Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) and the federal government continue to battle out opposing enforcement tactics for illegal immigration at the southern border. On Wednesday, Texas Border Czar Mike Banks offered to install razor wire along fence lines for free of charge to local ranchers in Eagle Pass. The installation will be provided by the state and is intended to assist in keeping fleeing illegal immigrants off of private property.
Just two days prior, the Supreme Court of the United States had granted permission to cut through razor wires to Border Patrol agents who report to President Joe Biden. Biden and SCOTUS are concerned that migrants are endangered by the preventative measures adopted by the Lone Star state which they also alleged as illegal. The razor wires are not only placed in Eagle Pass but also several other cities along the Texas southern border.
Texas installed razor wire in Eagle Pass to stop illegal crossings.
Today the Biden Admin CUT that wire, opening the floodgates to illegal immigrants.
I immediately deployed more Texas National Guard to repel illegal crossings & install more razor wire. pic.twitter.com/eMtLS8Z6WI
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) September 20, 2023
The placing of razor wires on private properties follows a previous crisis situation that took place at Shelby Park, a property owned by the city of Eagle Pass. The park became a hotspot for the illegal immigrants to cross. This comes as no surprise since the town is already the second-largest illegal immigration hotspot on the southern border, according to the Daily Mail. With just 28,000 residents, the impact is felt by the community.
Texas will continue to install more razor wire and fortify the border against illegal crossings.
We will not back down. https://t.co/cGOUVCWD3Q
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) September 21, 2023
In response to the lack of enforcement by Border Patrol, Gov. Abbott placed shipping containers, bordered with razor wire, along the perimeter of the park. He also ordered the state to have all border agents removed from the park. Gov. Abbott has been repeatedly warned by the federal government that Texas does not have the authority to enforce immigration law.
White House spokesperson Angelo Fernandez Hernandez said, “Texas’ political stunts, like placing razor wire near the border, simply make it harder and more dangerous for frontline personnel to do their jobs,” according to AP News. Also in response to the razor wire controversy, Abbott spokesman Andrew Mahaleris said, “This case is ongoing, and Governor Abbott will continue fighting to defend Texas’ property and its constitutional authority to secure the border.”
Following the blocking of Shelby Park, local ranchers began to complain about migrants resorting to crossing their private property instead. Several stories have been shared across social media about ranchers finding garbage spread along their property and constant foot traffic. Luis Valderrama owns 400 acres of property along Eagle Pass and said the feud between state and federal government won’t end until, “there’s a new president.”
