A burgeoning political alliance has emerged between Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, both Republicans, over the contentious issue of border security. They are united in their criticism of President Joe Biden’s administration for the ongoing issues at the Mexico/U.S. border.
On Wednesday, Abbott reiterated his belief that Texas has a “constitutional right to self-defense,” thereby granting it the authority to secure its border. This stance is rooted in his assertion that the Biden administration is neglecting to enforce federal immigration laws. In a public show of support, Youngkin took to social media, posting a lengthy statement from Abbott concerning the border dispute. He announced, “Virginia stands with Texas.”
Youngkin, in his post, highlighted the role of U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, whom he referred to as Biden’s “border czar.” The Virginia governor stated, “Greg Abbott is doing the job Joe Biden and his border czar refuse to do to secure our border. The Biden administration has turned every state into a border state. We must stop the flow of fentanyl, save lives, and secure our southern border.”
Abbott has accused Biden of violating his oath of office and facilitating an illegal immigration invasion of Texas. His statement outlined his belief that the Executive Branch has a constitutional duty to enforce federal laws that protect states, including current immigration laws.
Virginia stands with Texas. @GregAbbott_TX is doing the job Joe Biden and his border czar refuse to do to secure our border.
The Biden administration has turned every state into a border state. We must stop the flow of fentanyl, save lives, and secure our southern border. https://t.co/XaPu2RqJBP
— Glenn Youngkin (@GlennYoungkin) January 25, 2024
“President Biden has instructed his agencies to ignore federal statutes that mandate the detention of illegal immigrants,” Abbott said. “The failure of the Biden Administration to fulfill the duties imposed by Article IV, § 4 has triggered Article I, § 10, Clause 3, which reserves to this State the right of self-defense.”
This controversy comes after the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 to lift an injunction against U.S. Border Patrol agents cutting through razor wire that had been placed along the Texas border by Abbott as a deterrent to illegal crossings. Despite the court ruling, Abbott has remained defiant, pledging to continue placing the wire at the border.
“Texas’ razor wire is an effective deterrent against the illegal border crossings encouraged by Biden’s open border policies,” Abbott wrote in a social media post. “We continue to deploy this razor wire to repel illegal immigration.”
