Texas Border: Biden Loses Fight With State - Again!
Federal court rules in favor of Texas barriers along the Rio Grande border with Mexico
A federal appeals court has ruled that Border Patrol agents cannot cut razor wire that Texas installed on the banks of the Rio Grande at the U.S.-Mexico border in Eagle Pass.
The 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Texas “will likely succeed” in arguing that the federal government would violate state trespassing laws if cut down concertina wire the state has installed to prevent migrants from illegally crossing from Mexico.
The Biden Administration claimed Texas' border barrier interfered with the Border Patrol's duties under federal immigration law. The court disagreed:
“Texas is seeking, not to ‘regulate’ Border Patrol, but only to safeguard its own property.” -US 5th Circuit Court of Appeals
Texas Governor Greg Abbott was quick to celebrate the State's legal victory:
“The federal court of appeals just ruled that Texas has the right to build the razor wire border wall that we have constructed to deny illegal entry into our state and that Biden was wrong to cut our razor wire. We continue adding more razor wire border barrier.” -Governor Greg Abbott (via x.com)
The ruling Wednesday is just the latest in a string of victories in challenges to Biden Administration efforts to stop border security actions by Texas in the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals.
In July the Lone Star State won a battle with President Biden over a floating barrier installed in the Rio Grande to prevent migrants from illegally crossing into the state from Mexico in Eagle Pass.
Once again, the Fifth Circuit ruled against Biden in favor of Texas. And once again, Texas celebrated its victory:
"Last year, Texas installed these barriers to deny dangerous and illegal river crossings, and almost immediately, the Biden-Harris Administration sued to remove them and obstruct our efforts to secure our border. We fought to keep these barriers in the water, and ... that is exactly where they will remain. This fight is far from over. Texas will continue to defend our constitutional right to secure our southern border to keep our state and the nation safe.” -Texas Governor Greg Abbott
In 2021, the Biden Administration ordered a halt to expansion of the "Border Wall."
"On his first day in office, President Biden issued a Proclamation ... pausing all (border) wall construction to the extent permitted by law." - White House Press Release, June 11, 2021
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed suit five months later:
“The Biden Administration’s flat refusal to use funds that have already been set aside by Congress to build the border wall is not only illegal and unconstitutional - it’s also wrong, and it leaves states like Texas and Missouri footing the bill.” Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, October 21, 2021
In a 57-page ruling, U.S. District Court Judge Drew Tipton of the Southern District of Texas McAllen Division determined that President Biden's actions were harmful to Texas and its citizens:
"(President Biden's) failure to (build the wall) will result in greater numbers of illegal aliens entering the United States and Texas than would otherwise enter if the (money was) spent as Congress specified. The anticipated increase in the number of illegal aliens in Texas will impose costs on Texas, including in the areas of driver’s licenses, education, and healthcare. The Court finds that these injuries are concrete, imminent, and traceable to the (President's actions)." - U.S. District Court Judge Drew Tipton
Texas is now expanding the "Border Wall" with state funds.
And - with the Trump Administration due to take office - Texas is moving from confrontation to cooperation with the federal government.
This week incoming Trump "Border Czar" Tom Homan told Texas troops and State Troopers assigned to "Operation Lone Star" that what they have done to prevent illegal crossings along the Texas border with Mexico is an example for other states along the US Southern Border to follow:
"There is unprecedented success in Texas. This is the model we can take across the country. Everyone here needs to understand that you are national heroes and are saving the nation. What you have done has not only protected Texas and the citizens of Texas, you are protecting this nation." -Incoming U.S. "Border Czar" Tom Homan
Do you support Texas' efforts to prevent illegal crossings along its border with Mexico?
Share your opinion in the comments on this article!
Abrazos,
Jack Beavers
