(ReclaimingAmerica.net) – In a decisive action that patriotic and conservative Americans would be happy to see nationwide, Texas’s GOP Governor Greg Abbott has issued what can only be described as a death warning to squatters who occupy other people’s homes illegally.
“In Texas, anyone ‘squatting’ in your home is breaking the law,” the governor declared in a message posted on X, which detailed the legal violations committed by squatters.
“They are criminals violating TX laws like criminal trespass & criminal mischief (Tex. Penal Code 30.05 & 28.03),” he said.
Abbott further elaborated on the protective measures available to Texans.
“Also, the Texas Castle Doctrine empowers Texans to use force to defend themselves & their property,” he wrote.
This announcement comes amid the growing issue of squatters’ “rights” and the rights of property owners across the United States, Newsweek notes in a report.
Recent weeks have witnessed several incidents where property owners have confronted squatters.
The concept of a squatter is outlined by the American Apartment Owners Association as an individual occupying land or property without any legal claim or permission.
A squatter resides on a property without contributing to rent and lacks any legal documentation of ownership.
Adding to the conversation, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed the issue of squatting as a matter of local concern, emphasizing the importance of local government intervention.
“My understanding is that [squatting] is obviously a local issue. We are certainly tracking that issue. The rights of property owners and renters must be protected, and we believe that ultimately, what needs to happen, is the local government needs to make sure that they address this and [that] they take action,” she said.
Neama Rahmani, president of West Coast Trial Lawyers and a former federal prosecutor, the necessity for stricter penalties against squatters and the acceleration of eviction processes.
“Laws that protect lawful tenants shouldn’t be used to protect people that never had a legal right to be on the property in the first place. Squatters should be evicted then jailed if they break into a home and stay there because they provide a fake lease or other fraudulent documentation,” Rahmani said.
In a parallel initiative, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled legislation aimed at addressing squatting, proposing heightened penalties for squatters and enabling homeowners to seek law enforcement support for removing squatters.
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