An appeals court has kept a freeze in place on a Texas immigration law, one of the toughest of its kind, in a case being closely watched across the US.
The legislation would allow officials in Texas to detain and prosecute anyone they think has entered the country illegally, superseding federal powers.
The law briefly came into force on Tuesday for a few hours during a legal back and forth between courts.
A US appeals court heard arguments in the case on Wednesday morning.
The three-judge panel appeared split on whether the law can remain in place while its constitutionality is being challenged in court.
They issued no ruling on the case on Wednesday, and it is unclear when they will do so.
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