ACLU, other groups sue Texas over Abbott's law allowing the arrest of illegals by state authorities

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other groups filed a lawsuit Tuesday opposing a measure signed into law a day earlier by GOP Gov. Greg Abbott that would allow state officials to arrest migrants who cross the border illegally.

The law also would give state courts the authority to rule on such cases.

The move by Abbott was widely expected to draw an immediate legal challenge, in large part because U.S. immigration law is a federal matter.

“The bill overrides bedrock constitutional principles and flouts federal immigration law while harming Texans, in particular Brown and Black communities,” said Adriana Piñon, legal director of the ACLU of Texas, according to the Associated Press. 

The law is set to go into effect in March. 

National Border Patrol Council President Brandon Judd praised Abbott's border security measure. 

"Border Patrol agents nationwide, not just in Texas, are grateful for Governor Abbott's leadership and willingness to recognize that it is the rule of law that keeps all Americans safe," Judd said.