Texas Governor Greg Abbott declares an invasion on the state of Texas after lack of federal law enforcement, leads to six million immigrants illegally crossing the border in three years. January 24, 2024 Governor Abbott issues a press release speaking on the state’s right to self defense. They are working to secure the border among the areas of Eagle Pass and Shelby Park, after an influx of illegal citizens, human, and drug trafficking. Federal law enforcement, specifically the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Border Patrol, is working to maintain the current conditions and laws of the border. Writing letters, opposing, and suing Texas for reasons that include opposing federal law enforcement and being unconstitutional.
President Joe Biden’s administration received heavy criticism from Governor Abbott claiming “President Biden has violated his oath to faithfully execute immigration laws enacted by Congress.” Student Kaydn Macias comments, “I think they should keep it closed, so they can check the people coming in and out.” The conflict has been taken to The Supreme Court of The United States (SCOTUS) when President Biden made an emergency appeal requesting SCOTUS would block a recent law by Texas. The law would give state law enforcement authority to detain and deport anyone suspected of illegally entering the country. Those who don’t comply with said law can potentially face 20 years in prison.
Justice Samuel Alito of SCOTUS temporarily blocked the law for further consideration between February, 29 – March, 13. SCOTUS did order for Border Patrol’s ability to take down razor wire but has been made difficult with the measures Texas has been taking. Student Oscar Orozco said, “I do think martial law could be made in the future. You don’t really know what’s going to happen in the future.” Maintaining border security is still a top priority for the state, placing fencing, concertina wire and armed State National Guards. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) seized 458 million lethal doses of fentanyl that was illegally smuggled past the border.
Student Nickolas Hogan said, “It’s weird how they’re fighting the feds and they suddenly have their biggest fire ever in their whole history of being a state.” The Attorney General of Texas Ken Paxton argues with Border Patrol, invoking the constitution in a series of letters saying, “Because the facts and law side with Texas, the State will continue utilizing its constitutional authority to defend her territory, and I will continue defending those lawful efforts in court.” Governor Abbott invokes the constitution in a press release as well saying, “James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and the other visionaries who wrote the U.S. Constitution foresaw that States should not be left to the mercy of a lawless president who does nothing to stop external threats like cartels smuggling millions of illegal immigrants across the border.” 25 out of 50 states choose to side with Texas. 14 out of 25 are pledging support of personnel and resources in a recent press conference.
With the upcoming 2024 presidential election the border and migration will surely be a critical debate not just between state and federal law but also for the country’s future.
