Changes to Texas 'sanctuary city' bill don't satisfy critics
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Critics of a Texas bill that would crackdown on so-called "sanctuary cities" say Republican changes to soften the measure don't go nearly far enough.
Hundreds of people Wednesday again packed the Texas Capitol to speak against the measure that Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has declared a priority. Some spoke only Spanish and urged lawmakers through translators to reconsider.
The Senate last month passed a version of the bill that aims to punish cities and counties that don't cooperate with federal immigration agents. House Republicans are making changes that include allowing police officers to only inquire about immigration status if someone is arrested, rather than simply being detained.
Local governments are also no longer threatened with losing all state grant funding.
Democrats say the bill still invites intimidation and discrimination.