(TheConservativeTimes.org) – The Justice Department recently filed suit against the state of Texas, seeking to force the state to remove the floating barriers it deployed in the middle of the Rio Grande to stop illegals from crossing the river.
In its 9-page lawsuit filed in the US District Court in Austin, the Justice Department alleged that Texas was required to obtain permission from the federal government before the barriers were assembled and put in place last month, arguing that the structures violate federal law governing such objects in navigable waters.
The Justice Department is asking the court to order Texas to remove the existing barriers and block the state from assembling similar obstacles in the future.
In a press release, Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta accused Texas of flouting federal law. She claimed that the barriers pose “threats to navigation and public safety” while presenting “humanitarian concerns.” Gupta also cited “diplomatic protests” from the Mexican government to claim that the barriers could damage US foreign policy.
Previously, the Justice Department said Texas could avoid a court battle by agreeing to remove the barriers. However, while defending the state’s action, Texas Governor Gregg Abbott said, “See you in court, Mr. President.”
The floating barriers are part of Operation Lone Star, an initiative authorized by Governor Abbott last year. In approving the initiative, Abbott said the operation was necessary to reduce illegal border crossings, which exploded after Joe Biden took office.
As part of Operation Lone Star, Texas officials and the National Guard must deter illegal crossings by setting up razor wire on the banks of the Rio Grande and arresting illegal adults on state trespassing charges.
Additionally, Texas has sent over 27,000 illegals to sanctuary cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Denver, Philadelphia, and Washington DC.
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