Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson are leading a coalition of 18 states in urging a federal appeals court to uphold Texas’ right to enforce its own immigration laws. The move seeks to overturn a district court ruling that blocked Texas from deporting illegal immigrants convicted under state law.
In a joint amicus brief filed Thursday, the attorneys general argue that the court’s ruling undermines state sovereignty. “This flawed legal analysis by a divided panel of judges would erode the constitutional right of states to enforce their own laws,” Yost stated. “State sovereignty is at stake, and a threat of that magnitude demands a careful review by the full appeals court.”
The core of the legal battle centers on Texas legislation that allows state officials to arrest and deport illegal immigrants. A federal judge previously blocked enforcement, claiming it likely conflicts with the federal government’s exclusive authority over immigration policy.
Yost and Wilson argue that illegal immigration affects far more than just border states. Citing impacts on public safety, healthcare, and state budgets, the brief calls for a broader interpretation of state powers in addressing illegal entry—especially in states with international access points, such as the Great Lakes and Atlantic coastline.
The brief was signed by the attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
The coalition contends that states should be permitted to pass legislation that protects their citizens when federal enforcement falls short. The case now awaits a full review by the U.S. Court of Appeals, which will determine whether Texas and other states can legally act on immigration matters when public safety is at stake.
