Texas Deputy Governor Greg Abbott insists his state has full authority to protect America when it was countered that a conflict with the White House could escalate into a civil war, Daily Mail reports.
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick called on Joe Biden to defuse the standoff between federal immigration officials and the Texas National Guard facing an “invasion” of migrants crossing the southern border.
The two sides clashed in court over the state’s recent takeover of Shelby Park near Eagle Pass, the removal of razor wire installed by Texas, and the placement of buoys on the Rio Grande.
Fox News host Maria Bartiromo demanded to find out where the dispute would lead, speaking to Patrick on the Sunday Morning Futures programme. She asked:
“What is this going to turn into a civil war? I mean, you’ve got the Texas rights versus federal rights, both sides with guns?”
Dan Patrick answered:
“We have a right to defend our citizens. We have a right to defend this country. And we’re just doing the job. These young men and women who serve our National Guard and our DPS, these are the best of the best. Why would he want to send anyone down to confront them?”
This comes days after the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the administration, granting an emergency appeal and allowing the agents to continue removing the razor wire Texas had installed, reversing the lower court’s decision.
However, Texas continues to fortify the border and has signalled its refusal to comply with the administration’s demand to vacate the Shelby Park area. Border Patrol agents claim the razor wire prevents them from safely detaining illegal immigrants.
However, the US Border Patrol said last week that there are “no current plans” to remove the wire. Before that, Republicans in the House of Representatives introduced two articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for his failure to secure the border. Mayorkas was accused of a “deliberate and systematic refusal to enforce the law” while hundreds of migrants continue to arrive in the US every day.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said the House will proceed to a vote as soon as possible.
The bill needs a majority in the House of Representatives to pass. The Senate will hold a trial and a two-thirds vote is needed to convict, which is highly unlikely in the Senate, where Democrats rule. Democrats argue that Republicans have conducted a sham impeachment trial against Mayorkas and have no constitutional grounds to impeach the minister.
Meanwhile, 24 Republican governors have expressed support for Texas to continue the fight between the state and the federal government. Patrick said:
“When I say it’s an invasion, it is an invasion. It’s a cartel army. You know, the founders never dreamed we’d have a president like this one who would just open the door to everyone. And they said, well, invasion if an army came. Well, we’re facing an army. We’re facing an army, but they’re well-armed. They’re well coordinated. Don’t mess with Texas. We’re serious about securing our border. And I’m glad the president stood down on Friday and did not confront us. That would be the wrong thing to do. We don’t want a confrontation and they shouldn’t want a confrontation. Well, we’re just doing our job. Let us do our job.”
The Biden administration says Texas is obstructing federal immigration enforcement. A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesman said this week:
“Enforcement of immigration law is a federal responsibility. Rather than helping to reduce irregular migration, the State of Texas has only made it harder for frontline personnel to do their jobs and to apply consequences under the law. We can enforce our laws and administer them safely, humanely, and in an orderly way.”
However, a senior Border Patrol official told Fox News that the relationship between Texans and border agents on the ground remains “strong.” He noted:
“While this issue plays out in the courts, the relationship between Border Patrol, Texas DPS [Department of Public Safety], & TMD [Texas Military Dept.] remains strong. Our focus is and will always be the mission of protecting this country and its people. On the ground, we continue to work alongside these valuable partners in that endeavor. Bottom line: Border Patrol has no plans to remove infrastructure (c-wire) placed by Texas along the border. Our posture remains the same. If we need to access an area for emergency response, we will do so. When that happens, we will coordinate with Texas DPS & TMD.”
