The Department of Justice (DOJ) is assessing whether to investigate Texas law enforcement officials for their alleged harsh border tactics.
- Go deeper: Several news outlets have reported that Texas officials are pushing migrants back into the Rio Grande, not giving migrants water, placing barbed wire in the banks of the river where migrants cross, and in some cases failing to alert CBP when migrants arrive with asylum claims.
- What they’re saying: The DOJ says they are aware of these reports and called them troubling. It is unclear if the Justice Department will take legal action against Texas regarding these border tactics. Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, called the actions by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott at the border “inhumane” and a “political stunt” but would not comment on whether the DOJ intends to take legal action.
Late last week, DOJ stated that it intends to file legal action against Texas for placing floating barriers in the Rio Grande. Texas Governor Greg Abbott responded, “I’ll see you in court, Mr. President.”
Erickson Insights & Analysis
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