A Texas law aimed at curbing illegal immigration faces another setback as a federal appeals court halts its enforcement yet again, escalating a legal battle that has stirred confusion and controversy along the border.

The New Orleans-based 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals, responding to directives from the Supreme Court to swiftly address lingering questions, took action late Tuesday, effectively blocking the implementation of the law. This decision follows a series of back-and-forth court orders and a lack of clarity from Texas officials, leading to uncertainty about the law’s enforcement procedures.

The law, known as SB4, would empower Texas to arrest and deport individuals entering the country illegally, marking a significant departure from conventional immigration policies. However, its rollout has been met with staunch opposition from immigrant rights groups and Mexican officials, who have criticized its potential repercussions.

Despite the Biden administration’s efforts to thwart the law, arguing that it encroaches on federal jurisdiction over immigration, Texas defends its authority to address illegal immigration under the guise of self-defense. Citing constitutional provisions allowing states to act in response to perceived threats, Texas asserts its right to combat the influx of undocumented migrants crossing its border.

The Supreme Court’s decision to decline the Biden administration’s request to intervene signaled a temporary setback for federal efforts to block the law. Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Brett Kavanaugh, in a concurring opinion, emphasized the ongoing nature of the legal dispute, suggesting that Supreme Court intervention at this stage would be premature.

Amidst the legal wrangling, Mexican officials, including Roberto Velasco Álvarez, the Mexican undersecretary of foreign affairs for North America, have voiced opposition to the law, signaling resistance to repatriations from Texas.

As the legal battle continues to unfold, the implications of SB4 reverberate across the nation, underscoring the complexities and controversies surrounding immigration policy in the United States.