5th Circuit Upholds Texas Buoy Barrier in Rio Grande

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled in favor of Texas, allowing the state to maintain its floating marine barriers in the Rio Grande to deter illegal immigration. This decision reversed a prior district court injunction that mandated the removal of the buoys, which the Biden administration argued violated federal law. The Fifth Circuit found that the Justice Department failed to prove the barriers obstructed navigation or posed safety risks, citing a lack of supporting evidence. Governor Greg Abbott celebrated the ruling as a victory for Texas's border security efforts, asserting the state’s constitutional right to protect its borders. Circuit Judge James Ho emphasized that Texas's actions could be justified under constitutional invasion clauses, although the majority opinion did not address this argument. The legal battle is expected to continue as both sides prepare for further proceedings.