BEAUMONT, Texas — Immigration is the talk around Texas after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to temporarily allow Texas law enforcement agencies the right to arrest people they suspect of illegally crossing the Texas-Mexico border.
This decision came down to a 3-6 ruling just one day after the court extended it's temporary block on the law.
For some, like Governor Abbott who said on social media 'this is clearly a positive development' Senate Bill 4 is a win. While others in Southeast Texas say it conflicts with federal immigration laws.
"The immigrant community is afraid," said Kristy Wendler, a Southeast Texas based immigration lawyer.
Wendler says the law is too broad and allows local law enforcement to overstep their authority and could impact a migrants legal status.
"Some of these people may get deported if this law is applied against them. They could lose rights they have under federal law," she said.
Wendler is taking in almost 30 new cases each week and she's advising her clients to take special precautions.
"If you entered with a visa, or you have legal status, one asylum, or you are a dreamer you have DACA, if you have any type of U.S. issued ID, carry it on you," Wendler said.
She also says it's important to know what rights they have.
"They have a right if they qualify to an attorney, they have a right to stop the questioning beyond their name, date of birth and address," said Wendler.
12News reached out to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office about how they will be handling the law. They decided not to comment on how their deputies would be enforcing it at this time.
The Texas Department of Public Safety says it will only arrest people that troopers visually see crossing the Rio Grande.
The case is now heading to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. If the Biden Administration appeals, it could go back to the Supreme Court.