Justice Department claims the buoys in the Rio Grande River violate federal law.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced it will pursue legal action against the state of Texas for the floating border barriers that have been placed in the Rio Grande River. As part of Operation Lone Star, the State of Texas installed a 1,000-foot floating barrier down the middle of the Rio Grande River near the border town of Eagle Pass. The Justice Department claims the large plastic buoys River and Harbor Act, which prohibits the placement of obstructions in the water without federal approval.
“The State of Texas’s actions violate federal law, raise humanitarian concerns, present serious risks to public safety and the environment, and may interfere with the federal government’s ability to carry out its official duties,” stated the letter from U.S. attorney for the Western District of Texas, Jaime Esparza.
The letter was sent to Texas’ interim attorney general Angela Colmenero and Governor Greg Abbott. Governor Abbott responded, “We will continue to deploy every strategy to protect Texans and Americans — and the migrants risking their lives.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For wisdom for Justice Department officials as they seek the removal of the barrier in the Rio Grande.
- For prudence for the Texas governor and attorney general as they determine how to protect the lives of both residents and immigrants.
Sources: Reuters, The Hill, Politico
