Texas Trespass Bill To Make Illegal’s Presence State Crime
// April 27th, 2010 // Latest News
HOUSTON – State Representative Debbie Riddle (R – District 150) will again file a bill that allows state and local law enforcement officers to arrest those who are in the country illegally.
Last session, Riddle filed House Bill 49, which would have created a new criminal violation: Criminal Trespass by Illegal Aliens. She says she will introduce the same measure during the pre-filing period in November that precedes the new Texas legislative session in January.
“Despite all the national controversy, this is a common sense bill, pure and simple,” Riddle said. “It does nothing but allow law enforcement to do their job: arrest those who are breaking the law.”
Unlike a similar act passed recently in Arizona, Riddle’s bill requires law enforcement to confirm the immigration status of a suspect with US Customs and Immigration Enforcement before making an arrest and does not require the suspect to produce identification. Under the language of HB 49, an officer would have to have reasonable suspicion that the person was present in the country illegally before making the inquiry.
Riddle said she believes the legislature will pass the bill in the upcoming session.
“Nothing less than our national security is at stake when it comes to illegal immigration,” Riddle said. “With the violence escalating along the border, the rest of the state and country has suddenly awakened to a reality that my district has known all along: the safety and security of our citizens is in jeopardy and will continue to be in jeopardy until we secure our border.”
CLICK HERE to view a copy of HB49 from the 81st Legislative Session
104 Responses to “Texas Trespass Bill To Make Illegal’s Presence State Crime”
- Billy Mills said: I am constantly amazed at the people who refer to ...
- John Carpenter said: Are you serious? The proposed bill does not single...
- Ryan Roye said: Hey Stephanie....'annexed to Mexico.' Really? Ma...
- Immenotu said: No one wants to admit that the illegals are taking...
- Vicky Knight said: It is NOT possible to make all illegal aliens - an...
- Vicky Knight said: HB49 is the BEST thing that could happen to Texas ...
Why do illegal immigration supporters believe that only one race breaks immigration laws?
Second Question….why haven’t illegal immigration supports read this bill? It’s only TWO PAGES! It’s not like it’s a health care bill stuffed with taxes, payoffs and pork. Just TWO PAGES. It takes one minute for you to find out that the people telling you that you’ll have to “carry your papers everywhere you go” and that this allows police to pull over and harass people because of their skin color are lying to you.
Thank you for taking the necessary action to defend our borders.
I am offended by what is happening in Mexico and along the border. I am sorry for the people stuffed into so-called “safe houses” and subjected to slave wages. I am tired of the attitude of entitlement. New immigrants should respectfully follow procedure: the lawful kind. No matter what your country of origin, you should be prepared to respect our country’s sacred documents and institutions. Not trample over our citizenry.
*Bleeding Heart Liberals that want to allow Illegal Immigrants ( Asians, Europeans, Balkans, Canadians, Africans,… ) a revolving door for them to enter the country at will, rape our Social Services and, send monies home should voluntarily consider increasing their personal tax burden to offset the expense of these freeloaders. >> If they ( BHL’s ) REALLY want them to stay,… -they should have no problem supporting them financially.
*Edgar 4:13P >> We ALL understand the plight and struggles Immigrants endure to enter the United States for a better life. However,… there are hundreds and thousands of Immigrants ( Asian, European, Balkan, Canadian, African,… ) that “overstay” their welcome by NEVER applying for US Citizenship once they get here. >> If they were to to apply (USCIS.com), register to vote, pay Income Taxes and, generally contribute to the collective good of the nation,… there wouldn’t be such a negative sentiment from American Citizens who feel, the Immigrants are raping our social services system without at will.
*Marisa 3:49PM >> AZ SB1070 bill is a Mirror Image of Federal Immigration Law that is already on the books and, in use. >> AZ SB1070 & Federal Immigration Law does not specify a target ethnicity, culture, religion, color, orientation,… it targets ALL Illegal Immigrants; Canadians, Asians, Africans, Europeans, Middle Easterners,… EVERYONE who has overstayed their welcome by never applying for US Citizenship as to avoid paying Income Taxes so, they can continuously rape the Social Services System that is normally reserved for Legal American Citizens.
Here is the portion of AZ SB1070: Requires officials and agencies to reasonably attempt to determine the immigration status of a person involved in a lawful contact where reasonable suspicion exists regarding the immigration status of the person, except if the determination may hinder or obstruct an investigation.
