National correspondent Bill Melugin reports from Eagle Pass, Texas, on ‘The Story with Martha MacCallum.’ The Justice Department on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against Texas over a state law allowing authorities to arrest illegal immigrants, pitting Republican Gov. Greg Abbott against the Biden administration as both remain at odds over how to handle the escalating crisis at the southern border.
In a move that further deepens the divide between Republicans and Democrats on immigration policies, the lawsuit was filed in an Austin federal court following Abbott’s signing of a measure challenging the federal government’s authority over immigration matters. This clash between the state and federal governments highlights the ongoing struggle to find a unified approach to the border crisis.
“The United States brings this action to preserve its exclusive authority under federal law to regulate the entry and removal of noncitizens,” the lawsuit states. “Texas cannot run its own immigration system. Its efforts, through SB 4, intrude on the federal government’s exclusive authority to regulate the entry and removal of noncitizens, frustrate the United States’ immigration operations and proceedings, and interfere with U.S. foreign relations.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has been vocal about his state’s efforts to curb illegal immigration while criticizing the Biden administration’s border policies. Under the Texas law, migrants could either agree to a judge’s order to leave the U.S. or face prosecution on misdemeanor charges of illegal entry. Repeat offenders could face serious felony charges.
However, the bussing of thousands of migrants from Texas to blue cities like New York and Chicago has sparked backlash from Democrats who argue that their jurisdictions lack sufficient resources to care for the migrants. This issue has further strained the relationship between Republican-led states and Democrat-led cities.
In addition to the lawsuit, Texas is also involved in a separate court battle over the installation of razor wire on the Rio Grande and a floating barrier, which has raised concerns and objections from Mexican leaders.
Illegal crossings along the southern U.S. border have reached unprecedented levels, with over 10,000 crossings reported on several days in December alone. This surge in migration has put pressure on both the state and federal governments to find effective solutions to the border crisis.
The Justice Department’s lawsuit against Texas marks another chapter in the ongoing debate over immigration policies in the United States. As the Biden administration aims to implement a more lenient approach to immigration, Republican-led states like Texas are challenging the federal government’s authority, highlighting the deep ideological divide on this issue.
The outcome of this legal battle will have significant implications for the future of immigration policies in the United States. It remains to be seen how the courts will rule and whether a compromise can be reached to address the escalating crisis at the southern border.
