Mexico Raises Concerns Over Texas Buoy Barrier on Rio Grande: State Department Official
Mexico’s government has expressed concerns to the United States regarding the installation of large buoys by Texas along the Rio Grande intended to deter migrants. A State Department official testified in court about the potential consequences for bilateral agreements if the barrier remains in place. The testimony aimed to emphasize the diplomatic implications of Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s stringent measures aimed at reducing the flow of migrants across the border. The court hearing, presided over by U.S. District Judge David Ezra, centered on whether Governor Abbott had the authority to unilaterally implement such measures. Hillary Quam, the State Department’s coordinator for border affairs with Mexico, highlighted Mexico’s sensitivities regarding sovereignty and its desire not to be viewed as a subordinate partner to the United States.
The concerns raised by Mexico pertain to sovereignty and potential delays in infrastructural projects and water deliveries to the United States. The buoys, which extend for the length of several soccer fields on a section of the river near Eagle Pass, have prompted Mexico to voice its objections at the highest diplomatic levels. This court hearing comes after Texas recently relocated the barrier closer to U.S. soil following allegations that the buoys had drifted onto Mexico’s side of the river. Governor Abbott, during a visit to Eagle Pass, explained that the relocation was a precautionary measure in response to the allegations. However, Judge Ezra questioned the necessity of moving the barrier if it had already been positioned within U.S. territory, and whether the river’s currents had caused the buoys to drift.
The representative from Cochrane Global, the company that manufactured the buoys, testified that the barrier was securely in place. Patrick Sweeten, special counsel for the Texas attorney general’s office, also drew attention to Secretary of State Anthony Blinken’s recent statements regarding the strong ties between the United States and Mexico. Judge Ezra emphasized that his ruling would solely address the dispute at hand, avoiding involvement in political matters. Regardless of the ruling, it is likely that the case will be appealed to the conservative U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals.
This court hearing is one of two significant cases in Texas this week related to immigration. On Thursday, the Biden administration will defend a program designed to facilitate entry into the U.S. for individuals from four countries. Texas is among the states that have sued to challenge this program. The outcome of this hearing, to be held in Victoria, Texas, is also not expected to be immediately determined.
Governor Abbott’s border mission, known as Operation Lone Star, continues to face legal challenges, including a recent lawsuit filed by four migrant men who were arrested by Texas troopers after crossing the border. The individuals, including a father and son, were detained in a Texas jail for longer than necessary, and according to the lawsuit, were subsequently transported to federal immigration facilities and then sent to Mexico. Officials from the respective counties named in the lawsuit have not commented or responded to the allegations.
In conclusion, Mexico has voiced concerns to the United States over the deployment of buoys by Texas along the Rio Grande. The court hearing surrounding this issue aims to address whether Governor Abbott had the authority to implement these measures unilaterally. The outcome of this case could have diplomatic implications for bilateral agreements between the two countries.
