In this episode of Immigration Uncovered, host James Pittman interviews Justin Estep, the senior director of immigration and refugee services for Catholic Charities of Central Texas, about Texas Senate Bill 4 (SB4). They have an in-depth discussion about what the law entails, its current legal status, potential issues with implementation, the political context and motivations behind it, and more.

Key Discussion Points:

• Overview of SB4 provisions, including enhanced penalties for human smuggling and new state crimes for illegal entry and re-entry into Texas
• Current legal status and recent back-and-forth court decisions on whether SB4 can be enforced
• Practical issues with having local law enforcement implement immigration laws, including handling asylum claims and treatment of US citizen children
• SB4 as political posturing rather than an attempt to actually solve immigration issues
• Negative impacts on immigrant communities in Texas through intimidation and fear, even if SB4 is not fully implemented
• Statements by the Mexican government that they will not accept immigrants sent over the border under SB4
• Predictions on upcoming 5th Circuit and potential Supreme Court rulings on constitutionality of the law (00:46 - 00:49)