AUSTIN — Local government leaders from across the state joined immigrants rights activists Tuesday at the Capitol to call for a "summer of resistance" against the state's newly passed "sanctuary cities" ban.

"Hate will not define my state," said Jose Sic, a member of the Texas Organizing Project. "With your help, we will defeat this law and every politician who supported it."

The law, which was signed last week by Gov. Greg Abbott and takes effect Sept. 1, bans cities, counties and universities from prohibiting law enforcement officers from asking about immigration status or enforcing federal immigration law. It would allow officers to ask about a person's immigration status during any legal detention and would create fines of up to $25,000 per day for local jurisdictions found in violation. It would also create criminal punishments for police chiefs, county sheriffs and constables who violate the ban.

During a rally, state and local government officials called on supporters to "resist" the law through marches and protests in the streets while they take the fight to the courts and the ballot box.

City and county officials were among the hundreds of people who testified against the bill as it moved through the Legislature, arguing that it would make their communities less safe by discouraging the immigrant community from reporting crimes. Police chiefs in Austin, Houston and San Antonio also opposed the bill.

"It may just start with a broken taillight," said Sen. Sylvia Garcia, D-Houston. "But it will lead to broken families and broken trust."

Last week, the small border town of El Cenizo and Maverick County were the first to challenge the law in court. On Monday, county leaders from El Paso voted to direct their legal team to file suit against Texas in opposition to the law. They expect to file their suit next Monday.

City Council members from Austin, San Antonio and Dallas said they are also considering whether to sue.

"If you target our most vulnerable, we will defend the defenseless," said San Antonio City Council member Rey Saldaña. "The fight is now in the courtroom, and San Antonio stands shoulder to shoulder with other Texas cities."

Dallas City Council member Philip Kingston said city leaders would discuss filing suit against the state next week.

City Attorney Larry Casto said Tuesday that "no decision has been made" about a lawsuit. Casto said that he will brief the council behind closed doors next month and that he can't comment further until then.

At the rally, immigrant activists from Dallas called on cities to come to their defense.

"We urge member of the Dallas City Council and all city councils in the state to take necessary actions to oppose this law," said Miguel Angel Tellez, a member of the Workers Defense Project.

Dallas Rep. Rafael Anchia, the leader of the Mexican American Legislative Caucus, said the law "demonized" immigrants and should not stand. He said the law reflected anti-immigrant sentiments held by state leaders, including Abbott. He called on people to make their discontent heard next year when Abbott is expected to run for re-election.

"In 2018," he said, "we're coming for him."