Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has deployed a floating barrier in the Rio Grande to quell migrants from crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, a move that opponents call a “dangerous stunt” that will endanger migrants at the border.
U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar sent a letter, alongside seven other Texas congressional Democrats, to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken alleging that Abbott’s aquatic barrier along the river border in Eagle Pass, Texas, is a potential violation of international law.
“Gov. Abbott’s installation of floating barriers in the Rio Grande to deter migrant crossings is yet another dangerous stunt that prioritizes political posturing over the safety and well-being of both Texans and migrants,” the lawmakers wrote in the letter. “Instead of notifying and collaborating with the appropriate federal agencies − such as the International Boundary and Water Commission, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers , and the Department of Homeland Security − Gov. Abbott continues to undermine the federal government by misusing state resources to interfere with federal immigration and security responsibilities.
“Gov. Abbott is not only wasting taxpayer dollars with these stunts … he is once again choosing inhumane and dangerous practices that intimidate, endanger, and hurt migrants and their families and put CBP personnel at risk.”
he letter states that the first segment of the barrier, being installed in Eagle Pass, is expected to cost $1 million.
“We urge the DOJ and DOS to take immediate action regarding this matter and the potential violations and obstructionism,” the letter states.
However, the Democrats’ opposition to the move did not appear to dampen the three-term Republican governor’s enthusiasm for the recent initiative at the Texas-Mexico border. On Friday, Abbott told Fox News the buoys will “bolster” measures that have long been in use.
