This week, Senate Bill 4 will return to court. That is the comprehensive immigration statute that offers Texas law enforcement previously unheard-of authority to monitor the border.
The state and federal governments have been at odds over how to enforce the contentious SB4 law since it was passed late last year. As of right moment, Texas cannot enforce it because of court orders.
On Wednesday, attorneys will have a chance to convince a three-judge panel whether SB4 violates the U.S. Constitution.
The law gives local police broad powers to arrest people who cross into Texas illegally. It also allows judges to send people back to Mexico if convicted.
The U.S. Justice Department sued, saying SB4 oversteps federal authority. The U.S. Supreme Court actually allowed it to go into effect for a few hours, but it was put on hold later that day, thanks to an appeals court ruling. Attorneys will be back in that appeals court this week.
Immigration rights advocates held a protest in Houston just yesterday.
"There's a lot of fear in people, of them getting pulled over, of them getting arrested, of their children getting arrested,” said Cesar Espinosa with FIEL Houston.
The hearing will happen at the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans. Both sides will have 30 minutes to present their arguments.
It could take time for the judges to issue a ruling on SB4. No matter what happens, the other side is expected to appeal. That would kick it up to the Supreme Court to make the ultimate decision.