Protesters disrupt Texas Legislature

They sound off on the state’s new law against ‘sanctuary cities.’

AUSTIN, Texas — Hundreds of people opposing Texas’ tough new law against “sanctuary cities” led a raucous demonstration from the public gallery in the Texas House of Representatives on Monday, briefly halting work and prompting lawmakers below to scuffle as tensions over hard-line immigration policies boiled over.

Protesters wearing red Tshirts reading “Lucha,” or “Fight,” quietly filled hundreds of gallery seats as proceedings began. After about 40 minutes, they began to cheer, drowning out lawmakers. Protesters also blew whistles and chanted, “Here to stay!” and “Hey, hey, ho, ho, SB4 has got to go,” referring to the bill that Republican Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law this month.

Some waved banners reading, “See you in court!” Texas’ new law is reminiscent of a 2010 Arizona “show your papers” measure that allowed police to inquire about a person’s immigration status during routine interactions such as traffic stops. It was eventually struck down in court.

Under SB4, Texas police chiefs and sheriffs are required — under the threat of jail and removal from office — to comply with federal requests to hold criminal suspects for possible deportation.

Police officers also have the option to ask the immigration status of anyone they stop. The bill was viewed as a crackdown on Austin and other sanctuary cities, a term that has no legal meaning but describes parts of the country where police are not required to help enforce federal immigration law.

The Texas House leadership stopped the session and asked state troopers to clear the gallery. The demonstration continued for about 20 minutes as officers led people out of the chamber peacefully. There were no arrests.

But even after the protest ended, tensions remained high. Democratic state Rep. Cesar Blanco and Republican state Rep. Matt Rinaldi shouted at each other. Other lawmakers had to separate the two.