Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas criticized Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s use of razor and concertina wire along the southern border, calling it ineffective. Mayorkas stated that migrants easily cut through the barriers and that they hinder Customs and Border Protection’s ability to do their job. Abbott’s Operation Lone Star, which includes the wire barriers, is currently the subject of a legal battle with the U.S. Justice Department. Abbott claims these barriers have reduced illegal crossings in Texas, but Mayorkas disputed this assertion, pointing out that the barriers were in place during high levels of crossings last year.
Mayorkas accused Texas of trying to create disorder through its aggressive border efforts, such as arresting migrants on trespassing charges and deploying barriers and National Guard troops. Texas has also transported migrants to other states without notifying local authorities and attempted to implement strict state immigration laws. Mayorkas emphasized that immigration policy is the exclusive role of the federal government, and the deliberate refusal to communicate and collaborate to create chaos is not responsible governance. Mayorkas, a child refugee from Cuba, has been at the center of the immigration policy debate, facing impeachment by the Republican-led House for allegedly breaching the public’s trust regarding immigration enforcement.
Abbott’s tough border stance includes busing migrants to Democratic-led cities, blocking federal agents from processing migrants at a public park in Eagle Pass, and implementing laws allowing the arrest and deportation of migrants suspected of crossing without authorization. Mayorkas highlighted the federal government’s position that immigration policy is solely its domain and criticized Texas for creating disorder. Mayorkas expressed hope that the impeachment proceedings against him will not interfere with his work responsibilities, as he is set to testify before two congressional committees for funding hearings. Mayorkas emphasized that his focus remains on his day job, and he will leave the handling of the impeachment process to the Senate.
Under Governor Abbott’s leadership, Texas has taken extensive measures to challenge federal immigration policy and assert state control over border issues. Mayorkas has been critical of these efforts, stating that responsible governance requires communication and collaboration, not measures intended to sow chaos. Despite the ongoing legal battles surrounding Texas’ border actions, Abbott continues to defend the use of wire barriers and National Guard troops to deter illegal crossings. Mayorkas questioned the effectiveness of these measures and expressed concern over the creation of disorder through Texas’s border initiatives. The escalating tensions between Abbott’s administration and the federal government highlight the ongoing debate over immigration policy and the allocation of responsibilities between federal and state authorities.