This is the only part of that bill that I can not support. The problem I have with it are these 2 things “lawful contact” and “reasonable suspicion”. I can not support the TX trespass bill if it has the same wording. What is lawful contact? According to supporters and author of the bill is when a person is being detained because the officer has reasonable suspicion that a crime has happend or is about to happen. What does lawful contact really mean? Any time I have and interaction with an officer of the law,even if the contact is initiated by me. I don’t have to be breaking any laws to have lawful contact with an officer. Now lawful contact has been established, does the officer have the right to require that am a citizen or a legal resident? Oh, wait the officer will officer will also need reasonable suspicion. What is reasonable suspicion that I may be here illegally? Other than the obvious of 10 people in the trunk of a car or trailer jammed with 100’s of people. How is an officer going to determine who is an illegal immigrant? what objective critera wil the officer use? What does an illegal immigrant look like? I don’t know, do you? This how reasonable suspicion works, an officer see a driver weaving consitantly in the lanes of the road. The officer now has reasonable suspicion that the driver is under the influence. How does an officer objectively determine if a person is an illegal immigrant?
You have my vote. Not only are we over populated but we need our jobs back. All of these illegal immigrants work off the books. Who do you think pays for that? My husband was in the roofing business for years. The immigrants go in and take the jobs and send the money back to their countries.So, I support this bill!
Mom always said its never too late to do the right thing. Thank you Debbie for taking a stand. I wish the State of Texas had more leaders like you. I hope you are able to drag our centerist governor to the table on this one. The border has been so loose for so long that we are now infiltrated with illegals who think since they have been here for a while that they have rights. This has gone on far too long.
Please Texas. Please follow Arizona’s lead. Enough is enough. Let anyone opposed complain til their hearts content. Illegal is illegal so get over it and get them out.
Debbie, you have my VOTE. I will stand with you 100%.
Thank you all for the hundreds of emails and comments regarding this very important topic.
I will continue to post your messages of support and opposition to this bill as long as it is done in a tasteful manner. Comments that include profanity, racism and insults will be deleted. Please help me keep this blog “G rated” and appropriate for all ages.
Your voice will be heard – Although it is hard for her to respond to the hundreds of messages, she is receiving EVERY email and comment on her laptop and iPhone. You can also communicate directly with Representative Riddle on Twitter and Facebook.
Thank you.
Siri – HB49 was written long before the law in AZ. It is not the same law, or a copy of any other. The media is spinning it as a copy, which is false.
God Bless you Debbie, and thank you for listening to the Texans out cry. you have my Vote.
*I suggest a multi-pronged approach to the issue. GO AFTER THE EMPLOYERS THAT HIRE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ( Canadian, Asian, European,… Vulcan, Ferengi, Klingon,… ).
Employers that knowingly hire Illegal Immigrants,…
1st Offense: $10,000 fine per Illegal Employee
2nd Offense: $50,000 fine per Illegal Employee
3rd Offense: $100,000 fine per Illegal Employee
You can stem the flow of Illegal Immigrants into Texas by, removing the business incentive to do so.
*Amnesty? -Not exactly but,… you can give EVERYONE ( Canadian, Asian, European,… Vulcan, Ferengi, Klingon,… ) up-to 90 days to apply for US Citizenship (USCIS.com). Afterwards,… anyone determined ( Probable Cause ) to be in the state illegally will be deported.
*GMelcor 5:18 PM: You may be right. So what do YOU suggest we do about it? *If we don’t send a message,… they will keep coming and keep raping the Social Services (Healthcare & Education) system without contributing a dime ( Income Taxes ) to it. >> By passing the Texas Trespass Law AND,… going after the Employers that hire them,… you can stem the flow of new Illegals by reducing or removing the employment incentive to enter the country without EVER applying for US Citizenship ( Criminal / Terrorist Background Check,… ).
“Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.”- Benjamin Franklin.
I don’t live in district 150, but I have contacted Hubert Vo and asked that he support Ms. Riddle when she introduces the legislation in the next session. Those who speak in opposition have not read the Azizona law, which is quite sane and reasonable.
I only wish the law had passed before our primary elections, so that Weasel Perry could have been put on the spot. Now he is the candidate and still gets to crawfish. This may drive some of us to a third party candidate!
I don’t think people should come here illegal but the process to come here is so long and pricey that i understand why they do what they do. Instead of making so many laws about how to racially profile hispanic people maybe the state can work on the process of becoming citizens. more legal working citizens means more taxes for our conutry.
