Migrant crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border surged in 2023, reaching 2.47 million encounters. The Biden administration is working to address the immigration crisis but faces additional pressure from Texas.
The state has filed multiple lawsuits accusing the administration of obstructing its efforts to curb illegal immigration.
In September, federal courts sided with Texas, allowing the state to maintain its floating barrier on a part of the Rio Grande.
Now, the newest lawsuit filed by Attorney General Ken Paxton accuses the Biden administration of damaging Texas-installed border razor wire.
“But I’m really hopeful for this potential case in the future where we can have the opportunity to protect our own citizens when our federal government won’t do it,” Paxton said.
The issue gained increased attention last month when thousands of migrants in Eagle Pass forced themselves through razor wire barriers. Video clips showing Border Patrol agents cutting the razor wire circulated on social media.
“Texas has the sovereign right to construct border barriers to prevent the entry of illegal aliens,” Paxton said.
The lawsuit targets the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection, alleging that federal actions disrupt Texas border security, violate state and federal laws, and damage state-owned property.
A new rule, implemented in May under President Biden’s administration, impacts migrants who haven’t requested an appointment to legally cross using the CBP One app. This rule can raise the asylum threshold and lead to quicker deportations.
Migrant numbers decreased after this rule was introduced. However, in recent weeks, numbers have been rising, as thousands, including many from Venezuela, traveled through South and Central America to reach the border.
Nationwide encounters
In fiscal year 2023, 65% of encountered individuals were single adults (2.06 million), but family units are an increasing share. This year, 31% of those encountered (994,000) were family units, up from 22% (614,000) in fiscal year 2022 and 25% (484,000) in fiscal year 2021.
This legal action underscores the ongoing challenges surrounding immigration and border security in the U.S. The Texas border accounts for nearly half of the entire U.S.-Mexico border, stretching 1,200 miles.
“Here in Iowa, we’re a long way from the southern border, but the impacts are felt here. Every state is a border state now because of the absolute failure of the Biden administration to secure our border,” Attorney General Brenna Bird of Iowa said.
In a poll conducted by the Siena College Research Institute, 84% of New Yorkers agreed that the migrant influx is a serious problem, and more than 50% of white, Black, and Latino voters supported Mayor Eric Adams’s statement that “this issue will destroy New York City.”