Viewers Ask Questions about Controversial Town Policy

El Cenzino laws protect illegal immigrants

MCALLEN - After a NEWSCHANNEL 5 report on the town of El Cenizo, several Valley residents were wondering if their laws protecting illegal immigrants were legal.

The town is located about two hours northwest of the Valley in Webb County. It has a law stating as long as they pay city taxes and don't break the law, illegals living in the city cannot be turned over to the Border Patrol.

McAllen attorney Lennard Whittaker answered some of the legal questions.

One viewer wrote, "Is El Cenizo overriding federal law? Can they legally do this?"

"They may be defying federal law but they can't override it. And is it legal? Well, they can pass whatever they pretty much want but it's enforcement is probably not legal," says Whittaker.

Another viewer asked if Illegals in El Cenizo were immune from the Border Patrol just because they live in the city.

Not at all.

Are illegals safer in El Cenizo than in other cities?

Yes they are.

Some people also wondered about the city's policy to conduct all city council meetings in Spanish.

Even though we live in the United States, it's still legal.