Texas Governor Greg Abbott has unveiled a comprehensive set of measures aimed at addressing the escalating influx of illegal immigrants crossing the southern border.
In an interview with Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo, Governor Abbott declared that state law enforcement officers would now have the authority to arrest and detain undocumented migrants, sparking another clash with the Biden Administration.
The ongoing legal battles between Texas and the federal government have been characterized by the Biden Administration’s opposition to the state’s initiatives to curb the migrant flow. While federal officials argue that immigration enforcement falls solely under their jurisdiction, Texas has countered this stance by implementing both water and land-based barriers.
Despite a recent setback involving the removal of water-based barriers in the Rio Grande following an appeals court ruling, Governor Abbott revealed plans to swiftly implement new border control measures during a Sunday interview with Fox News.
Abbott acknowledged the severity of the immigration issue, attributing the surge to what he perceives as a welcoming approach by President Joe Biden. He highlighted the impact of the existing barriers in diverting illegal entry away from Texas, causing cartels to alter their routes. Nevertheless, he emphasized the need for Texas to enhance its efforts in denying illegal entry into the state.
To address this, Governor Abbott announced his intention to sign a new law in Texas that would make it illegal for people to enter the state from another country without proper authorization. The law would also empower every peace officer in Texas to arrest individuals entering the country illegally.
Abbott aims to sign this measure within the next two weeks, anticipating another clash with the Biden Administration, which contends that such actions would encroach upon the responsibilities of the Border Patrol.
