Hundreds Gather to Protest Texas Senate Bill 4

On Monday, June 26th hundreds gathered in front of the US Federal Courthouse in San Antonio to protest Texas Senate Bill 4 (SB4).  The Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word have publicly opposed SB 4.  Present from the Congregation were Srs. Jean Durel, Marichui Bringas, Martha Ann Kirk, and Elizabeth Riebschlaeger.  Also present was the Archbishop of San Antonio, Bishop Garcia-Siller.  We are grateful for their prophetic witness and presence, standing in solidarity with our undocumented sisters and brothers who seek refuge in our communities.  Sr. Elizabeth wrote the following report about the experience below.  

In front of US Federal Courthouse in San Antonio, hundreds gathered to protest the recently passed Texas Senate Bill 4 (SB4) signed into state law by Gov. Greg Abbot. SB 4 criminalizes the tradition of "seeking sanctuary," making cities who choose to name themselves as "sanctuary cities" subject to prosecution.  Becoming a sanctuary city can include adopting policies that prevent local law enforcement from collaboration with federal officials in identification, detention and deportation of undocumented residents.  SB 4 also removes the value of "sanctuary" as a protection in the presence of disputable and unjust civil laws that threaten the civil and constitutional rights of persons in residence. San Antonio, like others in the USA, is by culture, history, tradition, and disposition a sanctuary city. Hundreds from San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, Houston and surrounding communities manifested their public endorsement for sanctuary civic policy as Federal Judge Garcia began hearing arguments in the legal challenges to SB 4 inside the Court building. 

(Photos and Report by Sister Elizabeth Riebschlaeger, ccvi)