Texas Governor Greg Abbott Signs Controversial Bill Criminalizing Illegal Border Crossings

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed a bill that criminalizes illegal entry into the state, setting up a potential clash with the Biden administration over immigration policy and border enforcement. The new law makes it a misdemeanor to enter or attempt to enter Texas from a foreign country at any location other than a lawful port of entry. This comes as negotiators in Washington are trying to reach an immigration deal, with Republicans insisting on it in exchange for additional aid to Ukraine and Israel. The law has drawn criticism from the White House and a group of Texas Democrats, who have asked the Justice Department to block it. Abbott has previously implemented other measures to deter migrant crossings, but they have been rejected in court.