Lawyers representing the state of Texas have defended the installation of a floating barrier in the Rio Grande, along the US-Mexico border. This comes in response to a lawsuit filed by the Justice Department, which argues that the federal government should have been consulted before the barriers were put in place. The state of Texas argues that these barriers are necessary to maintain border security, given the high number of border encounters this year. However, the Justice Department claims that the barriers have damaged the relationship between the US and Mexico. The lawsuit centers around whether the installation of the barriers violated the Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act, which requires permits for structures constructed in navigable US waters. The Justice Department alleges that Texas did not seek approval from the federal government before installing the barriers, which could pose environmental and safety risks. Notably, a State Department official testified that the buoys installed by Texas have damaged the US-Mexico relationship. These buoys, connected to concrete blocks using chains, have been the subject of controversy. They stretch about 1,000 feet near the border crossing at Eagle Pass and have been associated with the recovery of at least two bodies. Furthermore, they have interfered with Border Patrol efforts to patrol the river and process migrants reaching US soil, according to a Biden administration official. The installation of these buoys is part of a border mission known as Operation Lone Star, spearheaded by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Abbott has claimed “sovereign authority” over the southern border and has criticized the Biden administration for a lack of action. The mission, however, has faced criticism, with concerns raised about the treatment of migrants and the impact of the buoys by a medic and trooper for the Texas Department of Public Safety. The state of Texas has denied these allegations. It has also been revealed that 80% of the buoys were technically on the Mexican side of the river, prompting their relocation “out of an abundance of caution.” The ruling on the lawsuit is expected soon, as closing arguments are due later this week. Despite the contentious nature of the case, the judge has maintained that politics will not influence the ruling.
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