A federal appeals court has ruled that a floating barrier in the Rio Grande, designed to curb illegal immigration from Mexico, can remain in place for now. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a previous decision by a panel of the court that had ordered the buoys to be removed in December. The court stated that the lower court had abused its discretion in granting a preliminary injunction.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a staunch critic of the Biden administration’s immigration policies, celebrated the court’s decision, calling it “justice.” He took to social media to highlight his efforts in maintaining the barrier, stating, “Biden tried to remove them. I fought to keep them in the water. That is exactly where they will stay.”
The buoy barrier was installed near the border town of Eagle Pass, Texas, with anchors in the riverbed. It was put in place by Gov. Abbott as part of his broader effort to deter illegal crossings. The Biden administration, however, challenged the barrier in court, arguing that Texas had violated the Rivers and Harbors Act by installing it without permission and that it posed humanitarian and environmental risks.
The Biden administration’s legal challenge also includes efforts to remove razor-wire fencing at the border and gain access to a city park that Texas has fenced off. The broader lawsuit is scheduled for a trial in district court beginning on August 6th.
This court decision represents a setback for the Biden administration’s efforts to manage the ongoing immigration crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. The debate over border security measures continues to be a contentious issue in American politics, with strong opinions on both sides. It remains to be seen how this latest legal development will impact future efforts to address the complex challenges of border security and immigration.