Texas is embarking on a battle with the Biden administration over the management of its southern border. Texas Governor, Greg Abbott, alleges that the administration has not fulfilled its duty to enforce immigration laws and secure the border, leading the state to take matters into its own hands. The state argues that it has the constitutional right to self-defense under Article 1, Section 10, granting states the power to protect themselves. With over 6 million individuals crossing the southern border and Governor Abbott having transported approximately 100,000 migrants to sanctuary cities, Texas views this as an invasion. The state asserts that it possesses the authority to defend itself against an invasion and safeguard its statehood.
Texas' strong stance on border security has historical foundations. It only joined the union with the promise that the federal government would protect its border. Having experienced border conflicts and wars throughout its history, Texas believes that the law obliges the federal government to fulfill its responsibility. Consequently, Governor Abbott believes that Texas is justified in taking action to counter the invasion-like situation at its southern border.
Governor Abbott is garnering support from other state governors, such as Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, who states that President Biden could take immediate action to assist Texas. This support highlights the growing recognition of the border crisis as an urgent issue that has long been neglected. The denial of the crisis and its severity by some media outlets and individuals, as showcased in an episode of The View, is contradicted by the mounting evidence. Fentanyl, a lethal drug, primarily enters the country through the southern border, with cartels exploiting the border to smuggle drugs and engage in human trafficking. Furthermore, Governor Abbott emphasizes that real victims, including women and children, are being trafficked and controlled by cartels for their nefarious purposes.
These developments come in the wake of President Biden's acknowledgement that the border has been a major problem for the past decade. This acknowledgment inadvertently bolsters Governor Abbott's case, highlighting the need for urgent action and dispelling any notion that the crisis is fabricated.
As the battle between Texas and the Biden administration unfolds, it raises significant questions about the extent of state authority and the federal government's responsibility to protect the nation's borders. While the Supreme Court ruling this week favored the federal government, Texas remains resolute in reclaiming its authority to address the pressing issue of border security. The ongoing White House briefing indicates that this issue will continue to be a topic of debate and political contention.
