Austin and Travis County have been a flashpoint around the issue of the state and federal “sanctuary cities” law, which, among other things, includes penalties for state and local law enforcement and other officials if they fail to honor federal immigration agents’ requests that they hold inmates who may be subject to deportation (an action often called a “detainer”). The city, the county sheriff, and local citizens have taken a stance against anti-immigration laws in general, including the president’s recent “travel bans.” Curbed Austin and Curbed.com continue to follow this ongoing story.
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Immigration and Austin
News about immigration, law enforcement, and the conversation around national and state policies
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December 4, 2017
Standing up for immigrants puts Austin mayor on Global Thinkers List
Foreign Policy honors Steve Adler’s work on international stage
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June 8, 2017
SXSW should leave Austin to protest ‘sanctuary city’ law, say two U.S. senators
South by Southwest Festivals and Mayor Steve Adler have responded to Democrats’ suggestions that SXSW boycott Texas.
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May 30, 2017
Sanctuary city scenes: HB4 protests at the Texas Capitol
Legislative session’s last day marked by scuffles and death threats—by lawmakers—while citizens protested new law
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May 8, 2017
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signs “sanctuary cities” ban into law on Facebook Live video
Following a lengthy Texas House debate and Capitol protests, the governor signed the legislation Sunday night without advance notice.
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March 21, 2017
Austin ICE raids were response to ‘sanctuary city’ policies, says judge
Courtroom revelation contradicts earlier statement from federal agency
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February 1, 2017
Abbott responds to sanctuary city policy, cuts $1.5 million in grants for county
Governor cuts criminal justice funding over Travis County’s new immigration-related directive
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January 30, 2017
Photos, video from travel ban protest at Austin airport
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport was the site of vocal activism this weekend, as hundreds gathered to protest a recent presidential order banning entry to the United States by immigrants from several countries.
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January 25, 2017
Trump sanctuary city order could cost Austin millions
With state funding cuts already on the legislative table in Texas, president threatens to pull federal money over immigration enforcement
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August 31, 2016
Will Austin be Texas’ first ‘sanctuary city’?
Travis County sheriff candidate (and current constable) Sally Hernandez has vowed that, if elected, she will no longer allow detention of immigrants who have no charges against them for federal deportation.