The Texas House of Representatives has become the scene of clashes between lawmakers and a group of protesters who objected to the state’s adoption of US President Donald Trump’s so-called “sanctuary cities” anti-immigration directive.
Hundreds of protesters gathered on the House floor on Monday, calling on the state representatives to drop support for Senate Bill 4, an executive order by Trump that warns “sanctuary cities” against sheltering immigrants.
The Republican measure was signed into law by Texas Governor Greg Abbott earlier this month and would become effective from September.
The passing of SB4 amounted to a big victory for state Republicans, who had been trying unsuccessfully to crack down on sanctuary cities in each legislative session since 2011.
Activists wearing red T-shirts with “Lucha,” or “Fight” written on them entered the Texas capitol building in Austin and then filled the gallery seats at the chamber as lawmakers…