Greg Abbott, the state’s Republican governor, revealed the barrier in early June. It is partially comprised of orange buoys that are connected with webbings.The river barriers, according to federal authorities, violate federal law and raise “humanitarian concerns”.
Mr. Abbott vowed to “see” the government in court prior to the lawsuit.
The barriers, which were initially reported in June, span 305 meters (1,000 feet) of the Rio Grande. The buoys are fastened together using webbing and anchored to the river’s bed.
State officials claim it will contribute to border security. Advocates for immigrants have claimed that it can be ineffectual and even harmful to migrants.
A nearby kayak firm has already filed a lawsuit over the barricades.
The Justice Department contended that state officials were required to get federal approval to erect the obstacles in a nine-page lawsuit submitted to a federal court in Austin.
Federal officials contend that Texas broke the statute controlling navigable waters by failing to do so.
Associate attorney general Vanita Gupta made the following statement: “We allege that Texas violated federal law by erecting a barrier in the Rio Grande without obtaining the required federal authorization.”
“This floating barrier poses threats to navigation and public safety and presents humanitarian concerns,” the statement continued. Additionally, Mexico has protested the floating barrier diplomatically, which might harm US foreign policy.
The Biden administration had already informed the Texas government that by removing the obstructions from the river, they could avoid a court dispute.
In a belligerent tone on Monday, Mr. Abbott criticized President Joe Biden for a “record-breaking level of illegal immigration” that necessitated the barrier.
“Texas will see you in court, Mr. President,” Abbott said in a statement.
As part of a larger initiative known as Operation Lone Star, Texas authorities have taken increasingly extreme measures to control the state’s border with Mexico. State officials have frequently defended the barriers in this regard.
Texas reports that approximately 394,200 illegal immigrants have been captured and 31,300 criminals have been arrested since the operation’s initial launch in March 2021.
Following a report in the Houston Chronicle that officers assigned to the initiative expressed concern over “inhumane” behavior towards migrants in the Eagle Pass area, including withholding water despite intense heat and pushing migrants back into the river towards Mexico, Operation Lone Star has come under renewed public scrutiny.
Immigration advocates have asserted that the floating obstacles close to Eagle Pass are unlikely to significantly affect the flow of people across the border and would even make the passage more hazardous.
A different case has been brought against the barriers on behalf of a local kayak trip provider who claims that the buoys hurt his business and obliterate the local flora and fauna.
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