Gov. Greg Abbott signaled to Texas lawmakers that he has his mind set on banning early terminations of probation for convicted criminals who are in the country illegally. Abbott took to X on Monday evening to endorse legislation by state senator Joan Huffman (R-Houston) , saying he would sign it into law. This is one of the first measures outside of his vocalized priorities, such as school choice, that he has committed to getting across his desk.
“I will sign this law. It’s needed because of a ruling by a leftist judge in Harris Co. Keep them in jail,” Abbott posted on X.
Sen. Joan Huffman files a bill to ban convicted illegal aliens from getting early termination of their probation through serving community time. I will sign this law. It’s needed because of a ruling by a leftist judge in Harris Co. Keep them in jail. https://t.co/37o1apXvwX
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) December 10, 2024
Huffman’s bill, Senate Bill 552 , would prohibit convicted criminals who lack legal status from having their probation ended early through community service. This would mean they would be ineligible for “judge-ordered or jury-recommended community supervision,” including “deferred adjudication community supervision.” “This session, we have an opportunity to pass meaningful legislation that will help our law enforcement and judicial system make Texas safer,” Huffman wrote in a press release . “This bill is not just about enforcing immigration laws; it’s about protecting our communities. By ensuring that those who have broken both our immigration and criminal laws face full accountability, we are taking a firm stand for the safety and security of all Texans.” Abbott said such a law was “needed” because of a “ruling by a leftist judge” in Harris County. The governor was referring to a case in which a defendant, charged with acts involving indecency with a child with sexual conduct and indecency with a child with exposure, was illegally in the country and deported multiple times…