Abbott Order Barrier Placed Along Border With New Mexico & Mexico
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the construction of additional barriers along the state's border with New Mexico and Mexico. In a post on social media, the governor stated that the barriers will be built along the Rio Grande where it turns sharply and separates El Paso from Dona Anna County in New Mexico.
Governor Abbott's decision to build additional barriers comes as a result of the existing barriers in El Paso, which have forced migrants to enter the US through New Mexico and then cross the Rio Grande into Texas. The governor believes that the new barriers will put an end to this pattern and help secure the Texas/New Mexico border.
The move is part of the state's ongoing Operation Lone Star, which aims to enhance border security and combat illegal immigration. The State of Texas has been actively building various types of barriers, including 30-foot bollard walls and razor-wire fencing, in an effort to stop the influx of undocumented immigrants.
Texas installs fencing along NEW Mexico border.
Our barriers around El Paso forced the migrants crossing illegally to enter into New Mexico. They then entered into El Paso from there.
To end that, we are building a barrier on the New Mexico border. https://t.co/y77nliGv03
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) October 16, 2023
Governor Abbott's announcement of the new barriers has sparked controversy, with many criticizing the government's approach to immigration. However, the governor remains firm in his stance, stating that the barriers are necessary for the safety and security of Texans.
In addition to the new barriers, Governor Abbott has also announced that the state will be providing more funding for border walls in the ongoing third special session of the Texas Legislature. This decision comes on the heels of numerous lawsuits filed by Texas and other states to challenge the Biden administration's decision to halt border wall construction.
The governor's decision to continue building border barriers has received support from many Texans, who believe that it will help reduce crime and illegal border crossings. However, others argue that the focus should be on addressing the root causes of illegal immigration and providing a pathway to legal status for current undocumented immigrants.
Texas is the first – and ONLY – state in U.S. history to build our own border wall. pic.twitter.com/5O4PWBw2JB
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) October 18, 2023
The construction of the new barriers is expected to face opposition from environmental and landowner groups in the area. They argue that the barriers will have a negative impact on the environment and wildlife, as well as disrupt the livelihoods of local residents.
Governor Abbott's order to build additional barriers along the New Mexico border has once again reignited the debate on immigration and border security in the state. As the construction begins, it remains to be seen how effective these barriers will be in curbing illegal immigration and whether they will have any long-term impacts on the state's relationship with its neighboring countries.