The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in May that “Texas SB-4 law is constitutional.”
Stand up for the facts!
Our only agenda is to publish the truth so you can be an informed participant in democracy.
We need your help.
I would like to contribute
No, the U.S. Supreme Court didn’t rule on a Texas immigration law’s constitutionality
If Your Time is short
-
Litigation continues for Senate Bill 4, a Texas law that would let state police arrest immigrants suspected of entering the United States illegally.
-
The Biden administration sued Texas, saying the law is unconstitutional, and in March, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the law could take effect while the case plays out. But an appeals court reversed that decision hours later.
The Supreme Court’s 2024 term will end this summer but a screenshot of an X post about the justices’ ruling on a contentious Texas law takes old court orders out of context.
"Just announced," a May 28 X post said. "The Supreme Court ruled today that Texas SB-4 law is constitutional which grants Txs the right to detain, arrest, and expel anyone crossing the Texas border illegally Big round of applause folks The majority on the Scotus acting like one. … (6-3)."
A May 28 Instagram post sharing the screenshot was flagged as part of Meta’s efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. (Read more about our partnership with Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram.)
"SB-4" refers to Senate Bill 4, a Texas law that would let state police arrest immigrants suspected of entering the United States illegally.
Featured Fact-check
The Biden administration sued Texas to stop the law on grounds it's unconstitutional because it interferes with federal immigration laws.
Sign up for PolitiFact texts
On March 19, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the law to take effect and returned the case to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals to decide whether the law should be paused as litigation continues. Six justices supported the decision while the court’s three liberal members dissented.
But later that night, the appeals court put the law back on ice while a panel of judges considers its constitutionality.
We rate claims the U.S. Supreme Court just announced the law is constitutional False.
Our Sources
Instagram post, May 28, 2024
X post, May 28, 2024
The Texas Tribune, Texas, Biden administration take their battle over new immigration law to federal appeals court, April 3, 2024
The Texas Tribune, Supreme Court permits Texas police to arrest people who illegally cross the border as the SB 4 legal clash continues, March 19, 2024
The Texas Tribune, Texas immigration law: Here’s what to know about SB 4, updated March 20, 2024
The New York Times, Supreme Court Won’t Block, for Now, Aggressive Texas Immigration Law, March 19, 2024
Politico, Federal appeals court keeps Texas immigration law SB4 temporarily blocked, March 27, 2024
Browse the Truth-O-Meter
More by Ciara O'Rourke
No, the U.S. Supreme Court didn’t rule on a Texas immigration law’s constitutionality
Support independent fact-checking.
Become a member!
In a world of wild talk and fake news, help us stand up for the facts.