Posted: Jan 27, 2016 2:53 PM PST
Updated: Jan 27, 2016 2:53 PM PST


MCALLEN- A recent lawsuit was filed against House Bill 11. The state law is cracking down on illegal immigration and cross-border crime.

Rogelio Nunez, executive director of Proyecto Libertad, helps many people in the country illegally who are on a path toward citizenship.

Nunez said House Bill 11, which went into effect in September 2015, has put a burden on people who do humanitarian work.

“It’s put a burden on folks who just, basically, want to help somebody,” Nunez said.

House Bill 11 is part of an $800 million border security bill. A recent lawsuit filed on behalf of two San Antonio landlords and the head of a humanitarian group that provides shelter, education and legal services are suing state officials, including Governor Greg Abbott over House Bill 11. They claimed the state is trying to enforce matters that aren’t under their jurisdiction.

Part of House Bill 11 states it is a state felony to harbor people in the country illegally, leaving many to wonder what harboring means.

“It was very clear for me that when you help someone, give them water, give them food, help them to feel better, as a humanitarian… it's not harboring, it’s never been harboring,” said Sister Norma Pimentel, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley. “Of course people can argue that.”

Sister Norma Pimentel helps those who cross the border illegally at Sacred Heart Church in McAllen. She, and a group of many volunteers, provide food, clothing and shelter.

Pimentel said what is being done at the church is different than what other people may be doing.

“They have already been released by Border Patrol,” Pimentel said. “They've been processed. Border patrol has given them permission. They carry a paper document that says, ‘I have a right to be in this country. I am travelling to a point, a destination, where I will continue my deportation proceedings.’”

CHANNEL 5 NEWS reached out to Border Patrol to see if anything will change with House Bill 11 due the lawsuit that was filed. We are waiting to hear back from them.

http://www.krgv.com/story/31074126/l...mmigration-law