Republican Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas signed a bill into law on Monday that has ignited a fierce debate over efforts to curtail illegal immigration. The new law, known as SB 4, makes entering Texas illegally a state crime, marking an extraordinary step in the ongoing legal battle between the state and the federal government.

SB 4 grants local law enforcement the authority to arrest migrants, while judges now have the ability to issue orders for their removal to Mexico. The legislation, which was passed by the Texas legislature last month, has raised concerns and instilled fear within the Latino community, which constitutes 40% of the state's population. Civil rights organizations and immigration advocacy groups have vehemently condemned the bill.

Texas has been grappling with a surge in migration at the US-Mexico border, putting strain on both local and federal resources. Gov. Abbott and the Biden administration have clashed over the state's measures to curb illegal immigration along the southern border. As a result of the surge, US Customs and Border Protection announced a temporary suspension of operations at the Eagle Pass and El Paso international railway crossing bridges, starting Monday.

Democratic House members argue that the new law oversteps the federal government's jurisdiction, drawing parallels to Arizona's immigration status provision, which was largely struck down by the US Supreme Court in 2012. Critics derisively dub the legislation the "show me your papers" law.

Defending the bill, the Republican author maintains that it is constitutional, despite the objections raised. Kevin F. Lawrence, executive director of the Texas Municipal Police Association, believes that SB 4 provides local law enforcement with better tools to address illegal immigration.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has threatened to sue Gov. Abbott over what they consider to be one of the most anti-immigrant laws passed by any state. The organization claims that the bill undermines the safety and dignity of asylum seekers. Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, President and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, stated that Texas is turning its back on principles of compassion and due process.

The controversial bill also attracted opposition from three county executives in Texas, who wrote a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to intervene and prevent SB 4 from going into effect. The executives, representing El Paso, Harris (home to Houston), and Travis (home to Austin) counties, which account for a significant portion of the state's population, raised concerns over the constitutionality of the law and its potential impact on community safety.

The signing of SB 4 marks a significant development in the broader debate surrounding immigration policy in Texas. As the legal battle escalates, stakeholders on both sides of the issue fervently advocate for their positions, setting the stage for potential future clashes and legal challenges.