I find all those people that appose this bill to be comical. The laws have been around for years at the federal level. The individual states are growing tired of the federal branches failing. So, the states are taking it into their own hands. It would also seam that the only people being brought up are from the country just to our south. Guess what my uneducated writers; illegal’s aliens come in ALL colors and nationalities. We have had illegal aliens from EVER country in the world cross our boarders. Our states are getting tired of footing the bill for illegal aliens when the money is to have been spent on AMERICANS not criminals. Our country would be healthier physically and financially if we put a more stringent laws in place to assist our boarder patrol. This bill allows EVERY law enforcement agency to assist our countries growing problem.
So if you aren’t with us Americans, you are against us and want us to loose the battle of our open boarders.
Sorry folks I forgot to mention one thing. Why don’t we adopt Mexican immigration law? I only bring up Mexico because it seams to be the only country people are focusing on, so I will do the same in this setting. How about that my friends. Would that make you happy? Why don’t you read about Mexico’s laws and then come back to this site and leave your comments. Your attention would be a little more to the south about their laws. Did you know if you are an illegal alien in Mexico you go to JAIL.
We as a collective nation will allow anyone to become an American. Not Mexico. You have to prove you would be an asset for the Mexican country. NOT A FREE LOADER ! ! !
I only bring up Mexico because it seams to be the only country people are focusing on, so I felt I would do the same.
What our Government is NOT doing is almost treason. Thank you so much.We are being invaded,and they want to reward them ?
It is a slap in the face to my relatives, who came here legally,became legal citizens as soon as they got off the ship from Germany,and endured all the hardships to form Fredricksburg.
I am emailing my rep to support you a 100% on this. Thanks
This is a sensible approach to limiting ILLEGAL Immigration of Mexican nationals, or OTMs. The big problem is CRIME. Arizona is fighting to protect the lives of AMERICAN CITIZENS. We have laws,now let’s enforce them. Check immigration status for all CRIMINALS. Deport criminal illegal aliens and make our street safe again for all Texans. I support Debbie Riddle’s sensible law to stem the tide of illegals. If they can’t get in in Arizona, TEXAS here they come in even bigger numbers.
I am a native Texan and although I do not live in her district I fully support Debbie Riddle. I can no longer support Rick Perry as long as he oppose such a bill because he does not truly represent the citizens of Texas. It has been many years since I voted for a Democratic candidate but that’s about to change. There are entirely too many sanctuary cities in the State of Texas and Rick Perry just as much stated that he intends for Texas to be a sanctuary state. Sanctuary cities only encourage illegal immigration! People that oppose such a law show no respect for our laws just the same as the illegals do. They are part of the problem and can never be part of the solution.
The laws have been around for years at the federal level. The individual states are growing tired of the federal government not fullfilling their responsibilities, therefore,the states are taking it into their own hands and I totally agree. Just seems it has taken a long time to get to this point. Illegal’s aliens come in many different colors and nationalities. We have had imigrants from all the countries in the world and I do not have a problem with them if they have entered the country legally. We the taxpayers are getting tired of footing the bill for illegal aliens. Jails, hospitals and schools just to name a few of the places our tax dollars are going to help people who are breaking the law and know they are breaking the law. It should not be a surprise to them when they are ask to return to their own countries. Our country would be healthier and much better financially if we put more stringent laws in place to assist our boarder patrol. I agree with the bill the state of Arizona put in place and would love to see us pass a similar bill.
Hey Jim, I agree with all u say, but please don’t vote for the Dems, it’ll be like cuttingb yr nose to spite yr face! I’m sure if we ALL write to Rick Perry, he’ll get the hint! We need to get behind all the candidates that support throwing the illegals OUT! Sick of paying for illegal immigrant kids to go to school, to hospitals free, and get all the things free that I can’t, but have to pay not only for my bills, but for all those illegals bills too! that Bull crap! let’s give all we can to those candidates!! Regards, Colin.
Where was ICE during the protests over the weekend. According to thier website…”ICE’s mission is to protect the security of the American people and homeland by vigilantly enforcing the nation’s immigration and customs laws. ” This federal agency has 19,000 employees (paid for by tax dollars). If the ICE employees are unwilling to carryout thier mission they should be fired. If the agency is unwilling to carryout its mission it should be abolished.
It is a crying shame that people who can’t argue the facts have to resort to crying racism. They see racism in everything. If they don’t get their food in a reasonable amount of time at a restaurant, if they are don’t get a promotion at work, if people want the law enforced. You have gotten away with ending the conversation by yelling “racism!” Well, we are tired of it, and won’t be silenced by your ignorance any longer. This bill is not racist or prejudiced in any way. If you want the criminals to have rights, just say so, don’t hide your true intentions by screaming racism every chance you get. If you are here illegally, you are a criminal by definition!
Mexico was once Spain, the US was once England, France, and Spain… that is the most absurd argument I’ve ever heard for not enforcing the law.
