Texas is taking the federal government to court over border protection. A significant development occurred on Monday, Oct. 30, when a federal judge issued an order preventing U.S. Border Patrol agents from removing or cutting the razor wire installed by the state along the border.
This order comes in response to Texas’ lawsuit against the Biden administration over the removal of the razor wire in Eagle Pass, a location where numerous migrants have crossed the border, putting a strain on available resources.
Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican from Texas, celebrated the ruling on social media, posting: “Another win for Texas and our historic border mission.”
The temporary order is set to expire on Nov. 13, and it applies specifically to the razor wire installed in Eagle Pass. Texas National Guard members have also erected wire barriers at other high-traffic sections, including Brownsville and El Paso. The order also permits the barrier’s removal for emergency medical assistance to migrants.
These barriers are part of Texas’ Operation Lone Star.
In fiscal year 2023, Texas Border Patrol agents encountered over 1.2 million migrants entering the state illegally. The state argues that the federal government’s actions, particularly the removal of razor wire along the border, weaken the state’s border security efforts.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton stated: “The federal government’s outrageous escalation in response to our lawsuit demonstrates Biden’s disturbing contempt for the State of Texas, for the citizens of the United States, and for our country’s entire foundation of the rule of law.”
The lawsuit underscores a significant concern: Despite ongoing security measures, thousands of migrants have succeeded in entering the country illegally in the Eagle Pass region.
This legal action emphasizes the state’s position that the removal of razor wire is counterproductive to its efforts to control unauthorized border crossings. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson confirmed the agency’s intention to comply with the court’s order.
