Texas authorities took action on Wednesday to enhance the security measures along the Rio Grande by installing additional buoys. This move comes after the Biden administration’s unsuccessful attempt to sue the state over its floating border barriers.
Republican Gov. Greg Abbott expressed his determination to maintain border security efforts despite the Biden-Harris Administration’s attempts to shut them down. In a video shared on X, Gov. Abbott showcased a section of interconnected orbs, about the size of washing machines, being lowered into the water. These buoys, which spin when grabbed, serve as a visual deterrent for illegal immigration. Gov. Abbott emphasized that they will not retreat from their mission to prevent and repel illegal immigration.
Officials in border states are preparing for a potential increase in the number of migrants at the border, as individuals attempting to enter the US illegally hurry to do so before President-elect Trump assumes office.
Earlier this week, sources mentioned that although there have been instances of catching groups of dozens of migrants, there has not been a significant increase in such occurrences.
In June 2023, Texas placed a string of barricades in the Rio Grande near Eagle Pass, a notorious hotspot for drug trafficking and human smuggling. Recently, additional barricades have been added to extend the existing 1,000-foot string, further strengthening the security measures in place.
“These barriers have proven to be incredibly effective, as there hasn’t been a single migrant who has attempted to cross over them,” stated Andrew Mahaleris, a spokesperson for Abbott. The implementation of the floating wall sparked a legal dispute between Texas and the Biden Administration. The administration filed a lawsuit to have the barriers taken down, arguing that they violated the federal Rivers and Harbor Act.”
The initial ruling sided with the federal government, but the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals later determined that the barriers could remain in place. The fate of the buoys will likely be decided by the Supreme Court. In the meantime, Abbott is content to continue deploying them in the water.
“Texas is determined to combat illegal immigration into our state, despite facing opposition from the Biden Administration,” stated Mahaleris. He further emphasized that courts have recognized Texas’ authority to deploy floating marine barriers and that the state is actively increasing the installation of these barriers to halt illegal immigration.
Unauthorized crossings at the border have significantly decreased following the implementation of new restrictions by the Biden Administration. These measures were put in place to alleviate concerns about border security in the lead-up to the presidential election. As a result, the ability of asylum seekers to stay in the country after entering illegally has been curtailed.