"Texas owes it to the brave law enforcement officials, who put their lives on the line every day to protect our families and communities, to give them the discretion they need to adequately do their jobs," Perry said. "Abolishing sanctuary cities in Texas, using the federal Secure Communities program and ensuring that only individuals who are here legally can obtain a valid Texas driver's license sends a clear message that Texas will not turn a blind eye to those breaking our laws."
Proponents call places where police do not actively enforce federal immigration law "sanctuary cities," a moniker local officials reject.
The vast majority of police chiefs oppose the so-called sanctuary cities measure that they say would prevent them from setting their own law enforcement priorities. Those opposed also say the bill would dramatically increase their workload without any additional funding and create an environment of distrust when police investigate crimes involving minorities.
Perry named similar legislation an emergency item in the regular legislative session, but it failed to reach the full Senate for a vote.
