The Texas state House of Representatives passed three bills Thursday morning intended to bolster border security.
One bill sets aside over $1 billion to construct border barriers, and the second increases sentences for human trafficking.
The third — known as House Bill 4 — would allow local police to arrest and deport illegal migrants.
Migrants surrender to Border Patrol agents after crossing the Rio Grande in Eagle Pass, Texas. (Jordan Vonderhaar/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
The bills have been divisive in state politics, sparking debate that lasted for hours between Wednesday and Thursday.
State Rep. Cody Harris of Palestine motioned to block new amendments, ending debate before the bill ultimately passed with a vote of 84-60.