Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s decision to install razor wire along the U.S.-Mexico border has stirred a heated discussion about immigration enforcement. Abbott’s administration strategically positioned razor wire along sections of the border as a deterrent against migrants attempting to enter Texas unlawfully.
The administration doesn’t want America to know that the deterrents are working.
During an appearance on Fox News Channel’s “Sunday Morning Futures,” Abbott highlighted the significant impact of the razor wire installation in Eagle Pass, Texas, on illegal border crossings. Abbott emphasized that the measures taken in Eagle Pass, including the installation of razor wire, have resulted in a remarkable reduction in migrant traffic across the U.S.-Mexico border.
Governor Abbott pointed out that previously, the area where the razor wire was installed witnessed a daily influx of 3,000 to 4,000 individuals crossing illegally. However, the three days before his Fox News interview, the average number of people crossing that area had plummeted to just three individuals per day.
“The point is, if we put up resistance, we show that we can secure the border. Joe Biden should not be stopping that,” Abbott said.
Texas Republicans have largely backed Abbott’s “aggressive” stance, arguing that his actions are constitutional and vital for border security. Many state lawmakers have urged the Department of Justice to reconsider its lawsuit against Texas over the use of razor wire, with support from prominent Republican figures including Sen. Ted Cruz and Reps. Nate Moran, Keith Self, and Dan Crenshaw.
However, critics raise concerns about the legality and effectiveness of the razor wire, asserting that it fosters a hostile environment and strains relations with Mexico. Some argue that it violates due process rights and international norms.
The ongoing battle reached a fever pitch on January 12, following the drowning deaths of Virterma de la Sancha, aged 33, along with her two young children, 10-year-old Yorlei Rubi and 8-year-old Jonathan Agustin Briones de la Sancha, as they attempted to cross the U.S.-Mexico border.
The family, part of a group of migrants seeking refuge in the United States, found themselves in distress while navigating the Rio Grande. When Border Patrol agents became aware of the situation, they could not directly intervene due to Operation Lone Star.
This controversial Texas border security initiative, directed by Abbott, had recently taken control of Eagle Pass’ Shelby Park—a critical area facing the river. The Texas National Guard, operating under the authority of the operation, denied access to Border Patrol agents. Soldiers stationed at the Shelby Park Entrance Gate refused to grant access, promising to send someone to investigate.
The Texas Military Department defended its actions, noting that the migrants had already drowned before they received the request for access from Border Patrol.
The situation brought America’s attention back to the border, and President Joe Biden has faced increased calls to close it. Recent polling suggests that illegal immigration will be a more significant electoral issue than the Biden campaign had expected.
Shortly before the Texas tragedy in Eagle’s Pass, CBS News released polling results showing that public perception on the border has shifted since the spring of 2023, and not in a way that favors Biden’s welcome mat policy at the border.
Perceptions of the border vary among Americans, with 45% considering it a crisis and an additional 30% viewing it as a serious problem. The handling of the situation by the Biden Administration has faced scrutiny, as the percentage of Americans advocating for stricter measures to stop immigrants attempting to cross the border has reached its peak. President Biden’s approval rating concerning the U.S.-Mexico border has declined, along with his overall approval on immigration.
The poll further highlights how Americans feel about illegal immigrants claiming “asylum,” with 44% of those polled believing asylum seekers should await their hearings outside of U.S. borders. Thirteen percent of respondents suggest that asylum seekers should leave the U.S. and be provided no opportunity to return.
Support for Governor Abbott’s border security efforts is evident as 25 Republican-led states pledged their backing through a joint statement.
“We stand in solidarity with our fellow Governor, Greg Abbott, and the State of Texas in utilizing every tool and strategy, including razor wire fences, to secure the border,” the statement reads, “Because the Biden Administration has abdicated its constitutional compact duties to the states, Texas has every legal justification to protect the sovereignty of our states and our nation.”
Biden’s recent “too little, too late” calls for stricter immigration laws indicate he recognizes his vulnerability. Team Biden needs to decide if the current flood of illegal immigrants is enough to achieve its goals or continue the policies that America hates and risk losing it all in November.