In Texas, two bills were recently passed by the Texas House of Representatives. These are the HB 7 and HB 800 initiatives being passed by Governor Greg Abbott. One is aimed at human traffickers (coyotes) and the other at foreigners without entry permits. Therefore, both measures are intended to alleviate the maelstrom of illegal immigration.
The truth is that projects in Texas came to fruition after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis enacted HB 1718. These are sponsored by Republicans who control both houses of the Assembly.
Florida’s HB 1718 specifies mandatory use of the state’s employment verification system, E-Verify. In addition, hospitals receiving Medicaid are required to inquire about and report the immigration status of their patients.
In addition, the said law requires state officials to cooperate in immigration matters and prohibits the issuance of undocumented driver’s licenses from other states.
But what do the two Texas measures say in concrete terms?
Projects HB 800 and HB 7 aim to stop passenger traffic or operate houses to hide them.
What used to mean a prison sentence of between 2 and 10 years will be increased to at least 10 years with the project. This applies to any undocumented person being transported into the state.
However, the sentence could be increased to 15 years if the accused is found guilty of more than one crime. In other words, the penalties for these crimes must be imposed simultaneously. Unless another provision of the law applicable to the offense provides for a minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years or more.
In addition, penalties may increase depending on the severity of the offence. There are several conditions for this.
If the trafficked person suffers serious physical injury or death; or if it concerns a child or a minor. The penalties can also be increased if the offense was committed for the purpose of obtaining financial gain; or if the trafficker was carrying a firearm. Likewise, the penalty would be increased if the trafficked foreigner became a victim of sexual assault; or the person dies.
On the other hand, Bill HB 7 proposes the creation of a Border Protection Unit (BPU). This is to prevent the illegal entry of people into the state of Texas who want to evade federal security checks by all means.
In addition, it allows for the creation of so-called “border protection courts” that will decide on the compensation of victims for damage caused by “illegal immigrants”. Related here to his properties in the border region.
The truth is that if these laws were passed, not only would the crime of human trafficking be punished, but undocumented migrants would also be criminalized.