Just hours after President Donald Trump was sworn back into office, Texas stepped up its border security efforts and installed additional floating barriers along the Rio Grande.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott shared images of the massive buoys being installed at the Texas-Mexico border in an effort to deter illegal crossings.
“I look forward to continuing to work closely with President Trump to secure the border,” Abbott stated on X/Twitter, adding, “AMERICA IS BACK!”
The floating barriers, part of Texas' controversial border enforcement program, have been at the center of legal and political battles.
In 2023, the Biden administration sued Texas, arguing that the barriers violated federal law.
While a district court initially ruled in favor of the federal government, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned that decision, allowing Texas to expand use of the buoys.
In November, Abbott announced plans to expand barriers near Eagle Pass, a hot spot for migrant crossings.
Now that Trump is back in the White House, Abbott is doubling down on border security measures.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has shared images on X of huge buoys being installed at the Texas-Mexico border
The floating barriers, part of Texas' controversial border enforcement program, have been at the center of legal and political battles
In November, Abbott announced plans to expand barriers near Eagle Pass, a hot spot for migrant crossings
“I look forward to continuing to work closely with President Trump to secure the border,” Abbott stated on X/Twitter, adding, “AMERICA IS BACK!”
Governor Abbott, a close ally of President Trump, wasted no time in voicing his support for the new administration.
On Monday, Abbott shared a letter addressed to Trump, congratulating him on his inauguration and urging further action on the border crisis.
“Texas fought to secure the border despite federal obstruction,” Abbott wrote.
“I look forward to ending this crisis with your help.”
During a speech on Monday, President Trump praised Abbott's efforts, calling him a “strong leader” in the fight to secure America's borders.
Now back in power, President Trump is poised to sign a series of executive orders aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration.
Among the measures is a directive to Homeland Security and the Defense Department to resume construction of the border wall — one of Trump's signature policies during his first term.
Trump also promised to send troops to the southern border, although immigration lawyers have pointed out that military personnel are not allowed to make arrests.
In addition, the president is poised to formally designate Mexico's drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, a move that could escalate efforts to combat transnational crime.
The reinstallation of the shackles comes after Trump signed an executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship — a move Abbott said he would support.
But several other states called the order “unlawful.”
Critics argue the shackles are inhumane and ineffective, while supporters say they are a necessary deterrent to protect Texas communities.
In 2023, the Biden administration sued Texas, arguing that the barriers violated federal law
Now back in power, President Trump is poised to sign a series of executive orders aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration
“What the president did yesterday is unlawful, unconstitutional and will not stand,” New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in an interview with NPR.
“We are a state of immigrants. Millions of people in our state obtained their citizenship through birthright,” Platkin said.
“It's the story of our state and the story of America, and it's ingrained in our state [U.S.] Constitution for a reason.”
The reinstallation of floating barriers is likely to reignite tensions over border security.
Critics say the shackles are inhumane and ineffective, while supporters say they are a necessary deterrent to protect Texas communities.
The Biden administration had opposed the use of the buoys, claiming they posed environmental risks and violated international treaties with Mexico.
However, Abbott has dismissed these concerns, describing the barriers as essential to combating what he has repeatedly called a “border crisis.”
With Trump leading the charge from Washington, Abbott appears strengthened in his efforts to expand the program.
Now that the new administration has taken office, the battle over immigration and border security will once again dominate the political landscape.
With Texas pushing ahead with its controversial measures and President Trump vowing to take bold action, the stage is set for another round of heated debates over the future of America's southern border.
