RITA Statement On The Failure Of Anti-Immigrant “Sanctuary Cities” Bill In Texas
As the clocked ticked down the final moments of the 82nd Legislative session, the prediction of some Senate Democrats that their Tuesday vote to block HB12 was the end of “sanctuary cities” came true. Sen. Tommy Williams did not try a second time to bring up the Arizona-style proposal and HB12 died a silent and painless death as Lt. Gov. Dewhurst adjourned the Senate. The victory over irrational legislation belongs to communities in El Paso,... Read More
Congratulations To Texas Senators Who Voted Against Anti-Immigrant Arizona-Style Bill
Senators who voted to block HB12 last night were rewarded for their courage today. They walked into work this morning to cheers, a standing ovation and chants of “Yes we can!” RITA members and supporters from across Texas gathered in at the entrance to the Senate chamber today to applaud and congratulate Senators who voted to block HB12. By voting no, these senators bravely defended the safety and security of every Texan and proved that... Read More
ACTION ALERT: Join RITA On Monday, May 23 In Austin To Rally For Common Sense On HB12 and SB9
Join RITA delegations from across Texas in Austin to demonstrate our outrage on HB12 and SB9 Monday, May 23, 2011 at 9 a.m. South Side of the Capitol, on the Sidewalk After a trick move by Sen. Tommy Williams, Arizona copycat HB12 is back in the Legislature. House Bill 12 would divert law enforcement away from their real job: keeping Texas communities safe. Instead the law would turn them into ICE agents compelled to say to detained individuals,... Read More
Arizona Copycat HB12 Going To Texas Senate Committee Wednesday
Arizona copycat, House Bill 12, would divert law enforcement away from their real job: keeping Texas communities safe. It is also impossible to fund without raising taxes on local taxpayers. Texas can do much better than this. RITA stands with sheriffs and police chiefs across the state who say this law will keep them from doing their real job – keeping Texans safe. We stand with faith and community leaders who say this law divides their... Read More
The Monitor Asks RITA About SB 9 S-Comm Bill
RITA’s policy director, Jose Manuel Escobedo, was interviewed by the McAllen Monitor about the passage of SB 9, an S-Comm bill last week. RITA has already stated that this bill is bad for Texas. An excerpt from the Monitor’s article: …Immigration advocates say Secure Communities goes beyond catching serious criminals to deporting immigrants who aren’t found guilty or may actually be brought in as a witness or victim. A report... Read More
Action Alert: Passing of SB 9 in Texas Senate A Major Mistake
It is with much disappointment that we watched the Transportation & Homeland Security Committee in the Texas Senate pass SB 9 with 6-0 this morning. This bill, authored by East Texas Republican Tommy Williams, further blurs the line between immigration and crime at a high cost to local taxpayers that jeopardizes Texas communities. Democratic and Republican Senators who voted in favor of SB 9 have made a costly mistake. So what is the matter with... Read More
