His latest order regarding immigration restricts ground transportation, moving by car or truck, of migrants who pose a risk of carrying Covid 19 into Texas communities. It also directs the DPS to stop any vehicle that's deemed suspicious so it can be rerouted.
Kate Huddleston with the ACLU of Texas calls it unconstitutional. "This will clearly lead to racial profiling. It will clearly lead to inappropriate stops in violation of the fourth amendment protection against unreasonable searches and seizures."
The governor writes "The dramatic rise in unlawful border crossings has also led to a dramatic rise in COVID-19 cases among unlawful migrants who have made their way into our state, and we must do more to protect Texans from this virus and reduce the burden on our communities. This Executive Order will reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure in our communities."
Huddleston says there is a long history of blaming immigrants for the spread of disease. "This is just another chapter of that racist history. There is no reason for the governor to target particular individuals and particular individuals traveling in the state." She also calls it an assault on civil rights and says it will lead to blatant racial profiling.
As to what proceeded this order, earlier this week, a woman flagged down police in the far South Texas city of La Joya to report a family at a restaurant was coughing, sneezing and maskless. Reportedly the family told police they were undocumented migrants who were released by Border Patrol because they had Covid-19 and were being housed in a nearby motel.
Hotel management said Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley booked the rooms to house the immigrants, and officers reported some 20 to 30 people staying there were out and about, and for the most part maskless.
The latest order comes a month of so after Abbott vowed to build a border wall in Texas.
You can view the governor's executive order here.
Related
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow NewsRadio 1080 KRLD