Border state’s crucial crackdown on illegal immigrants could get new federal protections: ‘Finish the job’

Texas lawmaker Rep. Michael Cloud, R-Texas, is making headlines as he reintroduces the Prevent Aliens Through Rivers of Lands (PATROL) Act. This legislation is aimed at ensuring that Texas can construct a border buoy barrier without facing legal challenges from the federal government, particularly after a lawsuit filed by the Biden administration.

The state of Texas initially set up buoys along the Rio Grande in 2023 in response to a significant increase in migrant activity at the southern border. The purpose of these barriers was to protect the sovereignty of Texas and prevent individuals from entering the water, ultimately saving lives. However, humanitarian groups and the Department of Justice (DOJ) opposed the barriers, citing safety concerns, and initiated a lawsuit against the state.

The lawsuit argued that the buoy barrier violated the Rivers and Harbors Act, which protects navigable waters from obstructions and grants authority to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Despite the legal challenge, an appeals court allowed the buoys to remain in place as the case progressed, and it is unlikely to be pursued further by the Trump administration.

Rep. Cloud’s PATROL Act seeks to prevent future legal challenges under the Rivers and Harbors Act, ensuring that Texas can proceed with the construction of the barrier without federal interference. Cloud emphasized the importance of states being able to take action to defend their communities without needing permission from the federal government, particularly in the realm of border security.

The bill has garnered support from conservative groups such as NumbersUSA and Heritage Action, who believe that states should have the right to secure the border and protect American citizens when the federal government fails to do so. Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently announced the installation of additional buoys along the river, highlighting the state’s commitment to border security and expressing gratitude for the cooperation with the Trump administration.

As Rep. Cloud pushes forward with the PATROL Act, it represents a significant step towards empowering states to take proactive measures to address border security concerns. With the backing of conservative groups and state officials, the bill aims to strengthen immigration enforcement and uphold the rule of law, ultimately ensuring the safety and security of communities along the southern border.