Governor Greg Abbott of Texas is escalating his fight with the Biden administration over immigration policies, drawing comparisons to the Confederacy. Abbott has implemented sadistic obstructions along the border, such as buoys with razor wire and underwater traps, in an effort to harm and deter migrants. Despite clear violations of federal and international laws, the Biden administration has responded with lawsuits rather than immediate action. Abbott continues to defy federal authority and obstruct the operations of federal agents, with the support of other red-state governors.
Texas is ground zero in the battle between states’ rights and federal authority. Abbott and his supporters envision a version of freedom that allows them to subjugate women and people of color. Allowing Texas to openly defy human rights and federal laws sets a dangerous precedent for other states to follow suit. The Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of the Biden administration in a case against Texas, but the close vote of 5-4 is concerning. Abbott remains undeterred and claims Texas is under foreign “invasion,” justifying his extreme actions.
The Biden administration must take stronger action to enforce federal laws in Texas. This includes dismantling the obstructions along the border and arresting those who obstruct federal agents. If Abbott continues to violate court orders and obstruct federal operations, he should be arrested for treason. Appeasement will not work, and Texas has already taken aggressive steps to harm migrants. The Confederates were wrong about Lincoln’s resolve, and the Republicans may be right about Biden’s.
Overall, Texas is not a sideshow but a central battleground in the fight between states’ rights and federal authority. Governor Abbott’s extreme actions highlight the need for stronger enforcement of federal laws and the protection of human rights. The Biden administration must show the will to stop Texas from openly rebelling against federal authority.
