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Fifth Circuit Blocks Biden Administration from Removing Texas Razor Wire Barrier in 2-1 Decision

Nov 27, 2024, 11:02 PM

A U.S. federal appeals court has ruled that Texas can maintain its razor wire barrier along the Mexico border, preventing the Biden administration from destroying or interfering with the state's efforts to curb illegal immigration. In a 2-1 decision, the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals granted Texas an injunction against federal agents, including Border Patrol agents, cutting or damaging the razor wire fencing near Eagle Pass. The majority opinion was written by Judge Duncan and joined by Judge Willett, with Judge Ramirez dissenting. The court found that Texas is likely to succeed in its lawsuit against the federal government. Attorney General Ken Paxton filed the suit after federal agents were observed destroying the state's fencing. Governor Greg Abbott welcomed the decision, stating that Texas will continue adding more razor wire along the southern border to deny illegal entry into the state.