Contributor Jonathan Turley weighs in after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott argued the state has a right to defend its border. Texas is battling President Biden in the courts and on the ground over illegal immigration at the southern border. The Lone Star State defied the Biden administration this week after the Supreme Court granted an emergency appeal to allow federal officials to cut razor wire Gov. Greg Abbott ordered to be installed at the southern border.
In response to the court’s decision, Governor Abbott posted pictures of the Texas National Guard bolstering the border, declaring on Wednesday that Texas has a right to “self-defense” from a migrant “invasion” at the southern border. This move led to Democrats’ calls for Biden to take control of the Texas National Guard.
George Washington University law professor and contributor Jonathan Turley told Digital that while “many agree” with Texas’ objections and “oppose” how the Biden administration is handling the border, the federal government now has a “sufficient basis” to “move forward.” Turley added that Texas would need to secure another injunction to prevent access by federal agents.
University of Minnesota law professor Richard Painter also weighed in, highlighting the issue of federal supremacy doctrine and the lack of consistent arguments about who is in charge of immigration law. Painter criticized both parties for their inconsistency on the issue and noted that Texas is taking advantage of ambiguity in the law to address what they perceive as a lack of action from the Biden administration.
Abbott issued a lengthy statement criticizing the federal government for breaking the compact between the U.S. and the individual states. He argued that President Biden has refused to enforce immigration laws and has even violated them. Abbott is currently fighting multiple legal battles with the Biden administration, including the seizure of Shelby Park near Eagle Pass and the cutting of razor wire set up by the state on the Rio Grande.
The situation at the southern border remains contentious, with Texas asserting its right to defend its border and Democrats calling for federal intervention. The issue highlights the ongoing debate over immigration law and the role of the federal government versus the states. As the legal battles continue, the implications for both parties and their respective positions on immigration will be closely watched.
Digital’s Adam Shaw and Greg Wehner contributed reporting to this article.
Houston Keene is a politics writer for Digital. Story tips can be sent to [email protected] and on Twitter: @HoustonKeene.
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