AUSTIN, Texas — Austin City Council has approved more money to pay for legal services and counseling for local immigrants.

Leaders have added $200,000 to its contract with Catholic Charities of Central Texas.

That contract is now worth up to $800,000.

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Earlier in the day on Thursday, several city council members and local immigrant-rights activists spoke out in favor of the increased funding.

They say immigrant families are part of the Austin community, with the same rights as any citizen.

"Being here undocumented is not a criminal offense and it is frankly infuriating how rhetoric and actions by this federal agency, you know, have instilled so much fear,” said Delia Garza, Austin City Council, District 2.