Texas state parliament passes ban on 'sanctuary cities'

HOUSTON - The Republican-controlled Senate of the US state of Texas passed on Wednesday a ban on so-called "sanctuary cities" to allow police to inquire about the immigration status of anyone they detain.

Despite opposition from the Democrats, the Senate passed the bill which was also approved last Thursday by the Texas House of Representatives.

Texas Governor Greg Abbot, a Republican, has pledged to sign the bill into law.

The bill allows the Lone Star state to withhold funding from local governments for acting as sanctuary cities.

It authorizes local police officers to question the immigration status of anyone they detain, no matter it is a criminal arrest or a traffic violation.

It also allows for the removal from office any law enforcement official who does not cooperate with federal immigration officials.