Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently defended the legality of floating barriers placed along the U.S.-Mexico border to deter migrant crossings. This comes after the Biden administration threatened to sue the state over these river buoys, arguing that they violate navigable waters laws, pose humanitarian challenges, and impede federal law enforcement. However, Abbott, in a letter to President Biden and other administration officials, welcomed a legal battle, asserting that Texas is utilizing its “constitutional authority” to address unauthorized border crossings.
Abbott firmly stated, “Texas will see you in court, Mr. President.” The Justice Department declined to comment on his response.
The installation of these river buoys is part of a broader border initiative called Operation Lone Star, which has sparked renewed criticism. Abbott has transported thousands of migrants to Democratic-led cities, dispatched state troopers to arrest migrants on trespassing charges, and deployed the Texas National Guard with razor wire and other measures to repel migrants.
A Texas trooper recently made alarming allegations regarding mistreatment of migrants, including reports of injuries caused by razor wire and directions to deny water and push migrants into the Rio Grande. While Texas officials are investigating these claims, they deny any orders to withhold water or push migrants into the river. The trooper also urged superiors to remove the floating barriers, stating that they force migrants to cross in dangerous areas where drowning is more likely.
In his letter, Abbott disputed the Justice Department’s argument that the river buoys violate the Rivers and Harbors Act, dismissing it as a “side issue.” He emphasized that enforcing existing immigration laws would prevent the current influx of illegal immigration, blaming the Biden administration’s open-border policies for encouraging migrants to risk their lives crossing the Rio Grande illegally.
The White House has criticized Abbott’s actions as cruel and counterproductive, claiming that the river barriers increase the risk of drowning and hinder Border Patrol agents. The Justice Department is also reviewing reports of mistreatment of migrants by Texas officials.
To counter Abbott’s criticism, the Biden administration highlights the significant decrease in unlawful border crossings in recent weeks. Border Patrol apprehensions of illegal migrants dropped below 100,000 in June, the lowest level in two years. The administration attributes this decline to its revamped border strategy, which combines programs allowing legal entry with stricter penalties and asylum rules for those who enter unlawfully.
In conclusion, the dispute between Texas and the Biden administration over the river buoys highlights the ongoing challenges surrounding immigration policies and border security.
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