Republican governors from 25 states across the United States have expressed support for Texas in an escalating confrontation with the federal government regarding illegal immigration.
Despite a recent Supreme Court ruling against Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who has installed razor wire along extensive stretches of the Mexico-US border, the Republican leader remains committed to increasing the use of razor wire to address what he characterizes as an invasion.
The month of December witnessed an unprecedented influx of over 225,000 illegal migrants crossing the border.
Republican Governors Back Abbott on Border Security
A collective statement was issued by 25 Republican governors, expressing unified support for Mr. Abbott in his efforts to safeguard American citizens from unprecedented levels of illegal immigrants, the influx of lethal drugs such as fentanyl, and the potential entry of terrorists into the country.
The recent border dispute centers on a limited section of the Rio Grande River, which has become a high-traffic area for migrants entering the United States illegally from Mexico.
As part of his initiative, Operation Lone Star, Governor Abbott has implemented measures to obstruct or discourage entry into Texas, including the installation of approximately 30 miles (48 km) of razor wire barriers near the city of Eagle Pass.
High Court Backs Biden on Border Wire
On Monday, the Supreme Court handed a legal victory to President Joe Biden’s administration, ruling 5-4 that the US Border Patrol, a federal agency, has the authority to remove or clear the concertina wire installed by the Texas National Guard.
The Justice Department argued that the fencing hinders the work of Border Patrol agents and poses risks to both migrants and law enforcement, as some migrants have incurred injuries from the wire.
While the removal of existing wire aligns with the Supreme Court order, which granted permission for such actions, there is no explicit mention of the addition of new barriers. Democrats are urging President Biden to adopt a more assertive stance against Texas in response to these developments.