Justice Department asks Supreme Court to block Texas law that allows police to arrest migrants

By ACACIA CORONADO and LINDSAY WHITEHURST
Associated Press

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The Justice Department has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to halt a new Texas law that allows police to arrest migrants who enter the country illegally. The emergency request filed Monday sets up another legal showdown over the federal government’s authority over immigration. Under the Texas law, state officers can arrest people suspected of entering the country illegally. Once in custody, people arrested can agree to a Texas judge’s order to leave the country or be prosecuted on a misdemeanor charge. The law is set to take effect Saturday unless the high court intervenes.