AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued the following statement this evening in response to a ruling by a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit that upheld almost all of Senate Bill 4, the Texas legislation that bans sanctuary cities:

“Senate Bill 4 was a top priority for me because I knew it was essential to protect Texas communities and Texas families. It simply requires that local authorities cooperate with federal immigration officials. Hopefully this ruling will make the law crystal clear for those liberal public officials in some Texas cities who have flaunted their opposition to SB 4 and misrepresented its intent. SB 4 will prevent the release of dangerous criminals into our communities and will make us all safer.”