Texas Governor Greg Abbott Expands Troops’ Control of Southern US Border Amid Migrant ‘Invasion’
Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has announced plans to expand the presence of troops along the southern US border in response to what he calls a migrant “invasion.” Abbott made this announcement during a news conference in Eagle Pass, a city located near the Rio Grande river, which serves as the natural boundary between the United States and Mexico. The governor was joined by 13 fellow Republican state governors, all of whom share his concerns about the situation at the border.
Abbott expressed his determination to protect the constitutional guarantee of states to defend against any imminent danger or invasion. “We are here to send a loud and clear message,” he stated, “that we are banding together to fight and ensure that we will be able to maintain our sovereignty.” He emphasized that the expansion of troops’ control is essential to enhance deterrence and deny illegal entry into the United States.
This move by Abbott comes amid an ongoing conflict between his administration and President Joe Biden’s administration. The federal government has accused Texas of overstepping its authority by taking control of Shelby Park and laying barbed wire along the riverbank. The Biden administration filed a lawsuit against Abbott, and the case has now reached the US Supreme Court, which has authorized border police to remove the barbed wire.
However, Governor Abbott remains defiant and has ordered the erection of additional fencing. He has also gained support from Republican governors across the country, who have sent their own guardsmen and resources to assist Texas in securing the border. Abbott’s actions reflect his unwavering stance on immigration, a position he shares with former President Donald Trump, who made it a central theme of his 2016 election campaigns.
Critics argue that Abbott’s claims of an “invasion” are exaggerated and that his actions are driven by political motives rather than a genuine threat. In mid-January, the Biden administration criticized Texas national guardsmen for preventing federal border police from reaching the river to rescue three migrants who tragically drowned. Texas has vehemently denied these allegations.
Meanwhile, activists calling themselves “God’s army” have arrived at the southern Texas border to protest what they perceive as a migrant invasion. However, many residents of Eagle Pass reject this narrative and question the heavy military presence in their community.
In a separate development, the US Senate has unveiled a bipartisan deal that would provide additional aid to Ukraine and Israel while also tightening US border laws. However, it remains uncertain whether this agreement will become law.
As the situation at the southern US border continues to evolve, Governor Greg Abbott remains determined to protect his state and uphold what he views as its constitutional rights. The expansion of troops’ control is a clear indication of his commitment to addressing the issue of illegal immigration and maintaining security along the border. However, critics argue that his actions are driven by political considerations rather than genuine concerns. Only time will tell how this ongoing conflict between Texas and the Biden administration will unfold and what impact it will have on immigration policies in the United States.
