Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick: Statement on the Passage of Senate Bill 2424 – State Authority to Enforce Our Border

AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the Texas Senate’s passage of Senate Bill 2424, State Authority to Enforce Our Border, by Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury:

“Since the federal government has abdicated its constitutional responsibility to secure our border, Texas must step into the breach. The Texas Senate has allocated over $4 billion in its base budget to continue Operation Lone Star, but I believe that more must be done to secure our border and keep Texans safe. SB 2424 will allow Texas to take matters into our own hands and make illegal entry into Texas a state crime. This bill makes it abundantly clear to all who enter illegally that Texas is serious about enforcing our border.”

SB 2424, by Sen. Birdwell creates a new state crime for entering Texas illegally. SB 2424 authorizes Texas law enforcement to arrest and prosecute all people who cross the border illegally anywhere in Texas. Punishment starts with up to 1 year in jail for a first-time offender, two years in state jail for a second-time offender and up to life in prison for convicted felons who illegally cross the border.