In a split decision, the US Supreme Court has authorized Border Patrol agents to temporarily resume cutting razor wire installed by Texas along a crucial segment of the US-Mexico border. The 5-4 vote permits the removal of concertina wire along the Rio Grande, aimed at deterring illegal entry into the US. The ongoing legal clash between the Biden administration and Texas revolves around the state's aggressive border security measures, including the use of razor wire.
The Supreme Court's decision allows Border Patrol agents to address the sharp wire that has caused injuries to some migrants. The Justice Department argues that the barrier impedes effective border patrol and assistance to migrants in need. While the court order did not offer explanations, it marks a victory for the Biden administration as the lawsuit unfolds.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott had authorized the installation of razor wire as part of a broader strategy to curb illegal crossings from Mexico. The absence of deterrents like razor wire, according to Abbott's spokesman, could encourage unsafe crossings. The wire spans about 30 miles near Eagle Pass, a hotspot for illegal crossings.
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The Supreme Court's decision saw a split among justices, with Chief Justice John Roberts and others siding with the administration, while Justices Alito, Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, and Thomas favored Texas. The legal dispute continues, addressing the complexities of immigration enforcement along the US-Mexico border. The Biden administration criticized Texas for what it views as political maneuvers, emphasizing federal immigration law supremacy.