WATCH: Crockett Introduces Amendment To Protect Texans from 'Operation Lonestar' Deadly Car Chases

Today, Congresswoman Crockett (TX-30) introduced an amendment to House Republicans' HR. 5585 that would strike unconstitutionally vague language that could allow state governments to direct local law enforcement to act outside of federal law, leading to incidents that risk public safety like the deadly car chases conducted under Governor Abbott's Operation Lonestar. 

In December 2023, an El Paso family was run off the road by Texas Department of Public Safety officers who wrongly believed they were non-citizens. The officers pointed semi-automatic rifles at the unarmed family, including the family's 13-year-old daughter and grandmother. Under HR. 5585, Governors could be incentivized to direct local law enforcement, or even deputized civilians, to engage in similar lawless tactics that put public safety at risk.

"As legislators, it’s our job to make sure we are not moving forward with drafting legislation that is on its face flawed. The inclusion of the term 'actively assisting' is ripe for judicial scrutiny and will undoubtedly result in court challenges, wasting taxpayer dollars and government resources," Congresswoman Crockett remarked on the House Floor. "But fiscal issues caused by poor legislative drafting are the least of my concerns with this bill. This language is also deeply concerning because we have already been witnessing how aggressive policing tactics and unconstitutional racial profiling directed by rogue governors like Governor Greg Abbott have undermined our legal system—all in the name of “actively assisting” the U.S. Border Patrol. 

"If we want to legislate and address immigration, let’s mean what we say and do so in an effective manner.  And this bill does not live up to that standard."

Watch Rep. Crockett's floor remarks at https://youtu.be/8FCcOdmU-rQ?si=SjdujlahEnpayU0a