Miranda statement on appeals court ruling on Texas’ SB4

PHOENIX – Last week, the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld an injunction against Texas’ Senate Bill (SB) 4, allowing the District Court’s order to prevent enforcement of a state law allowing for the arrest and prosecution of people suspected of illegally entering the state from a foreign country to stand.

SB4 was passed by the Texas Legislature and signed into law by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in 2023. Shortly after, the Biden Administration filed a lawsuit to block it, which Texas appealed. SB4 was the inspiration for Arizona’s Proposition 314, which was approved by voters in 2024 but cannot go fully into effect until after SB4 has been in effect for sixty consecutive days.

Arizona State Senate Democratic Assistant Leader Catherine Miranda (LD11) released the following statement regarding the court’s decision:

“I am glad that last week's ruling upheld what we already knew – states have no place implementing and enforcing immigration policies. On top of that, I am thankful that the decision will continue to protect people in both Texas and Arizona from enforcement of these state laws. SB4, and Prop. 314, are nothing more than an attack on our communities of color and while this administration is determined on criminalizing anyone who was not born in this country, it is imperative that every level of the government stands up against any policy that serves only to help Trump’s plans of mass deportation. As the Arizona State Senate Democrats’ ranking member on the Military Affairs and Border Security Committee, I have spent all of 2025 fighting against legislation that harms immigrant communities like SB4, and I promise to continue fighting until we live in a state and country where everyone is welcome.”