Almost all of the Republican governors in the United States are standing in solidarity with Texas Governor Greg Abbott in his ongoing battle against the federal government over border control. In a statement released on Thursday on the Republican Governors Association website, the governors criticized the Biden Administration and affirmed that Texas has the constitutional right to defend itself.
The dispute between Texas officials and the Department of Homeland Security escalated this week over the installation of barbed wire along the Rio Grande. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that federal agents could cut through the razor wire that Texas had set up to deter illegal crossings.
"We stand in solidarity with our fellow Governor, Greg Abbott, and the State of Texas in utilizing every tool and strategy, including razor wire fences, to secure the border," declared the letter signed by 25 Republican governors. "Because the Biden Administration has abdicated its constitutional compact duties to the states, Texas has every legal justification to protect the sovereignty of our states and our nation."
The White House addressed the governors' statement during a press briefing, with White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre suggesting that the governors should engage with their respective senators and congressional members to address the issue of border control.
What States are Supporting Texas?
The following states' governors have signed the statement supporting Texas Governor Greg Abbott:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Vermont Governor Phil Scott is the only Republican governor who did not sign the statement in support of Abbott.
Operation Lone Star and the Dispute Over Texas's Border
As part of Operation Lone Star, Governor Abbott's $11 billion border security initiative, the state of Texas has implemented various measures to prevent migrants from entering, such as the installation of razor wire, the placement of water buoys in the Rio Grande, and the construction of segments of a state border wall.
Despite the recent Supreme Court ruling allowing the removal of the razor wire, Governor Abbott remains resolute, stating on social media, "this is not over." The Texas Military Department posted photos of soldiers installing more wire in Eagle Pass, where the state has denied federal access to Shelby Park.
Governor Abbott has repeatedly accused the Biden administration of failing to prosecute migrants for illegally entering the country and disregarding rules regarding the detention of migrants. He also criticized the administration for "wasting taxpayer dollars to tear open Texas's border security infrastructure."
Republican Governors Support Texas's Constitutional Claim, But Offer Limited Material Support
Governor Abbott has justified Texas's patrol tactics and defiance of federal guidance by invoking the state's constitutional right of self-defense. However, it is important to note that immigration law falls under federal jurisdiction according to the U.S. Constitution.
Abbott and his supporters have referred to two constitutional provisions: Article 4, Section 4, which states that the federal government will defend states against invasion, and Article 1, Section 10, Clause 3, which prohibits states from engaging in war unless actually invaded or facing imminent danger.
While the letter of support expressed solidarity with Texas's argument, it provided few details regarding material support. Some signatories mentioned sending National Guard troops to assist in previous border control efforts, but no additional resources were committed in light of the recent conflict.
During the press briefing, Jean-Pierre criticized Abbott's defiance, calling it "shameful" and emphasizing the need for legislative reform through Congress to address immigration policies.
It remains to be seen how this dispute will ultimately be resolved, but with Republican governors from across the country voicing their support for Texas, the issue of border control is likely to remain a contentious one.
