Women Want to Know: What's Next for Immigration in Texas? I. Federal Judge Blocks Sweeping New Immigration Law in Texas II. Texas law letting police arrest illegal border crossers blocked by federal judge III. Federal judge blocks enforcement of controversial Texas immigration law IV. Texas’ new illegal immigration law, SB 4, blocked by judge V. Judge blocks Texas law allowing police to arrest migrants Women Want to Know: What's Next for Immigration in Texas? A federal judge recently blocked most of Texas' sweeping new immigration enforcement law, Senate Bill 4, just days before it was set to go into effect. The law would have allowed local law enforcement officers to question the immigration status of anyone they detain or arrest and punish local government department heads and elected officials who do not cooperate with federal immigration agents. Opponents celebrated the ruling while the state vowed to appeal. So what's next for immigration policy in Texas? Here is a draft narrative continuing the article within the requested constraints: The courtroom erupted in cheers as Federal Judge Orlando Garcia announced his decision to block most of Senate Bill 4. This controversial law would have granted local Texas police broad authority to act as immigration agents, allowing them to question any detained person about their immigration status. Outside the courthouse, jubilant protesters waved signs reading “No to SB4!” and “Immigrants Are Welcome Here.” They had gathered for weeks, holding nightly vigils to speak out against what they viewed as a discriminatory, unconstitutional law that would promote racial profiling. But the legal battle continues. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who fiercely champions SB4 as a necessary measure to combat illegal immigration, has already vowed to appeal Judge Garcia’s ruling to the Fifth Circuit. There, a conservative-leaning panel will determine whether police should retain this level of discretion over immigration enforcement. In the meantime, local jurisdictions must navigate the limbo between state and federal immigration policy. Some sheriffs feel caught in an impossible position, concerned that every decision they make could still land them in legal trouble down the road. Most await further judicial guidance before charting their next steps. So SB4 remains blocked for now, spared from immediate implementation. But immigrants’ rights groups caution against complacency. In their view, this is but one round in a larger fight over the rights, dignity, and safety of marginalized communities in Texas. Powerful political forces continue advocating for expanded immigration enforcement. The fate of Senate Bill 4, and the people it impacts most, still hangs in the balance. Here is a continuation of the article narrative within the requested constraints: Maria sighs with relief as she watches the jubilant courtroom scene on the news. For weeks, she and dozens of fellow activists have gathered for nightly vigils outside the courthouse, waving signs and voices high as they demand, "No to SB4!" Maria herself is undocumented, and fears how this law would empower police officers to question her, profiling her as an immigrant. She feels safer, at least for today. But Governor Abbott, SB4's powerful champion, will not surrender the fight. As he files an appeal to reinstate the law, Maria steels herself for the next round, buoyed by the support of immigrants' rights groups. Still, she worries for her family and neighbors should SB4 prevail. What new climate of fear would consume her community? Would her children come home from school one day to find her gone, their family torn apart? Sheriff Lopez surveys his office, conflicted. He sympathizes with the immigrant community he has long protected. But if SB4 takes effect, failing to comply could cost him his job. He would have to hold the fate of so many families in his hands during every traffic stop and arrest. Still awaiting the court's final decision, Sheriff Lopez can only continue his daily patrols, hoping never to face such impossible choices.