These Wins for Texas are Wins for a Secure America

Texas secured three judicial victories in recent days—is this the start of a winning streak for national security?

First, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans ruled that the state’s buoy barrier could remain in the Rio Grande River near Eagle Pass.

In 2023, the state of Texas installed a 1,000-foot marine buoy barrier in the Rio Grande to deter migrants from attempting to illegally enter into Texas at a high-crossing area. This action was taken in the absence of the federal government, which has unleashed the chaos of an open border on all of America. In true fashion, the Biden administration then sued the state, claiming that the barrier was an obstruction to a “navigable” waterway. Also notable is that during preliminary hearings, the Department of Justice took time to to relay grievances from Mexico about Texas’ efforts.

The federal government failed to show that the part of the Rio Grande in which the barrier remains is in fact navigable, so the buoys will remain as they are—an additional tool Texas can employ to secure our border.

Second, the New York Supreme Court ruled against New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ attempt to block buses transporting migrants from Texas to NYC.

In August 2022, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott began busing illegal aliens to sanctuary cities, starting in New York. Texas communities have been overwhelmed by Joe Biden’s mass illegal immigration. There is no infrastructure for the border communities to take in and manage such a large amount of people all requiring various resources. In a decisive move, Gov. Abbott began transporting them to cities that have claimed to welcome illegal aliens ad to provide “sanctuary.” In January 2023, Adams filed a lawsuit against 17 charter bus companies that had transported illegal aliens to New York City. The lawsuit sought more than $700 million to compensate the city for the costs  of shelter, food and health care for migrants who came here illegally.

Ultimately, it was another failed attempt to prevent Texas from protecting itself.

Third, Texas secured a victory stopping President Joe Biden’s attempt to unlawfully redirect statutorily obliged funds away from border wall construction, in direct violation of federal law.

Upon taking office, Biden issued an unlawful executive order stopping border wall construction—construction that had been approved by Congress. He directed the Department of Homeland Security to redirect the funds allocated for the wall. Texas sued under the Administrative Procedure Act to stop this scheme, arguing that Biden violated the Consolidated Appropriations Act. Texas’ attorneys asked the court to order the Biden Administration to follow the law and use the appropriated money for the purpose Congress directed. An injunction was granted, and the Biden administration did not appeal within the 60-day appeal window, leaving the injunction in place—and resulting in a win for Texas and all of America.

As we approach the upcoming election, one thing is clear to voters across the nation—border security matters, and the Biden/Harris administration not only rejects border security, but continuously fights to undermine it.

One border state has taken a courageous stand. But Texas cannot stand alone against the increasingly dangerous security crisis we face. The courts are rightfully affirming Texas’ constitutional authority to defend itself.

And now we need a presidential administration that does the same. We must fight back against the transnational criminal organizations that are exploiting our borders and infiltrating every one of our communities.

At the same time a new administration takes office in D.C., the Texas Legislature will go into session in Austin. The first thing both levels of government need to prioritize is the safety and security of our nation. Texas must continue to build upon our border security apparatus and bolster our security defenses. The next president and all of Washington must support the Lone Star State by taking back its duty of defense.

If we lose our borders, we lose our nation. The time to back down is not now, we must build upon this week’s judicial momentum and press forward.