The White House praised the new Texas law that prevents its cities from becoming sanctuary cities, saying "it's a positive step."
During Tuesday's White House press briefing, press secretary Sean Spicer was asked where President Donald Trump's administration lies on the issue in The Lone Star State.
"Obviously, it's a positive step. It shows as we discussed here from an economic and security standpoint that it makes sense for the citizens of our country," Spicer said. "Each governor, each mayor is going to have to make their own decisions. The president's made it clear on how we'll address them going forward.
"Because it's not just an economic issue. Not just a jobs issue. It's a security issue for our country."
Spicer said the No. 1 job of a government is "protecting the people," which he said legislation such as laws that require cities and other jurisdictions to enforce federal immigration laws do.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a federal lawsuit that aims to prevent jurisdictions from fighting the state's sanctuary city law.