Construction crews in Eagle Pass, Texas, have begun building a historic floating border barrier along the Rio Grande.

This initiative aims to deter illegal border crossings and prevent further fatalities in the treacherous river. Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered the installation of buoys, funded by the state legislature, to enhance border security. Lt. Chris Olivarez of the Texas Department of Public Safety emphasized that these barriers will save lives amid the surge of migrants attempting to cross into the United States.

However, not everyone supports this effort. Steven Mumme, a scholar specializing in border management, criticized Abbott’s actions, alleging they violate federal and international law by altering the river’s flow and potentially changing the U.S.-Mexico boundary. Mumme’s concerns raise questions about potential legal challenges from the Biden administration or other federal entities. The outcome of this situation remains uncertain as Texas seeks to address the ongoing border crisis.