Abbott Responds to Potential Justice Department Lawsuit

In a letter, the Justice Department informed Texas that they will sue the state if Texas enforces the new border security legislation, S.B. 4. The news prompted a quick response from Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R).

“The Biden Admin. not only refuses to enforce current U.S. immigration laws, they now want to stop Texas from enforcing laws against illegal immigration. I’ve never seen such hostility to the rule of law in America. Biden is destroying America. Texas is trying to save it.”

On Dec. 18, the Texas governor signed the much-maligned S.B. 4.

“I signed a law yesterday to criminalize illegal entry into Texas & authorize the removal or imprisonment of illegal immigrants crossing our southern border. Texas will continue stepping up until we have a new president who will enforce the law,” said Gov. Abbott.

The news that the governor signed the bill caused widespread criticism among Texas Representatives, as well as Congress members across the country. In the letter, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian Boynton expressed similar sentiments while warning Gov. Abbott of the repercussions.

“Because SB 4 is unconstitutional and will disrupt the federal government's operations, we request that Texas forbear in its enforcement,” wrote Boynton.

Legal experts and the bill's opponents have challenged the legislation for its potential to cause racial profiling. Furthermore, some have questioned if the bill oversteps state powers, as some argue deportations are to be administered by the federal government.

Despite legal obligations to accept Mexican citizens, the Mexican foreign relations department has stated they will not do so. It is worth noting that, under Texas law, non-Mexican citizens would also end up being deported to Mexican ports of entry, as well, which is against Mexico's laws.

Last week, federal courts granted Gov. Abbott’s appeal against the Biden administration's cutting of razor wire at the U.S.-Mexico border.

In a tweet, Gov. Abbott shared the Fifth Circuit court's ruling on the appeal, as well as his plans to resist the Biden administration's attempts at handling the border crisis and deterring fatalities at the border.

"The Fifth Circuit ordered the Biden Admin to stop cutting Texas’ razor wire pending our appeal of its initial ruling. AG Paxton and I will hold Biden and Mayorkas accountable for attacking Texas’ sovereign authority and their attempts to obstruct our border security efforts," said Gov. Abbott.

"Accordingly, defendants are ENJOINED during the pendency of this appeal from damaging, destroying,  or otherwise interfering with Texas's c-wire fence in the vicinity of Eagle Pass, Texas, as indicated in Texas's complaint. As the parties have agreed, Defendants are admitted to cut or move the c-wire if necessary to address any medical emergency as specified in the TRO," reads the statement.