GOP Governor Tells Feds To Take A Hike

Texas Governor Greg Abbott is challenging a federal order that demands the halt of construction on Fronton Island and the restoration of the area to its original state. The directive, issued by the U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC), has been met with strong resistance from Abbott.

In a recent letter to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, Abbott expressed his refusal to comply with the USIBWC’s demand. The commission’s order was for the Texas General Land Office (GLO) to undo the recent construction work and return the island to its previous condition. Abbott argues that this move would undermine Texas’ efforts to combat illegal activities and enhance border security.

Fronton Island, located along the U.S.-Mexico border, has been a significant issue due to its history of criminal activity. The area has been a known site for cartel operations, including drug smuggling and arms trafficking. Abbott highlighted that before Texas took action, the island was heavily used by cartels for illegal activities, including staging operations and evading law enforcement.

In response to these challenges, Abbott launched Operation Lone Star in November 2023. This initiative involved deploying the Texas National Guard to the island, where they installed razor wire, cleared vegetation, and built roads to support border patrol efforts. Abbott pointed out that this increased security has uncovered numerous dangerous items, including firearms and explosives.

The USIBWC’s recent order, issued in April 2024, suggests that the construction on the island could alter the flow of the Rio Grande River. This directive has intensified the ongoing tension between Abbott and the Biden administration over border security issues. Abbott has previously claimed that Texas has effectively addressed border problems, making this latest federal directive a point of significant contention.