The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has handed Texas a legal victory by blocking federal officials from removing razor wire barriers installed along the state’s southern border. Gov. Greg Abbott hailed the decision as a triumph for border security efforts, which he claims are necessary due to federal inaction.
“Texas has the right to build the razor wire border wall,” Abbott declared on X. “We continue adding more razor wire border barrier.” Attorney General Ken Paxton echoed the sentiment, calling the decision a “HUGE WIN FOR TEXAS.”
The barriers, part of Texas’ Operation Lone Star initiative, were installed to deter illegal immigration. Federal officials have criticized the razor wire, claiming it injures migrants and interferes with Border Patrol operations.
The conflict over the wire escalated earlier this year when the Supreme Court allowed the Biden administration to cut the fencing. Texas responded by installing additional barriers, intensifying the standoff.
Texas filed a lawsuit in 2023, arguing that federal interference with the razor wire violated the state’s right to secure its border. The latest ruling supports Texas’ position, ensuring that federal agents cannot remove or damage the barriers.
With President-elect Donald Trump returning to office in January, Abbott expects stronger federal backing for his state’s measures. Trump has long supported stricter border enforcement, including deportations and physical barriers.
This decision highlights the ongoing clash between state and federal immigration policies, with Texas leading the charge for tougher enforcement.
