Rio Grande Valley lawmakers are speaking out against a 'sanctuary cities' bill, which passed the Texas House of Representatives on Monday night.
Lawmakers approved House Bill 12 in a 100-47 vote on Monday night.
The bill, which would allow local police to help enforce federal immigration laws, was the subject of debate for several hours on Monday.
Republicans moved to cut off all debate on the issue, using used a parliamentary maneuver that allows the majority to ram through bills.
The bill faces a final procedural hurdle in the house before it can move to the Senate.
Rep. Sergio Muñoz, Jr. (D-Mission) told Action 4 news that Republican lawmakers used 'unfair tactics' and a super-majority to ram the bill through.
Muñoz said in a statement that local law enforcement officials do not want the and is opposed by a broad coaltion of groups across the Lone Star State.
"In effect, HB 12 creates de facto immigration officials out of every law enforcement officer in Texas, and we have no business asking our local police to enforce federal immigration laws," Muñoz. said.
The so-called "sanctuary cities" bill was declared an emergency legislative item by Republican Gov. Rick Perry.
If passed into law, the bill would give most police officers the right to question detained people about their immigration status.
Supporters say it's needed to crack down on illegal immigration.
Critics say it would lead to racial profiling, detract from real police work and allow rogue agents harass immigrants.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
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