Texas is leading over a dozen states in a legal challenge to President Barack Obama's recent executive actions on immigration.
The lawsuit (pdf) was brought forth by 14 states and 4 governors, and was filed Wednesday in the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of Texas.
Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott said in a media statement Wednesday that Obama's actions "trampled" the Constitution and federal law.
"This lawsuit is not about immigration. It is about the rule of law, presidential power, and the structural limits of the U.S. Constitution," the suit reads.
White House spokesperson Brandi Hoffine issued a statement following the filing of the legal challenge: "The Supreme Court and Congress have made clear that federal officials can set priorities in enforcing our immigration laws, and we are confident that the president’s executive actions are well within his legal authorities."
The 13 states joining Texas in the suit are Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, West Virginia and Wisconsin; also joining the lawsuit are Gov. Phil Bryant of Mississippi, Gov. Paul Le Page of Maine, Gov. Patrick McCrory of North Carolina and Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter of Idaho.
