In an escalating confrontation with the federal government over illegal immigration, half of the United States’ Republican governors have expressed support for Texas. Despite a recent Supreme Court ruling against Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who had implemented razor wire along the border with Mexico, Abbott remains steadfast in his commitment to intensify these efforts to combat what he perceives as an invasion.
December witnessed a record-breaking influx of over 300,000 illegal migrants crossing the border. A focal point of the current border tension is a small stretch of the Rio Grande River, a busy crossing spot for migrants entering the US unlawfully from Mexico. As part of Operation Lone Star, Abbott has taken measures to impede entry into his state, including the installation of approximately 30 miles of razor wire barriers near the city of Eagle Pass.
In a joint statement, 25 Republican governors expressed solidarity with Abbott for his efforts to protect American citizens from illegal immigrants, lethal drugs like fentanyl, and potential terrorists. The disagreement reached the Supreme Court, which ruled 5-4 in favor of the Biden administration, allowing the US Border Patrol to remove razor wire set up by the Texas National Guard, citing concerns about the safety of migrants and law enforcement.
Appearing on Fox News, Abbott argued that Texas is securing the border due to the Biden administration’s failure to fulfill its responsibility. He posted photos of the Texas National Guard adding new razor wire along the river, asserting that this move doesn’t violate the Supreme Court order, which only granted permission for the removal of existing wire.
Democrats are calling on President Biden to take a tougher stance against Texas, accusing Abbott of using the Texas National Guard to create chaos at the border. Abbott faces legal challenges from the Biden administration over his orders to install floating barriers in the Rio Grande and detain thousands of migrants on trespassing charges. Pressure is mounting on Biden to address the situation, but a bipartisan border deal in the Senate faces objections from both sides.
In the midst of these developments, Republicans in the House of Representatives are seeking to impeach and remove Homeland Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, the president’s top border official. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump, a leading contender for the Republican White House, is reportedly urging allies to oppose a bill that would give Biden a win in an election year. Immigration remains a central issue leading up to the November 2024 general election, with voters expressing concerns over the border in Iowa and New Hampshire primaries, where Trump secured victories.
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