Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) is set to expand the use of buoy barriers along the Rio Grande to deter migrant crossings, despite a recent decline in border crossings. Crews from the state are already surveying areas near Shelby Park, with plans to install additional barriers in high-traffic crossing zones as early as Wednesday, according to multiple sources.
Abbott, who has long championed a proactive approach to border security, emphasized that Texas will remain vigilant in anticipation of any potential surge in migrant activity. State officials are bracing for increased crossings before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) conducting "mass migration response" exercises. As part of the drills, DPS officers are strategically stationed in vehicles along the border to monitor for potential crossings.
The use of buoy barriers has faced ongoing legal challenges, particularly from the Biden administration, which argues that the floating barriers violate federal laws, including the Rivers and Harbors Act. In July, the full 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a lower court ruling that required the removal of the buoys, but the broader legal battle remains unresolved. The court is expected to decide on the merits of the federal government’s case in the coming months.
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