Texas stands its ground as the Biden administration snubs its collective noses at Lone Star State citizens and Republican Governor Greg Abbott for keeping illegal immigrants on their side of the imaginary border. Lawsuits against the state for trying to humanely secure its part of the 700-mile-long stretch have the federal government twisting in the wind. But drawing a line in the sand might be the worst strategic decision for the open borders crowd and the current president’s future.
Operation Lone Star Sparks a Cold War
The Biden administration hopes the state will bend under a series of stern letters and threats of lawsuits. In July, the White House wrote to Abbott, encouraging the man to concede and do things the way the president prefers. Clearly, Mr. Biden knows nothing about Texan resolve. And Abbott, not taking any guff, replied publicly on X: “The tragic humanitarian crisis on the border was created because of Biden’s refusal to secure the border,” reads the thread. “We will continue to deploy every strategy to protect Texas and Americans — and the migrants risking their lives. We will see you in court, Mr. President.”
Since Abbott began Operation Lone Star, “the multi-agency effort has led to over 394,200 illegal immigrant apprehensions and more than 31,300 criminal arrests, with more than 29,100 felony charges reported,” boasts the program’s web page. The page also tallies the number of illegal immigrants bussed to sanctuary cities:
- Over 10,400 migrants to Washington, DC, since April 2022
- Over 10,300 migrants to New York City since August 5
- Over 4,100 migrants to Chicago since August 31
- Over 2,000 migrants to Philadelphia since November 15
- Over 300 migrants to Denver since May 18
- Over 160 migrants to Los Angeles since June 14
Chris Olivarez, a spokesperson for the Texas Department of Public Safety, posted on X this week that his state wasn’t playing any more games with the feds: “Due to the unprecedented influx of illegal immigrants crossing between the ports of entry, DPS Troopers & @TXMilitary will regain control, support local, county, & federal authorities, & maintain an enforcement posture.”
It was a thinly veiled accusation following the video Governor Abbott posted on X of Biden’s federal employees cutting the razor wire the state installed at Eagle Pass. The governor, obviously angry, stated: “Texas installed razor wire in Eagle Pass to stop illegal crossings. Today, the Biden Admin CUT that wire, opening the floodgates to illegal immigrants.” It was shocking footage as border agents pulled the security wire down and motioned for hundreds of illegal immigrants to come right on through.
Abbott pulled the pin and lobbed this next statement at Mr. Biden: “I immediately deployed more Texas National Guard to repel illegal crossings & install more razor wire.”
Don’t Mess With Texas
As lawsuits drag on, Governor Abbott isn’t sitting about mulling his chances of success. He is actively ordering more Texas National Guard Troops to the US/Mexico border, buying up double the original amount of razor wire, and keeping marine barriers on the Rio Grande in place. Texas isn’t playing nice anymore.
