The passing of Texas Senate Bill 4 is drawing a lot of attention, not only because of widespread opposition but also because of the way that the Governor Greg Abbott signed it into law. It was on Sunday evening, not in a news conference setting but rather on Facebook Live.

"It is a shameful day in the state of Texas that Texas Governor Greg Abbott decided to sign this law in a very cowardly way,” says Cesar Espinosa, executive director of FIEL.

"We're going where most people are getting their news and talking directly to them instead of speaking through a filter," says a spokesperson for Gov. Abbott.
   
Groups are now gathering, speaking out against SB4 which requires Texas law enforcement agencies to determine citizenship for those stopped by law enforcement officers and makes it a crime for police chiefs and sheriffs not to comply.

"Let's stop saying this is about criminals," says Abraham Espinosa. "This is not about criminals. They are targeting innocent working families.” Espinosa adds that the law will rip families apart. 

Rose Escobar's husband, Jose, who did not have a criminal record, was recently deported after being in the U.S. almost two decades. Rose says she and her two children are suffering and fighting to get him back. 

"Jose Escobar is my best friend," explains Rose as she cries. "I've known him since I was 14 years old and I've loved him ever since. A part of me is literally gone.”

Many rallying against SB4 says it isn't the answer, Instead, a better path to citizenship would be preferred by SB4 opponents. 

"Believe me, if I had a choice, I would not choose to be undocumented because it's a very hard life to live,” adds Cesar.

"I'm a U.S. citizen," says Abraham. "I'm going to remember who was with us when I go vote and this is a message for you Governor Abbott. You are not going to be our governor anymore."                 

SB4 is projected to go into effect in September. Its opponents are rallying in the hope that a court ruling will find the law unconstitutional.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit to uphold the constitutionality of Texas Senate Bill 4, which was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott. His office released the following statement on Monday:

Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick released the following statement on Monday: