Texas Makes Progress on Border Crossings

What’s happening: Federal data suggest Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s (R) recent operations at the U.S.-Mexico border have reduced illegal migrant encounters.

• The numbers: Border Patrol encounters with illegal migrants dropped 28 percent between October and February, compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year. Meanwhile, encounters increased in border states with less obstructive policies.

Abbott’s role: In recent years, Abbott made slow progress against illegal crossings and blamed President Joe Biden’s lax policies. But lately, he ramped up his Operation Lone Star, launched in 2021.

• More barriers: Texas installed razor wire along the border. It also began constructing new barbed-wire fencing in El Paso last week.

• More muscle: Abbott sent thousands of troops to the border, including National Guard personnel; 700 more were added last month. In February, he announced the construction of an 80-acre base camp for his troops at the border town, Eagle Pass.

• Sticking it to Biden: Texas began blocking federal agents’ access to Eagle Pass in January. The state ignored federal demands to end the blockade, preventing agents from cutting razor wire after receiving authorization from the Supreme Court.

Turf war: The federal government controls official ports of entry — where it allows migrants in — while Texas guards the stretches of land between ports.

Why it matters: Texas sees the most border encounters of any U.S. state. Abbott wants to establish a precedent that states have the right to secure their borders, with or without a president’s approval — a stance supported by many Republican governors.

• All hands on deck: Several governors have sent their own National Guard troops to assist Texas.

What’s next: Federal judges will decide whether state and local law enforcement in Texas can arrest migrants for illegal entry under a new state law. Louisiana Republicans are looking to pass similar legislation.