Justice Department decides to block Abbott Immigrant Transportation Ordinance

The Biden administration is suing the state of Texas to block an executive order from Governor Greg Abbott restricting the transport of some immigrants who he believes are at risk of spreading the coronavirus.

The Justice Department filed a complaint Friday afternoon in federal court in El Paso after Attorney General Merrick Garland on Thursday sent Abbott a letter warning him that the order encroaches on the power of the federal government by immigration enforcement matters.

“The ordinance is against federal law and cannot be enforced. Accordingly, in accordance with its powers under federal law, the United States will continue its operations of transporting non-citizens unabated. I urge you to immediately cancel the order, ”Garland wrote.