The Mexican government is joining San Antonio and a handful of other Texas cities who are suing the state over the newly signed sanctuary city law, which they feel hurts legal residents or visitors, who may be affected by a type of racial profiling that the legislation will reportedly condone, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
"Laws like SB4 further criminalize the migratory phenomenon; Open spaces for possible acts of racial discrimination; reduce the collaboration of the migrant community with local authorities; and foster an environment of persecution," the country's lawyers write in a statement.
The legal brief points out that the number of calls to the Mexican Information and Assistance Center by Mexicans in Texas during May and June increased 678% compared to the same period last year. In addition, there was a 32.4% increase in the issuance of documents to Mexicans.
Prof. Mark Jones, the Joseph D. Jamail Chair in Latin American Studies at Rice University, says this could backfire for Mexico.
"It changes the optics from 'discrimination,' to 'a foreign government protecting its citizens in the united states who are undocumented immigrants,'" he tells Newsradio 1200 WOAI.
The affidavit emphasizes the respect of the Government of Mexico towards the laws and legal processes of the United States.
"However, it reiterates our country's concern about the possible negative effects of SB4 in the Mexican community and of Mexican origin, which represents one-third of the total population of Texas," the statement reads.
Arguments on a temporary restraining order were held Monday in San Antonio’s federal court. The judge did not put a timeline on the ruling, which could affect the law's September 1st start date.