NILC Statement Responding to Fifth Circuit Decision on SB 4

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
April 24, 2026    

CONTACT  
Email: [email protected] 
Emily Morris, 213-457-7458
Adrian Escárate, 202-609-9976    

NILC Statement Responding to Fifth Circuit Decision on SB 4

WASHINGTON — Lynn Damiano Pearson, director of legal strategy at the National Immigration Law Center (NILC), issued the following statement after a federal court issued a decision allowing Texas’ SB 4 to proceed: 

“Today’s Fifth Circuit decision allowing SB 4 to go forward is harmful and a departure from every other court that has considered this issue. Only the federal government—not the states—can enforce immigration laws. This ruling did not reach the constitutionality of SB 4, and the federal district court has previously indicated that any challenge to SB 4 is likely to prevail on the merits. NILC represents individuals impacted by this law, and our clients’ standing is not affected by today’s ruling. We are assessing our next steps and will continue to fight on behalf of our plaintiffs to block this law, which violates the Constitution and hurts every Texas resident.” 

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