Monze, we don’t have a problem with Mexicans that come here legally and don’t break the law. But we do have a problem with Mexicans, Guatemalans, Hondurans, Pakistanis, Saudis, Vietnamese, Germans, and anyone else who come here and stay illegally.
Thank you Representative Riddle. We need more politicians who represent citizens of this country instead of foreign nationals.
America is our Home, we are an open and inviting people, but sneaking in the back door is wrong. I know several immigrants from around the world who have come here LEGALLY. They have filled out the paperwok, paid thier fees, and complied with the law. They are Mexican, Hindu, Asian, and European and none of them consder obeying the law Racisim, and carry thier papers and are not afraid to show them. We put out the welcome mat to world, but illegals wipe thier feet on our laws and our hospitality. We must enforce the laws or soon no one will respect any of our laws. Good luck Debbie on getting a similar law in Texas to the one enacted in Arizona
I agree with Pariah, thank you Representative Riddle for recognizing the need to start upholding the law again.
MONZE, YOU’RE AN IDIOT!
Yes to the law
What part of being illegal do people not understand? Remember an illegal immigrant is not a race, but a federal crime. Since our government tends to look the other way on this issue, it is time for the states to protect their own borders. I for one can’t wait for the bill to be introduced. Thank you Representative Riddle.
I honestly agree with Representative Riddle that we need this bill. Honestly if you are in this country and up to no good, then you need to leave. My grandparents came from Mexico legally, learned english and opened up their own business in San Antonio for 27 years. My Grandfather even served as a Medic in the US Army. So if someone truly wants to make a better life for themselves and their family there is a way to do so. For example our cleaning lady now owns her own business, has been taking english and computer classes and doesn’t need goverment assistance. Another thing I wish would be looked at more closely would be the rise of illegal immigrants being provided government assistance. I’ve worked at a local grocer and checked out so many people paying with food stamps and wic that you could tell were not here legally. So why use out tax $ where it can be used somewhere more important. I did see someone post before of freedom of speech but that only really is valid for legal citizens of the US. Honestly, If I were to go to Mexico today….with 3 kids and NO knowledge of the language, do you really think they would provide with any assistance financially?? Seriously?
I’m from former USSR, American CITIZEN!! legally. 120% suporting
Representative Riddle immigration bill. Also, I can’t understand why
south-american nationalities which resides in this country taking this and Arizonas bill as a racism or discrimmination, myself I do not see any reasons for this point of view. This is very clear that if word stated ILLIGAL it’s meant “against the law” and why so many people pretending to be civil right activist against this bill ?
People, what’s wrong with you? So called “tolerance” reach unpresedented level and totaly out of control. One can’t anymore prosecute offender just because he is from another country or different color, or different sexual orientation, just because one can be accused of “racism” this is realy ridiculous. Managers can’t anymore take disciplinary actions against BAD employee without been acused in discrimination if this BAD employee happen to be different nationality or race or….etc.
Why south-american nationalities taking this bill as against them and only them, this is the RACISM and discriminatory practises.
THIS BILL AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION!!!!
It’s can be my russian “brother Ivan” who entered in this country illegaly. Honestly, this is out of control and I’m totally agreed with all of those who supporting this bill and “Immigration reform”
Dear Representative Riddle if you need my support or if you want me to to Austin and talk to our “servants” which sitting there and booing every attempt to protect us and our kids and future generations I WILL BE THERE!!
Anytime the leftists in this country cant back up their side of any arguement, they yell racism…It’s been used so much and so flippantly, none of us care about the name calling any more..
70% of this country has had it…it’s time that the majority rules…Our national debt is about $4,000 per man, woman and child… Only half the households pay tax and at 3.5 people household that’s about $28,000 per household… the top 10% pay 90% of the tax … the final number is…….if your household brings in $150K (not rich by any means) then your house owes over $260,000 worth of federal debt…. We cant afford any more social programs for anyone, illegal or otherwise!!!!!… and these people are demanding the right ot be here???…are we nuts???….
When I see those Mexican flags waving the first thing I think… “if Mexico is so great, why the hell are you here?… you want to turn our country in Mexico?..why?? because you did such a successful job running you home country??”
thanks Rep Riddle
yes this great country (the united states of america) not divided.was/is a melting pot (if you will) of people of all walks of life.that is what makes it a great country.AND WHAT MAKES IT A MUCH BETTER COUNTRY,IS IF ALL PEOPLE OBEY THE LAWS OF THE LAND!the jails are overcrowded with people that are here illegally,statistic’s do not lie,they are also color blind.my great -grand mother came to the usa,and could not speak english,but she learned,to read and write as well .and up until 2/3 years before she passed away she proudly raised the united states flag ( on a flag pole) in the front yard that my great grandparents bought with money they earned FROM HARD WORK not from some damn goverment hand out !they paid their taxes,and raised their family,and obey the laws.god bless america.yes i’am a proud american.sunshine b.
