‘Pattern of disregard’: Red states seek court action against Biden admin’s ‘shameful’ border wall disposal

A high-ranking Texas official has voiced strong criticism against the auctioning off of border wall materials by the Biden administration, labeling the practice as “downright shameful.” Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham expressed her disapproval in response to the ongoing auctions of border wall parts, which have been taking place since at least 2023.

Buckingham’s office, along with the states of Texas and Missouri, filed a motion in a district court in the southern district of Texas to investigate whether the Biden administration has violated a court order. This order, issued earlier this year, prohibited the administration from using funds designated for wall construction for any other purpose.

The Biden administration’s decision to auction off border wall materials has sparked outrage among Republicans, who view it as a deliberate attempt to impede the efforts of the previous administration to secure the southern border. Senator Bill Hagerty of Tennessee recently introduced legislation to halt the practice, while former President Donald Trump has been working with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to acquire the materials.

Paxton stated that Texas is taking legal action to prevent the unlawful sale of border security materials and to uncover any potential efforts by the federal government to undermine border wall construction. He emphasized the importance of upholding the mandate from the American people to build the wall and vowed to prevent any acts of sabotage by the outgoing administration.

In response to the auctions, Texas has expressed its intention to support the incoming administration in building the wall at the southern border. State officials plan to purchase the auctioned materials and store them on state land for future use. Commissioner Buckingham affirmed her commitment to securing the border and protecting Texans from criminal illegal immigrants.

The Pentagon has defended the auctioning off of excess wall construction materials, stating that it was done in accordance with the National Defense Authorization Act. The materials no longer belong to the U.S. government, and the Defense Department has no legal authority to recall or stop the resale of the materials.

Despite the ongoing controversy surrounding the border wall materials, Texas remains steadfast in its commitment to border security and supporting efforts to enhance border protection. The state stands ready to assist the new administration in advancing initiatives to secure the southern border and safeguard the well-being of its residents.