A federal appeals court has ruled that Texas can keep the floating border buoys that it installed in the Rio Grande to curb the flow of illegal immigrants. The ruling is a temporary stay, but it could have a significant impact on the ongoing legal battle over the buoys.
The buoys were installed in July by Texas Governor Greg Abbott as part of his Operation Lone Star initiative. The initiative has also included the deployment of state troopers to the border and the construction of new barriers.
The U.S. Justice Department sued Texas to remove the buoys, arguing that they violate federal law and international treaties. The department also said that the buoys pose a safety hazard to migrants and could damage the environment.
A federal judge in Texas ruled in favor of the Justice Department on Wednesday, ordering the state to remove the buoys by September 15. However, Texas appealed the ruling, and the appeals court granted a temporary stay.
The stay means that the buoys can remain in place while the legal battle continues. The appeals court is expected to issue a ruling on the merits of the case in the coming months.
The case is a test of the authority of states to take action on immigration enforcement. It is also a sign of the growing tensions between the Biden administration and Republican-led states over immigration policy.
The stay is a victory for Texas, but it is not the end of the story. The legal battle over the buoys is likely to continue for some time.
In the meantime, the buoys remain in place, serving as a reminder of the importance of immigration and border security.
