The state of Texas has begun installing a number of floating barriers along the Rio Grande to prevent migrants from crossing from Mexico into the Lone Star State. The effort shows potential for success as well as a prospective legal challenge.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) announced the first installation of the barriers in Eagle Pass Friday. The orange buoys do not allow people to grab hold as they attempt to cross the river. The modular nature of the barriers allows them to be expanded as necessary.
The effort has been challenged in court by an Eagle Pass resident.
Abbott’s office announced the initiative as part of Operation Lone Star. Texas has attempted to secure its southern border in light of the ongoing border crisis.
New marine barrier installation on the Rio Grande begins today.
Texas DPS is overseeing the project in Eagle Pass.
More to come. pic.twitter.com/nHrTqUG7Fi
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) July 7, 2023
According to Abbott’s office, Texas has apprehended almost 400,000 migrants and arrested more than 30,000 criminals, including more than 28,500 felony charges.
Furthermore, the state stated it seized more than 400 million lethal doses of the synthetic opioid fentanyl.
As part of the overall effort, Texas has sent thousands of migrants to a number of cities, including almost 20,000 total to Washington D.C. and New York City alone.
Texas lauded the results of the effort, including rescuing two abandoned children from Guatemala in Eagle Pass. The state also announced the capture of a human smuggler and stopped efforts to sneak illegal immigrants into the country.
Abbott announced Operation Lone Star in May, The governor tied the state-led effort to the decision b President Joe Biden to end the Trump-era Title 42 asylum program.
“With the ending of Title 42 on Thursday, President Biden is laying down the welcome mat to people across the entire world, but Texas is deploying our new Texas Tactical Border Force,” Abbott said.
The governor said that the Texas National Guard used Blackhawk helicopters and C-130s as part of the Texas Tactical Border Force.
Texas’ efforts included the use of drones and razor wire barriers to prevent migrant crossings. The state also announced the use of two “quick reaction forces” stationed in El Paso and the Rio Grande Valley.
