SCOTUS permits Biden admin to remove razor wire from southern border

The ruling marks the latest flashpoint in the ongoing conflict between Texas state authorities and federal officials over border enforcement efforts.

Published: January 22, 2024 3:13pm

Updated: January 22, 2024 6:51pm

The Supreme Court on Monday sided with the Biden administration in a 5-4 decision, permitting federal agents to remove razor wire along the southern border that Texas officials had placed along the boundary, CNN reported.

Monday's victory for the Biden administration represents a reversal of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals decision, which had ordered border agents not to cut the wire except in the event of an immediate medical emergency. At issue is a roughly 110-mile stretch of concertina wire fencing that runs through state and private property along the Rio Grande river.

The appeals court will hear oral arguments on the matter in February.

Under the leadership of GOP Gov. Greg Abbot, the state has pursued its own unilateral border security policies, collectively dubbed "Operation Lone Star." The actions of state officials have prompted a litany of legal clashes between Austin and Washington, including over the state's deployment of a buoy barrier in the Rio Grande and the deployment of the razor wire.

Earlier this month, the Texas National Guard seized control of a portion of Eagle Pass, Texas, which had been a key crossing point for illegal entrants. The Shelby Park area is city property.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.

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