Texas Governor Greg Abbott has refused to remove floating barriers from the Rio Grande, defying the US Department of Justice. The Justice Department had demanded the removal of the barriers, but Abbott responded with a letter to President Joe Biden stating that Texas will use its constitutional authority to address the crisis caused by the federal government. Abbott also stated that Texas will take legal action against the President. This clash between Abbott and the federal government comes as Texas faces criticism for its treatment of migrants attempting to cross the border illegally. The Biden administration has expressed concerns about Abbott’s measures, which have disrupted Border Patrol operations and put migrants at risk. Disturbing images of injured migrants and reports of Texas troops pushing migrants back to Mexico have drawn criticism from the White House and Democratic lawmakers.
The Justice Department informed Texas that it plans to file legal action against the floating barriers in the Rio Grande, which are part of Texas’ operation along the border. The department gave Texas a deadline to remove the barriers or face legal action. However, Abbott pushed back on these demands, asserting Texas’ sovereign interest in protecting its borders. The White House responded to Abbott’s decision by condemning his actions as dangerous and unlawful, stating that they undermine the effective plan to secure the border and put migrants and border agents in danger.
The Justice Department’s threat of legal action is based on a federal law that prohibits the creation of obstructions in navigable waters without authorization. Texas is already facing a lawsuit over its installation of a marine floating barrier, filed by the owner of a canoe and kayaking company. The ongoing dispute over the barriers is separate from the Justice Department’s assessment of mistreatment of migrants, which it described as troubling reports.
The Texas Department of Public Safety’s inspector general has received additional complaints from personnel at the border about the treatment of migrants. These complaints include reports that Texas troopers were instructed to push back migrants into the Rio Grande and not provide them with water. Abbott’s office has denied giving any orders that would compromise the lives of those attempting to cross the border illegally.
In conclusion, Governor Abbott’s refusal to remove the floating barriers in the Rio Grande has sparked a clash with the federal government. Texas’ treatment of migrants and its disruptive measures have drawn criticism from the Biden administration and Democratic lawmakers. The Justice Department has threatened legal action against Texas, but Abbott has vowed to defend the state’s constitutional authority. This dispute adds to the ongoing assessment of mistreatment of migrants and raises concerns about the safety of migrants and border agents.
Original Story at www.cnn.com – 2023-07-24 16:19:00