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.

More Info

I would like to contribute

Dan Patrick sought to require officers to inquire into legal status of suspects

Julián Castro and Dan Patrick sparred April 15 over immigration. Their discussion aired on Univision (Texas Tribune photos). Julián Castro and Dan Patrick sparred April 15 over immigration. Their discussion aired on Univision (Texas Tribune photos).

Julián Castro and Dan Patrick sparred April 15 over immigration. Their discussion aired on Univision (Texas Tribune photos).

By W. Gardner Selby May 14, 2014

Democrat Julián Castro said Republican Dan Patrick filed legislation akin to the 2010 Arizona mandate that police officers ask individuals about their immigration status.

"He filed (Senate Bill) 1070-like show-me-your-papers legislation," the San Antonio mayor said in the April debate aired by the Univision network and posted online by the Texas Tribune (watch here).

Castro said this action left Patrick out of step with Texas Democrats and Republicans who, he suggested, are more supportive of immigrants regardless of origin.

Patrick, the Houston state senator in a May 27 runoff with incumbent David Dewhurst for the GOP lieutenant governor nomination, replied: "No, mayor. That’s a lie."

Well?

Castro had a point.

Patrick’s ultimately unsuccessful proposal, filed before the 2011 legislative session, was similar to, and modeled on, Arizona’s show-your-papers provision. We rated Castro’s claim as True.

See details in the full fact check to the right.

What else?

Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter

Our Sources

See the Truth-O-Meter article.

Browse the Truth-O-Meter

More by W. Gardner Selby

Dan Patrick sought to require officers to inquire into legal status of suspects