Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas criticized Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s use of concertina and razor wire to fortify parts of the southern border, stating that migrants are easily cutting through the barriers. As part of Operation Lone Star, Abbott has instructed state National Guard troops to put up barriers along the Texas-Mexico border. However, Mayorkas argued that these barriers are ineffective and impair Customs and Border Protection’s ability to do their job. He also refuted Abbott’s claim that the barriers have led to a significant drop in illegal crossings, pointing out that the barriers were in place during a period of high migrant crossings.
Abbott has been credited with implementing aggressive state efforts to challenge the federal government’s border and immigration policies during his tenure. These efforts include arrests of migrants on trespassing charges, deploying barriers and National Guard troops, and busing migrants to Democratic-led cities without notifying local authorities. Texas has also sought to implement a strict immigration law known as SB4, which is currently paused pending a federal appeals court ruling on its legality. Mayorkas emphasized that immigration policy is the exclusive province of the federal government, accusing Texas of creating disorder through its border efforts.
Mayorkas, who himself came to the U.S. as a child refugee from Cuba, has been at the center of the nation’s immigration policy debate. Earlier this year, the Republican-led House of Representatives impeached Mayorkas on charges related to immigration policy differences, making him the first cabinet secretary to be impeached since the 1870s. Mayorkas is set to testify before two congressional committees for funding hearings, and he reiterated his focus on his day job despite the impeachment proceedings. He expressed hope that his time would not be taken away from his work due to the trial.
Mayorkas emphasized the importance of responsible governance, calling for communication, coordination, and collaboration among authorities. He criticized Texas for deliberately refusing to do so in an effort to sow chaos through its border efforts. Mayorkas stated that he remains focused on his duties and has not considered whether he would prefer a trial or quick dismissal of the impeachment articles. The ongoing legal battle between Texas and the U.S. Justice Department over the use of barriers and wire at the southern border reflects the broader division in immigration policies and enforcement strategies between state and federal authorities.
