Eagle Pass, Texas resident Carlos Herrera speaks out about the ongoing border crisis on ‘America Reports.’ Texas officials are determined to uphold stringent border security measures following a recent Supreme Court ruling that allows border patrol officials to cut razor wire installed to deter illegal crossings. This decision has been applauded by the Biden administration. Lt. Chris Olivarez of the Texas Department of Public Safety stated that the state, under Governor Greg Abbott’s Operation Lone Star, will continue employing effective border security measures to deter illegal border crossings. These measures include reinforced concertina wire and anti-climb barriers along the Rio Grande.
Olivarez’s tweet comes in response to the Supreme Court’s 5-4 vote, which gives Border Patrol agents the authority to cut or clear out concertina wire that Texas had placed along the banks of the Rio Grande. The purpose of the wire was to discourage migrants from entering the U.S. illegally. However, the Fifth Circuit has yet to rule on the case’s merits.
The Biden administration argued that the presence of nearly 30 miles of wire near Eagle Pass hindered frontline personnel from performing their federal duties and interfered with their ability to address urgent situations and enforce laws. They dismissed the razor wire as “political stunts” that impede the work of frontline personnel. Despite this, Texas authorities are adamant about protecting their border and question why the federal government hinders their efforts while allowing dangerous and inhumane methods of illegal immigration.
Governor Abbott expressed his endorsement of Olivarez’s concerns, emphasizing Texas’ commitment to protecting its sovereignty, combating criminal activity, and discouraging illegal immigration. Earlier, Governor Abbott made it clear that Texas would not back down from their border security efforts in President Biden’s absence. The wire installation was one of the aggressive measures taken by the three-term Republican governor to curb illegal crossings from Mexico. The concertina wire stretches for approximately 30 miles near Eagle Pass, which has become a hotspot for migrants illegally crossing from Mexico.
Governor Abbott has authorized the wire and also seized control of Eagle Park, a city-owned park that had become a major crossing point for migrants. Texas officials have expressed frustration over migrants entering through Eagle Pass and then being loaded onto buses by federal agents. As a result, Border Patrol agents are no longer allowed access to Shelby Park.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. Bradford Betz is a Digital breaking reporter covering crime, political issues, and more. Stay updated with the latest news from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and political content by subscribing to this newsletter.
