Texas Governor Greg Abbott has affirmed his commitment to implementing measures to ensure the security of the southern border, even after facing a setback in federal appeals court on Tuesday.
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has temporarily halted the implementation of the Texas law that allows law enforcement to arrest migrants suspected of entering the country illegally. This decision comes after the U.S. Supreme Court initially allowed the law to go into effect. Texas is appealing a federal judge’s ruling from last month, which blocked the measure from being implemented.
The Biden Administration and immigration advocates criticize Senate Bill 4, a law that deems entering Texas illegally a state crime and grants state judges the power to order the deportation of migrants who violate the law. They argue that the bill is unconstitutional and that the authority to detain or deport migrants lies with the federal government.
On Wednesday afternoon, Abbott, formerly known as Twitter, stated that his administration will continue to uphold SB4. He also mentioned that state law enforcement will persist in executing border control measures, which have faced controversy. These measures include the construction of a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border and the utilization of the Texas National Guard to implement razor wire and buoy barriers in order to deter migrants.
In his post, the Republican emphasized that his state has the authority to apprehend illegal immigrants for criminal trespass. He further highlighted that a staggering 41,000 arrests have been made in this regard.
The White House was contacted by Newsweek via email for comment.
While the fight continues in court to uphold SB4, Texas continues to arrest illegal immigrants for criminal trespass.
More than 41,000 criminal arrests have been made.
We continue to build border wall, use NG to erect razor wire to repel migrants & keep buoy barriers in river.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) March 20, 2024
The White House has taken legal action against Abbott’s administration to challenge SB4. Furthermore, they have also opposed Texas’ use of razor wire installations and other deterrent measures along the Rio Grande. The argument put forth is that these barriers hinder the ability of federal agents to patrol the southern border. In January, the U.S. Supreme Court voted 5-4 in favor of federal Border Patrol agents being permitted to remove the wire while a lawsuit regarding this method is ongoing.
According to state officials, Texas has already added 12 miles of barriers as of September and has allocated approximately $1.28 billion to construct its border wall through Governor Abbott’s Operation Lone Star.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, has consistently voiced his disapproval of President Joe Biden’s immigration policies. In response, several Republican-led states, including Texas, have mobilized their National Guard to assist in securing the state’s southern border.