Tensions are rising between the U.S. and Mexico over the Texas Governor's move to deploy large buoys in the Rio Grande as a deterrent against migrants. State Department official Hillary Quam expressed Mexico's concerns in a court hearing on Tuesday. She stated that the continuous presence of these massive buoys, comparable in size to wrecking balls, could potentially harm bilateral agreements between the two nations.
The deployment of these buoys was approved last summer by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. The Governor's tough anti-immigration measures are an attempt to curb an influx of migrants crossing the U.S. border. The question lies in whether or not Governor Abbott has the right to use his power to halt what he labels as an invasion on the southern border of America.
According to Quam, Mexico is uncomfortable with the situation. The State Department's coordinator for U.S and Mexico border affairs said, "Mexico has sensitivities about sovereignty and doesn’t want to be seen as a lesser partner to the United States."
The buoys, which extend approximately the length of several soccer fields, float on a section of the river near Eagle Pass, Texas. Quam warned in court that infrastructure projects between the two countries and Mexico's commitments to providing water to the US could come to a standstill due to the buoy barrier.
Only a few days ago, Texas relocated the barrier closer to U.S soil. During a Monday visit to Eagle Pass, Governor Abbott claimed the movement was a precautionary response to accusations that the buoys had drifted onto Mexico's side of the river, although he did not verify these allegations.
U.S. District Judge David Ezra questioned Texas's decision to move the barrier if it was already on U.S. soil, raising the possibility that river currents may be causing the buoys to drift. Ezra, who was appointed by former President Ronald Reagan, stated his ruling would strictly discuss the immediate disagreement, avoiding political interference.
In a trial scheduled in Victoria, Texas this week, the Biden administration will defend a program that aims to bring people to the U.S. from four countries. Texas is among 21 states suing over the program. A successful suit would weaken a larger policy that encourages migrants to use the Biden administration's established immigration routes.
Furthermore, Governor Abbott's extensive border mission dubbed Operation Lone Star continues to confront a surge of legal complications, including a recently filed lawsuit by four migrant men arrested by Texas state troopers after crossing the border.
