The U.S. Department of Justice is evaluating the legality of the barbed wire used by Texas at the border, while Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has criticized its use as inhumane.
According to Xóchitl Hinojosa, a spokesperson for the Department of Justice, the agency is working with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to assess the situation following troubling reports. Meanwhile, speaking from Mexico City, López Obrador questioned the actions of Texas officers who, according to reports, denied water to migrants and pushed them toward the river under extreme conditions.
A report by The Dallas Morning News cited an email from a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) trooper who expressed concern about these orders. The report mentioned a pregnant young woman who suffered a miscarriage after becoming caught in the barbed wire, which was part of Operation Lone Star ordered by Governor Greg Abbott. The Houston Chronicle was the first news outlet to report on the email.
Although Travis Considine, a DPS spokesperson, stated that denying water to migrants is not official policy, he acknowledged that the agency is investigating to determine whether any violations occurred. Various voices have criticized Abbott’s tactics; the White House called them “vile,” and Democratic members of Congress from Texas have pointed to possible violations of international human rights laws.
For her part, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that the barriers are “shameful and inhumane,” although no decision has yet been made to remove the barbed wire. Jean-Pierre emphasized that the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security are evaluating the situation.
López Obrador did not directly accuse Texas of violating laws, but he described these actions as nothing more than a political tactic. He also called on Hispanics in the United States to oppose the border tactics used by Abbott and other Republicans.
Regarding López Obrador’s involvement in U.S. politics, Jean-Pierre did not comment. However, the Mexican president reiterated his opposition to anti-immigrant policies.
Operation Lone Star, which began in 2021 with the deployment of the Texas National Guard and DPS, has cost billions of dollars. Texas’ recent legislative appropriation for the operation was $5.3 billion.
Finally, Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Alicia Bárcena, indicated that the border barriers could violate binational treaties from 1944 and 1970. State Department officials stated that Texas did not follow the proper protocols before installing these barriers.
Make Your Voice Heard: Share This News or Schedule a Consultation Today!
The situation at the border is dynamic and constantly evolving, and every detail can affect thousands of lives. If you are concerned about how these events could affect your situation or that of someone you know, you are not alone.
At Albizu Law Firm, we have spent more than 16 years defending the rights of immigrants and families in Texas. Our team of experts is here to advise you and guide you through every step of the legal process. If you have questions or need guidance on immigration or family law matters, do not hesitate to schedule a consultation with us.
Call 512-861-5638 or visit the contact section of our website to schedule a consultation.
Share this article on your social media channels to raise awareness and keep our community informed. Together, we can make a difference.
