Texas Gov. Perry: "santuary cities" shielding immigrants despite wishes of Texans

L.A. Times by Paul J. Weber (AP)

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Republican Gov. Rick Perry offered no clues Wednesday on how Texas might abolish "sanctuary cities" that he says provide haven to illegal immigrants, after ordering the new GOP-dominated state legislature make the issue a top priority.

Perry didn't get into details on how Texas should correct a "number of cities" he said are in conflict with state and federal immigration laws. He said writing a bill on the second day of a new session was premature, and didn't give an answer when asked whether he wants local police officers to question people about their immigration status during traffic stops.

"I don't know yet," Perry said. "We'll write the legislation over the next 140 days."