The governor took to Twitter to share the news, stating, "New marine barrier installation on the Rio Grande begins today. Texas DPS is overseeing the project in Eagle Pass. More to come."
Abbott initially revealed plans for the barrier, which consists of orange buoys intended to deter migrants from crossing the Rio Grande, last month. The installation is part of Operation Lone Star, a comprehensive operation aimed at addressing the border crisis in the absence of federal leadership, according to Republicans.
Abbott's actions, including the transportation of migrants to "sanctuary" jurisdictions like New York City and Washington, D.C., and the construction of the state's border wall after the Biden administration halted federal construction, have sparked controversy.
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Texas officials argue that the latest initiative will discourage individuals from attempting to cross the dangerous river. It is estimated that it will take approximately two weeks to set up the buoys.
July 10, 2023
Steve McCraw, the director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, stated last month, "Anytime they get in that water, it's a risk to the migrants. This is the deterrent from even coming in the water."
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However, left-wing groups have pushed back against the barrier. According to The Associated Press, environmental activists recently held a demonstration near the border, including a prayer for the river.
David Donatti, an attorney for the left-wing American Civil Liberties Union in Texas, criticized the move, stating, "The floating balls will not address the real and important reasons people are coming to the United States. The buoys are a blight on Texas's moral conscience."
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According to The Washington Post, the barrier will include a layer of webbing beneath it to prevent individuals from swimming underneath. It is expected to span 1,000 feet in the area near Eagle Pass.
The deployment comes when border crossings have relatively decreased compared to the record highs witnessed during the ongoing crisis, which is now in its third year. The Biden administration has highlighted a significant drop in encounters since the implementation of its new strategy on May 11, following the end of Title 42.
However, there were still over 200,000 migrant encounters in May. The administration has called on Congress to provide additional funding and pass an immigration reform bill.
Republicans have opposed the inclusion of amnesty for millions of illegal immigrants already in the U.S., asserting that the Biden administration's "catch-and-release" policies have incentivized the crisis.
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