EPPD States They Will Not Enforce Shutdown Order

The El Paso Police Department has stated they will not be enforcing the County’s order of a two-week shutdown which also calls for the temporary closing of businesses deemed non-essential.

Considering the major difference in opinion between County Judge Richard Samaniego and Mayor Dee Margo, it’s not surprising that enforcement agencies were going to have to eventually choose a side.  Considering the EPPD is a City and not County agency, I guess it makes sense that they would fall in line with the Mayor’s opinion although not everybody within the City government is on the same page.  Earlier today, three City Council members publicly announced their support for Judge Samaniego’s order.

The El Paso Police Department in announcing their intention to not enforce the County’s order, referred to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s opinion that any local order that conflicts with or contradicts Governor Abbott’s Executive Order GA-32 is not lawful.

On that point, Judge Samaniego has pointed out that any official opinion given by the Attorney General is not legally binding and that ultimately it will up to the courts to officially decide this issue.  It looks like that process is already under way as the State has already filed a lawsuit in this matter.