Texas Can Keep 1,000-Foot Floating Border Barrier

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Texas can maintain its 1,000-foot floating barrier in the Rio Grande, originally installed by Governor Greg Abbott to deter illegal immigration. This decision reverses a lower court's injunction and supports Texas's stance that the barrier does not violate the Rivers and Harbors Act, as the Rio Grande section in question is not navigable. The ruling is not final, as the case will proceed to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas for a detailed trial on August 6. The court's decision was divided, with some judges emphasizing Texas's right to defend itself and others concerned about federal authority and international relations. Abbott and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton celebrated the ruling as a victory against federal overreach.