A federal appeals court ruled on Wednesday that Border Patrol agents are not permitted to remove the razor wire Texas has installed along the U.S.-Mexico border in Eagle Pass, a key area for the state’s efforts to manage migrant crossings.
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a 2-1 decision, marking a win for Texas in its ongoing legal battle with the Biden administration over immigration policies. The administration has also attempted to remove floating barriers in the Rio Grande.
Texas has been expanding its razor wire installations along its 1,200-mile border with Mexico over the past year.
Governor Greg Abbott praised the ruling, announcing the state would continue to add more wire.
The Department of Homeland Security has not yet commented on the decision. However, the Justice Department has expressed concerns about the wire causing harm to migrants and hindering Border Patrol operations, including rescue missions.
Texas argues that the federal government is weakening state efforts to secure the border by removing the wire.
This decision arrives as President-elect Donald Trump is preparing to return to office with promises of stricter immigration measures, including using Texas border land for mass deportations.
At the same time, U.S. officials report a 40% decrease in border arrivals from a record high in December, largely attributed to increased Mexican enforcement.
