Former President Donald Trump has called upon states across America to join Texas in its border security efforts against the Biden administration’s policies. Trump, in his statement on Thursday, criticized President Joe Biden for a failure to secure the United States border, calling the situation a “National Security, Public Safety, and Public Health Catastrophe.”
Trump’s call for action comes amid the tense standoff between Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the Biden administration. Abbott, supported by other Republican governors, has invoked the Constitution’s Invasion Clause, claiming the right to self-defense against what they describe as an unchecked influx of illegal migrants.
“When I was President, we had the most secure Border in History,” wrote Trump. “Joe Biden has surrendered our Border, and is aiding and abetting a massive Invasion of millions of Illegal Migrants into the United States. “Instead of fighting to protect our Country from this onslaught, Biden is, unbelievably, fighting to tie the hands of Governor Abbott and the State of Texas, so that the Invasion continues unchecked.”
Trump continued, “When I am President, on Day One, instead of fighting Texas, I will work hand in hand with Governor Abbott and other Border States to Stop the Invasion, Seal the Border, and Rapidly Begin the Largest Domestic Deportation Operation in History. Those Biden has let in should not get comfortable because they will be going home.”
Several Republican governors have heeded Trump’s call. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, among others, have pledged to send resources to support Texas. DeSantis, echoing Trump’s sentiments, also accused the Biden administration of flouting the law and undermining state efforts to secure the border.
Rep. Greg Casar (D-TX) and former Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-TX) have compared Abbott’s actions to those of historical figures who defied federal authority, calling for decisive federal intervention.
The border crisis has become a focal point of national debate, with House Republicans considering impeachment proceedings against Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
On Wednesday Abbott issued the forceful statement asserting Texas’ constitutional right to self-defense. “President Biden has refused to enforce those laws and has even violated them, leading to record numbers in illegal immigration,” Abbott stated. He cited over 6 million illegal border crossings in the past three years, which he says have caused unprecedented harm nationwide.
Abbott’s announcement followed actions by the Texas National Guard to install razor wire along parts of the Texas-Mexico border, defying a Supreme Court ruling. Despite the court siding with the Biden administration in removing the wire, Texas forces proceeded with the installation in Eagle Pass, Texas.
“President Biden has violated his oath to faithfully execute immigration laws enacted by Congress,” Abbott wrote on Wednesday. “Instead of prosecuting immigrants for the federal crime of illegal entry, President Biden has sent his lawyers into federal courts to sue Texas for taking action to secure the border.”
“James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and the other visionaries who wrote the U.S. Constitution foresaw that States should not be left to the mercy of a lawless president who does nothing to stop external threats like cartels smuggling millions of illegal immigrants across the border,” the Texas Governor continued.
Earlier in the week, Rep. Clay Higgins (R-TX) urged Texas to “stand their ground.” Critics, however, viewed these developments as potentially inciting a civil conflict.
The razor wire installation is part of Governor Abbott’s Operation Lone Star, initiated to curb illegal immigration. The operation also included busing migrants to Democratic-led cities and arresting migrants on trespassing charges. The Biden administration has opposed these measures, arguing that they hinder federal agents and contravene federal laws.
The Supreme Court’s decision against the wire installation was a narrow 5-4 ruling in favor of the President.
