Justice Department Files Lawsuit Against Texas Governor Over Rio Grande Barrier

The Justice Department has filed a civil lawsuit against Texas and Governor Greg Abbott, accusing them of violating federal law by placing buoys in the Rio Grande to deter migrants from crossing the United States. The lawsuit cites the Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act of 1899, which prohibits the creation of any unauthorized obstructions to the navigable capacity of U.S. waters. It also alleges that Abbott failed to obtain a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as federal law requires. The Justice Department requested a judge to remove the barrier at the state's expense. Abbott had previously received a warning from the Justice Department, threatening to sue if the buoys were not removed. In response, Abbott accused President Joe Biden of attempting to undermine Texas' sovereign interest in securing its border. He argued that the Rivers and Harbors Act does not apply to the state's actions.