Texas Governor Greg Abbott faced criticism from the Biden administration after the House initiated impeachment proceedings against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The latest legal move by the Biden administration involves a lawsuit targeting Texas’ new anti-illegal immigration law, which allows state and local law enforcement to arrest illegal immigrants. The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed the lawsuit, challenging the federal government’s authority in regulating the entry and removal of noncitizens.
According to the lawsuit, the Biden administration argues that Texas cannot run its own immigration system, as it interferes with the federal government’s exclusive authority and frustrates immigration operations and proceedings. The lawsuit seeks to preserve the United States’ authority under federal law.
Governor Abbott responded by criticizing the Biden administration’s prioritization of suing Texas rather than enforcing federal laws to address the border crisis. Abbott stated that Texas would not back down in its efforts to secure the border.
This legal dispute follows the DOJ’s recent request for the Supreme Court’s intervention regarding the construction of razor wire at the border. Texas had filed a lawsuit after federal officials cut and destroyed the wire, claiming that it hindered Border Patrol’s ability to patrol the border. The government argued that agents needed to apprehend illegal immigrants and take them into custody.
Another legal dispute involved Texas’ construction of a floating barrier on the Rio Grande to prevent illegal immigrants from crossing the river. The DOJ argued that the barrier posed a safety risk, violated federal law, and interfered with the government’s official duties. The Fifth Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the administration, ordering Texas to remove 1,000 feet of the barrier.
The ongoing legal battles between Texas and the Biden administration parallel previous disputes with Arizona, where the administration sued the state over its construction of a makeshift border barrier using shipping containers and razor wire. Arizona ultimately removed the containers following the lawsuit.
The lawsuits against Texas are expected to remain contentious in 2024, as the border crisis continues to escalate. In December alone, there were over 302,000 migrant encounters, putting political pressure on the Biden administration. While the administration aims to expand lawful pathways for migration and increase consequences for illegal entry, it acknowledges the need for funding and immigration reform from Congress.
The issue of border funding has been a topic of negotiation, with Republicans pushing for greater limits on the release of migrants into the interior of the country. The outcome of these negotiations will likely impact the border situation and the ongoing legal battles between Texas and the Biden administration.
Adam Shaw, a politics reporter for Digital, primarily covering immigration and border security, provided this report. For more updates on the 2024 campaign trail and exclusive interviews, subscribe to his newsletter or follow him on Twitter.
