Court allows barrier in Rio Grande on Texas border to remain
Recently, a federal appeals court made a crucial decision regarding the controversial floating barrier in the Rio Grande, which was installed to impede the flow of illegal migrants from Mexico into Texas.
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the floating barrier can remain in place for the time being, overturning a previous decision by a court panel that ordered the buoys to be removed in December. The court stated that the preliminary injunction granted to move the buoys was an abuse of discretion.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott expressed his satisfaction with the court’s ruling, referring to it as “justice.” In a social media post, Governor Abbott criticized President Biden’s attempt to remove the buoys, emphasizing his dedication to maintaining them in the water, where they will continue to stay.
The floating barrier, equipped with buoys, was strategically placed near the border town of Eagle Pass, Texas, with anchors in the riverbed. This innovative approach to border security faced legal challenges from the Biden administration, with accusations that Texas had violated the Rivers and Harbors Act by placing a barrier on the international boundary without permission. Furthermore, concerns were raised about the humanitarian and environmental impact of the water barrier.
Despite the objections from the Biden administration, Governor Greg Abbott remained steadfast in his commitment to border security. The ongoing legal battle also encompasses issues such as the right to cut razor-wire fencing at the border and access to a city park that the state has enclosed with a fence.
The lawsuit surrounding the floating barrier in the Rio Grande is headed for trial starting on Aug. 6th, marking a significant moment in the ongoing dispute between Texas and the Biden administration over border security measures.
