AUSTIN, Texas — The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals is mulling over arguments heard Wednesday on Senate Bill 4, the controversial Texas law that makes it a misdemeanor to illegally cross the Mexico border into Texas, allowing law enforcement officers to arrest people and judges to order them back across the border.
It is the latest in a long list of court hearings on SB 4.
The arguments will allow the panel of judges to decide whether to keep a lower court's block, or injunction, of the law in place. This is also the same panel that decided to put enforcement of the law on hold last week.
With so many questions about the constitutionality of the law and if or when the state will be able to enforce it, Kristin Etter with the Texas Immigration Law Council said it is important that people know their rights.
"Fourth Amendment, not to consent to searches; Fifth Amendment, not to say anything without the assistance of a lawyer. You do that by invoking your Fifth Amendment and requesting that you have a lawyer present before you answer questions," Etter said. "It's super crucial that people also invoke their Sixth Amendment right to council before making any significant decisions."
Etter has helped lead dozens of sessions and webinars about the new law and hopes people will not be consumed by fear – giving light to the phrase "knowledge is power," and the importance in sharing it.
"Education can empower you," Etter said.
On Thursday, the city of Austin's Equity Office is hosting a virtual workshop with Catholic Charities focused on SB 4 at 6 p.m. It will be held in English with Spanish interpretation. Learn more.