AUSTIN, Texas — A co-authored border security bill by Odessa State Representative Brooks Landgraf moves to the Texas House floor for debate as early as Wednesday, Oct. 25.
House Bill 4, which creates a criminal offense for illegal entry and authorizes licensed peace officers to remove illegal immigrants from Texas, passed out of the House State Affairs Committee by a vote of eight to three.
“Illegal border crossings set a new record in September,” Landgraf said in a press release. “The Biden administration’s failed policies are placing the lives and property of Texans at risk, requiring the state to take immediate further action. Just a few weeks ago I was there myself, personally witnessing the mass of humanity overwhelming personnel and infrastructure in Texas border communities. I’m incredibly thankful Governor Abbott included border security legislation on the call for this special session so that we can take meaningful steps to keep Texans safe right now.”
If House Bill 4 gets passed by the Texas House of Representatives, it will head to the Texas Senate.
Landgraf said in the press release that the bill only strengthens the state's efforts at the border.
“House Bill 4 will add to the state’s arsenal of tools available to secure the border,” Landgraf said. “If passed, HB 4 will enable Texas law enforcement officials to not just arrest a person for illegal entry, but to remove that person from the state."