Texas has spent millions placing razor wire along the border: Is it working?

In recent years, the Texas National Guard and state authorities have taken significant measures to secure the southern border with Mexico. Over 100 miles of razor wire, also known as concertina or “c-wire,” have been installed at critical migrant crossing points as part of the larger border enforcement campaign known as “Operation Lonestar.” The state has invested over $10 million in erecting and maintaining these barriers.

A federal appeals court recently ruled against the Biden administration’s attempt to block Texas from continuing to place razor wire along the border. This decision followed U.S. Border Patrol agents cutting down Texas’ wire on a 26-mile stretch of the border in September 2023. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has been a vocal proponent of border security measures, stating that Texas is filling the gap left by the federal government’s lack of action.

But the question remains: does razor wire effectively deter illegal border crossings, and is it worth the cost? According to Andrew Arthur, a law and policy expert at the Center for Immigration Studies, the answer is a resounding “Yes.” Data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows that illegal migrant encounters in Texas’ border sectors decreased by nearly two-thirds after the state finished placing razor wire.

Arthur explains that the presence of razor wire has shifted the flow of migrants westward, adding hundreds of miles to their smuggling journey. While effective, razor wire requires constant monitoring, upkeep, and replacement. It is a temporary solution that cannot be sustained indefinitely.

There are also humanitarian concerns associated with razor wire. Dylan Corbett, who leads the El Paso-based migrant aid and advocacy group Hope Border Institute, has witnessed an increase in migrant injuries and deaths due to the presence of c-wire along the border. Families have been injured by the wire, and there have been reports of injuries caused by projectiles fired by the National Guard.

Corbett emphasizes the need for the federal government to take control of border management and address the systemic issues that lead to migrant deaths and injuries. He warns that uncoordinated and irresponsible enforcement actions by states like Texas are putting lives at risk and diverting taxpayer resources.

As the debate over border security continues, it is clear that razor wire is a contentious issue with both pros and cons. While it may serve as a deterrent to illegal crossings, it also raises humanitarian concerns and logistical challenges. Ultimately, a comprehensive and coordinated approach to border security and immigration policy is needed to address the root causes of migration and ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals involved.