WASHINGTON The Justice Department has put Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on notice that it intends to file suit over a floating barrier wall he erected in the Rio Grande River to keep migrants from crossing the border illegally.
The State of Texas s actions violate federal law, raise humanitarian concerns, present serious risks to public safety and the environment, and may interfere with the federal government s ability to carry out its official duties, the department wrote in a letter to Abbott on Thursday.
The letter, a copy of which was obtained by USA TODAY, gives Texas officials until Monday to commit to removing the barrier. If there is no response, the Justice Department will pursue legal action, the letter warns.
Abbott fired back Friday, writing on Twitter that Texas has “sovereign authority” to defend its border. The humanitarian crisis at the border was created because of Biden’s refusal to secure the border and by his policies that encourage migrants to risk their lives by crossing illegally through the Rio Grande, Abbott said.
“We will continue to deploy every strategy to protect Texans and Americans and the migrants risking their lives,” he wrote. “We will see you in court, Mr. President.”
