Razor Wire Presence Strengthened at Shelby Park in Texas

In a continued effort to combat illegal immigration, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared his commitment to adding more razor wire along the border with Mexico. Abbott asserts that Texas holds the constitutional right to defend itself, emphasizing the state’s authority in the face of what he perceives as insufficient action from President Joe Biden to enforce immigration laws.

In an interview with Bloomberg Television on Thursday, Abbott stated, “We are adding more razor wire as we speak right now to make sure that we are doing even more to secure the border.” Despite a recent Supreme Court order permitting federal agencies to cut or remove existing razor wire installed by Texas, Abbott remains resolute in expanding border barriers.

Abbott contends that Texas’ actions align with its constitutional authority for self-defense when the federal government falls short. The governor emphasized, “Texas has the constitutional authority to do exactly what we are doing because the authors of the Constitution knew there would be times when the federal government does not do its job, and states have a right of self-defense.”

This push for increased border security comes on the heels of the Supreme Court ruling, allowing federal agencies to dismantle Texas-installed razor wire. The Department of Homeland Security sought access to the Shelby Park area in Eagle Pass, Texas, where state authorities had recently erected barriers.

Read more:

The White House responded to the Supreme Court decision, criticizing Texas’ border measures as political stunts that hinder frontline personnel and make their jobs more challenging. A spokesperson stated, “Texas’ political stunts, like placing razor wire near the border, simply make it harder and more dangerous for frontline personnel to do their jobs.”

The escalating border situation has become a focal point of contention, contributing to a broader partisan divide in Congress. Republicans have linked their support for a $110 billion package, including funds for Ukraine and Israel, to a crackdown on immigration. President Biden, open to significant changes, faces ongoing negotiations.

Governor Abbott laid blame on President Biden, asserting that the administration has not done enough to enforce immigration laws. In response, Texas has undertaken various measures, including the construction of border walls, the installation of over 100 miles of razor wire, and the constant deployment of the National Guard.

Furthermore, Abbott revealed that Texas would persist in sending busloads of migrants to other parts of the United States, despite challenges faced by cities like New York and Chicago in accommodating the influx. The governor justified this approach by stating, “Texas is doing everything that we can… with Texas taxpayers spending more than $10 billion already to secure the border.”

The ongoing border dispute has not only led to legal clashes but has also resulted in Texas sending over 100,000 migrants to predominantly Democratic cities. New York alone has received more than 37,000 migrants, prompting Mayor Eric Adams to accuse Abbott of using vulnerable individuals as political pawns.

Abbott, speaking from India during a trip to promote economic ties with Texas, hinted at upcoming announcements regarding business expansions and new projects in the state. The governor’s focus on border security reflects the enduring national debate on immigration policies and the role of states in shaping and enforcing them.