Federal Judge to Decide Fate of Texas’ Floating Barrier in Rio Grande Along Mexico Border

A federal judge in Austin, Texas is set to consider whether the state can keep its floating barrier in the Rio Grande along the border with Mexico. The barrier was installed by Texas in an effort to deter migrants from crossing the river from Mexico, but the federal government has ordered the state to remove it.

The Justice Department sued Texas last month, arguing that the federal government should have been consulted before the buoys were installed. The department said that a survey conducted by the International Boundary and Water Commission found that 80% of the buoys were on the Mexican side of the river.

On Tuesday, lawyers for the state of Texas defended the state’s decision to install the barrier. Gov. Greg Abbott had previously acknowledged moving some of the buoys out of Mexican waters.

The judge is expected to consider the legality of the barrier and whether it should be removed. The state of Texas has argued that the barrier is necessary to protect the border and deter illegal crossings. The Justice Department has argued that the barrier is a violation of international law and should be removed.

The case is expected to be heard in the coming weeks. The outcome of the case could have implications for the ongoing migrant crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border.