I’m strictly against illegal immigration but I think the immigration laws and so complicated that it’s hard for most people. I came to US legally on my student visa. I have excellent education and entry level experience but the employers don’t want to sponsor me a work authorization because its expensive and involves lots of documentation. I cannot work off campus and am not able to find on campus job for the summer as most offices are closed. I’m stuck.
I here people saying that their European ancestors came legally 50 , 70 or 100 years ago. Back in those days, the immigration laws were not the same as today’s. Most of the immigrants in those days arrived at Ellis Island and they had to go through a medical check, documents from home country stating their identity, criminal records etc. Then they were free to go anywhere in US and become US citizen easily. Most of the immigrants from Europe were refugees and asylum seekers. They left Europe due to many reasons like famines, economic hardship, political reasons and many others.
The economic and cultural survival of the United States depends upon the clarification and proper enforcement of the 14th amendment, especially in regard to ending automatic citizenship of children of temporary sojourners and visitors (esp. illegal) to this country. In 1866, several of the authors of the amendment clearly stated that the intent was NOT to give citizenship to children of temporary visitors, but only to those children who’s parents themselves had gone through the process of becoming citizens. This intent needs to be clearly spelled out and made law. Otherwise, in 20 years (or less) the US economy and way of life will no longer be sustainable.
Ms. Riddle has my prayers and support for her proposal. Anything we can do to stop the invasion is a plus. We not only have illegals to fight, we must beg our own government to enforce the laws. We are NOT a nation of laws, since the first illegal alien was allowed to stay.
What everyone needs to realize is what doesn’t help our US citizens in this economy is when the illegal immigrants take work and sometimes business away from the hard working legal American people. In saying that, I can see right now why certain business establishments are hurting and how they must be effected at this most difficult time by when I see some illegal immigrants creating work on the side that takes away business from others that could very well be potential customers for those who actually own, or are running a real legitimate business.
You need to be a legal resident or an American citizen to collect public assistance. Consequently, no illegal alien can be drawing from the taxes of so call respectable American citizens. Furthermore, the so called illegal aliens are contributing by the millions to the economy to this country, they are hard workers, raise your kids, clean your houses, do your lawn, build your houses & buildings, cook you food, wash your dishes and more.
And the majority are brown skin citizens of this country who are being in America further longer that your ancestors who came from accross the ocean from other parts of the world. In addition, it is written in the prophesy, that we the dispised original natives of this great America continent soon we will receive our land back from the hands of God. Now, all of you, smart people, who raise your voices against a dispised, humble people, what are you going to do to prevent God, for returning our land to us?
If any illegal immigrants are falsely receiving benefits it is because they have lied and cheated the system in order to get ahead. For every unlawful act they commit we Americans have to pay for their wrongful doings.
If anyone is going to be living in our country they need to follow the laws of our land but also the laws of God by obeying the Ten Commandments. This will be the only way our great nation will be able to continue to lead in the right direction and from any differences that may come our way.
I agree with passing the Immigration Bill for Texas. I am not prejudiced, but it is unfair for United States citizens for any illegal immigrants to come into the United States and to receive services, including social security and other benefits, that Americans work so hard for. I do not believe that the purpose of immigration law is to cause segregation, as those asked for proof of citizenship are as a result of suspicious illegal activity or violation of traffic laws which requires officers to request proof of citizenship. Perhaps all officers should be required to request proof of citizenship from all persons who appear to be of a nationality other than an American. However, there have been serious problems with illegal immigration from Mexico, and that is undisputable. It has caused other serious problems, including death and drug problems. It is a common sense, no nonsense, law!
what is the matter with people did they not learn to read in school ? no matter who you are where you are from in the USA if you are stopped for any violation of the law you have to produce identification if you are not able to your name or social security number can be checked if you have none of these you are more then likely a drain on the economy an illeagal
Join us today to rally in support of Arizona and SB 1070. We will be rallying in locations around the city of Houston. I will be at the Conroe Courthouse at West Phillips at the courthouse square. Richard Smith and some of his group from the Tomball Tea Party will also be rallying in the Tomball area. How wonderful if you could find time to join us.
The immigration laws are put in effect to save the American People and their jobs! It is sad that Arizona has to suffer because the Feds are not taking care of our borders!!!