The Louisiana House of Representatives approved a bill on Wednesday, akin to one enacted in Texas, which permits state and local law enforcement to detain migrants who have illegally entered the United States.
SB 388 is championed by Louisiana State Sen. Valarie Hodges (R), who introduced the bill in March.
The bill, which had cleared the Louisiana State Senate 28-11 on April 8 prior to moving to the House, will be sent back to the Senate for agreement, according to the Associated Press (AP).
Following Senate concurrence, the bill will proceed to Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry’s (R) desk for final approval.
NEW: A Louisiana bill, similar to Texas’ embattled migrant enforcement law, is a step away from the governor’s desk.
It received approval in the House, 74-23. The bill was discussed on the floor for 3 minutes and no one spoke against it.
Background⬇️https://t.co/yx3MhCB9VG
— Sara Cline (@SaraLCline) May 22, 2024
Second-time offenders could face up to two years in prison and a potential $10,000 fine.
The passage of SB 388 comes as states like Iowa, Texas, and Oklahoma are embroiled in lawsuits filed by President Joe Biden’s Department of Justice over similar bills that authorize law enforcement to arrest illegal aliens within the U.S. and repatriate them.
Proponents of illegal aliens argue they are diligent workers who pay taxes and fill labor shortages. However, the influx of foreign labor has been linked to wage suppression and increased prices and housing costs.
Upon being signed by Gov. Landry, SB 388 would become effective if the United States Supreme Court upholds Texas’ Senate Bill 4, which remains in limbo as various courts deliberate on its constitutionality.
Additionally, Louisiana’s immigration bill would take effect if the U.S. Constitution is amended to “enhance local border enforcement authority, as outlined in the legislation,” according to the AP.
