Fort Worth could be the latest city to join a lawsuit against the state’s so-called “Sanctuary Cities Ban”, which takes effect Sept. 1. The City Council will discuss the matter during their meeting Tuesday night.

Also known as Senate Bill 4, the law requires local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration authorities and bars cities and counties from adopting policies that prevent an officer from asking about a person’s immigration status.

It also sets criminal and civil penalties for local officials who do not comply.

Governor Greg Abbott and other supporters insist the law will help remove dangerous criminals from Texas communities.

Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin are among the cities that have added their names to a suit challenging the law’s constitutionality.

Fort Worth council member Carlos Flores said their city ought to take a stand as well.

“I think we need to have this vote,” said Flores. “My concerns are those of law enforcement. Law enforcement has clearly said that this law will burden them when it comes to their efforts to keep our city safe. It will not help in crime investigations and it will have a very bad impact on the communities they serve. It will not foster trust.”

His proposal to formally join the lawsuit has been placed on the agenda for Tuesday night’s City Council meeting. He says he plans to make a motion that they vote on it immediately.

During a briefing earlier this month, he and three other council members — Ann Zadeh, Gyna Bivens, and Kelly Allen Gray — expressed their support for joining the lawsuit.

Mayor Betsy Price and the remaining four council members said they were hesitant to get involved. They questioned the need to join the lawsuit, which will move forward regardless of their participation. Some also expressed concerns about what it might cost the city.

“I am optimistic that our efforts will succeed in convincing our Council to join the litigation,” said Flores.

Tuesday night’s meeting will take place at City Hall starting at 7 p.m.