The US Supreme Court has indefinitely halted Texas from enforcing an immigration law permitting state officials to arrest and detain suspected illegal entrants.
This temporary block will continue as the court reviews emergency appeals from the Biden administration and others seeking to halt enforcement while legal challenges unfold.
The order, issued by Justice Samuel Alito, lacks a specified expiration date.
The law, Senate Bill 4, signed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, raised concerns about increased racial profiling and detentions.
The Justice Department argues the law would significantly change the immigration landscape.
While a federal judge in Austin blocked its implementation, the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals granted a temporary stay, set to take effect on March 10 if not for the Supreme Court’s intervention.
Texas officials defend the law, citing the state’s right to defend itself against transnational violence.
Oral arguments at the 5th Circuit are slated for next month.
