The Department of Justice (DoJ) has announced its intention to sue the state of Texas over its construction of floating devices in the Rio Grande River.
These devices are intended to impede the path of illegal migrants attempting to enter the country from the southern border.
In a letter addressed to Governor Greg Abbott and Interim Attorney General Angela Colmenero, Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim and U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza informed Texas officials of the United States’ plan to file legal action against the state.
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The letter, obtained by NBC News, stated that Texas’s construction of a floating barrier in the Rio Grande River violates federal law, raises humanitarian concerns, poses risks to public safety and the environment, and could interfere with the federal government’s official duties.
The buoy barrier, anchored in the river bed and stretching approximately 1,000 feet, is situated near the border town of Eagle Pass, Texas, which is a significant crossing point for migrants.
The DoJ argues that the construction of this barrier may violate the Rivers and Harbors Act.
The construction of the barrier began in early July as part of Governor Abbott’s initiative called Operation Lone Star, aimed at curbing the flow of illegal migrants. The Texas legislature has allocated nearly $10 billion to support this comprehensive initiative.
Governor Abbott responded to the news on Twitter, asserting Texas’s sovereign authority to defend its border under both the U.S. Constitution and the Texas Constitution.
He also mentioned that the Biden administration has received multiple letters detailing Texas’s authority in this matter, including a letter hand-delivered to President Biden earlier this year.
Abbott attributed the humanitarian crisis on the border to President Biden’s refusal to secure it, claiming that his open border policies encourage migrants to risk their lives crossing the Rio Grande illegally instead of using established bridges.
The governor emphasized Texas’s commitment to addressing the crisis and pledged to deploy every strategy to protect both Texans and migrants risking their lives.
In response to the impending legal action, Governor Abbott concluded, “We will see you in court, Mr. President.”
As the legal battle looms, the clash between Texas’s efforts to secure its border and the federal government’s concerns over potential violations of federal law and humanitarian consequences remains unresolved.
The outcome of this dispute will have significant implications for border security and immigration policy in the United States.
