Amidst the ongoing migrant crisis at the US-Mexico border, tensions persist between Texas and federal authorities. The US Supreme Court’s recent 5-4 decision allowed federal Border Patrol agents to maintain razor wire along a contested section of the border, challenging the Texas Governor’s security initiative. Despite this, Texas continues to resist, asserting its constitutional authority to secure the border.
In Eagle Pass, Texas, a CNN team observed the razor wire following the court ruling, while three migrants recently drowned in the vicinity. The Department of Homeland Security, in response, issued a demand for Texas to grant “full access” to the border by January 26. Texas claims the public accessibility of the Shelby Park area but has hindered US Customs and Border Protection from entering.
Acting CBP Commissioner Troy Miller emphasized that the Supreme Court ruling allows access to the border, but the wire’s removal lacks a set timetable. Texas initiated a lawsuit last year against the wire-cutting, contending that it damages state property and compromises security to aid migrants. The federal appeals court ordered Border Patrol to cease this practice temporarily, yet Texas Governor Greg Abbott remains adamant, asserting the effectiveness of the state-erected barriers.
Governor Abbott expressed determination on social media, stating, “Texas’ razor wire is an effective deterrent to the illegal crossings Biden encourages.” The Department of Public Safety echoes this sentiment, emphasizing Texas as the sole state implementing comprehensive strategies to protect its sovereignty and combat illegal immigration.
Texas authorities recently arrested migrants at Shelby Park for criminal trespassing, following a new state law treating illegal entry as a state crime. The Texas Military Department reaffirmed its commitment to securing the border, emphasizing the preservation of the rule of law and the state’s sovereignty.
Despite the ongoing dispute, the Biden administration set a deadline for Texas to cease blocking Border Patrol’s access to a 2.5-mile border stretch by January 17, or face intervention by the US Justice Department.
