In response to the recent pause on Senate Bill 4 (SB 4), Mexico has raised concerns over the potential discrimination and tensions that could arise within the Mexican and Latino communities. Mexico filed an amicus brief, also known as a "friend of the court" brief, with the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday in support of the plaintiff, which includes the Biden administration.

SB 4, signed into law by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in December, was initially blocked by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. However, the law was allowed to briefly come into effect on Tuesday until the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily blocked its reimplementation.

Mexico's amicus brief asserts that the enforcement of SB 4 could lead to improper harassment, detention, removal, and criminalization of Mexican citizens and individuals of Latino appearance. It expresses deep concern about the potential discriminatory application of the law.

Furthermore, the brief emphasizes the potential interference SB 4 could have on Mexico's right to govern its own people. It argues that the law could undermine collaboration on legal migration frameworks, border management, and hinder U.S.-Mexico trade.

The law would grant Texas police the authority to arrest individuals suspected of crossing the border illegally, a provision that has caused fear and anxiety within targeted communities, according to Mexico. The brief highlights the unprecedented level of anxiety among the Mexican community due to the prospect of thousands of Mexican nationals authorized to study, work, and reside in Texas being under threat of detention, removal, and separation from their families upon any interaction with law enforcement.

Mexico's concerns also extend to the attempt by Texas to enforce its own immigration laws, which it believes runs counter to the stance of the Biden administration. The amicus brief emphasizes that foreign nations should engage with one national sovereign, rather than 50 separate states, regarding the safety and security of their nationals.

Mexico's 11 consulates in Texas play a crucial role in assisting Mexican citizens in obtaining necessary documents and providing guidance on legal matters and U.S. laws. However, Mexico reports that consular officials have recently noted increasing levels of "fear, panic, and uncertainty" among Mexican nationals as a result of SB 4.

As the legal battle over SB 4 continues, it remains to be seen how the concerns raised by Mexico, as well as the potential impact on the Mexican and Latino communities, will be considered by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The outcome of the case will have significant implications for the relationship between the U.S. and Mexico, affecting migration policies, border management, and international trade.