Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas hurled an accusation at the Biden administration on Wednesday claiming it was responsible for the cutting of razor wire at the Texas-Mexico border. Abbott opened the floor for debate when he published a statement on X last week reiterating his allegation.
I officially declared an invasion at our border because of Biden's policies.
We deployed the Texas National Guard, DPS & local law enforcement.
We are building a border wall, razor wire & marine barriers.
We are also repelling migrants.
More: https://t.co/dEivr1lL2n pic.twitter.com/hzCl6ouTVJ
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) September 20, 2023
The TX government installed the razor wire in Eagle Pass as a means of cutting down on illegal immigrants making their way into the U.S.
In response to the Biden administration allegedly cutting the wire to open the pathway from Eagle Pass’ sister city — Piedra Negras — Abbott immediately called for the National Guard to install more razor wire and prevent illegal immigrants from crossing into the Lone Star State.
Texas installed razor wire in Eagle Pass to stop illegal crossings.
Today the Biden Admin CUT that wire, opening the floodgates to illegal immigrants.
I immediately deployed more Texas National Guard to repel illegal crossings & install more razor wire. pic.twitter.com/eMtLS8Z6WI
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) September 20, 2023
Abbott’s claims seem to be bolstered by Eagle Pass Mayor Rolando Salinas (D-TX), who announced a local disaster declaration that same day due to an invasion by illegal immigrants.
Was the Declaration unwarranted? Probably not. Eagle Pass has garnered national attention in recent years as the modest town of less than 30,000 people has become one of the most heavily-crossed locations along the U.S.-Mexico border.
The Eagle Pass Business Journal reported details of the Declaration, noting “approximately 800-900 undocumented immigrants crossed from Mexico into the United States through the City’s [Union Pacific Railroad] train bridge.” Further, “approximately 1100-1200 undocumented immigrants crossed from Mexico into the United States through the City’s 1416 marker.”
Since then, multiple sources have reported a staggering 10,000 undocumented immigrants have entered through Eagle Pass.
This isn’t a new argument between Abbott and Biden’s administration. In July, the Department of Justice sued Texas for the installation of buoy barriers in U.S. waters that they claimed served as an obstruction to navigation of the waterway. Of course, that was the intention.
In a bold move, Biden’s administration is tossing around the idea of restricting travel for undocumented immigrants — potentially trapping those who come through Eagle Pass in the Lone Star State. According to a Pew Research study, 73% of Americans don’t feel the government is handling border security well.
