EAGLE PASS, Texas (ChurchMilitant.com) – The Supreme Court dealt a recent blow to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s border security efforts.
Migrants are being bused across the country with taxpayer funds
On Monday, the Supreme Court issued a 5-4 ruling, with Justices Elena Kagan, Ketanji Brown Jackson, Sonia Sotomayor, John Roberts and Amy Coney Barrett comprising the majority.
Justice Elena Kagan, writing for the majority, posited the federal government’s authority over border security and emphasized operational concerns for Border Patrol concerning the razor-wire fence.
However, the dissenting justices, led by Justice Clarence Thomas, argued against the Court’s intervention in the case and contended that Texas had a legitimate interest in safeguarding its borders.
The decision is largely being viewed as a win for the Biden administration, which has been facilitating illegal immigration with U.S. tax dollars, including through millions of taxpayer-funded grants to nonprofits like Catholic Charities.
Catholic Justice Is Deciding Vote
Amy Coney Barrett’s pivotal role as the deciding vote in this case drew significant attention.
Justice Amy Coney Barrett
As a Trump appointee and self-proclaimed Catholic, many expected her to hold a conservative stance, but her recent ruling has raised doubts among some observers.
In this instance, her decision to side with the majority led to a flurry of reactions on social media, particularly from conservative voices who questioned why Barrett appeared to align with what they perceive as the Biden administration’s “America Last” policy.
Dr. Dawn Michael tweeted, “What happened to Amy Coney Barrett? Why would she vote against protecting America?”
Tucker Carlson tweeted:
So it’s unanimous: everyone in power, from the White House, to the hedge fund managers, to the Supreme Court of the United States has decided to destroy the country by allowing it to be invaded. That leaves the population to defend itself. Where are the men of Texas? Why aren’t they protecting their state and the nation?
Kambree, another relatively popular voice on X, tweeted, “Amy Coney Barrett was the deciding vote in favor of allowing Biden’s border agents to dismantle razor fencing set up here in Texas to stop illegals from entering America. Unbelievable. Governor Abbott needs to declare an invasion NOW, not just post about it.”
Temporary Biden Victory?
But while many are disillusioned by the Supreme Court’s ruling, especially conservatives who feel betrayed by Barrett, others point out the battle is far from over.
Senior Editor of Human Events Jack Posobiec tweeted, “To be clear, the Supreme Court ruling today was specifically about the court order on cutting razor wire. The 5th Circuit still needs to hear the actual case on its merits. There is still a chance Texas wins.”
The legal volley began when Texas sued the Biden administration to prevent removal of the razor wire. A District Court judge sided with Texas, saying the state can limit illegal crossings that impose costs on the state. But, in light of the administration’s claims that the wire blocks agents’ access to migrants already on U.S. soil, it denied the state’s request to block federal agents from disturbing the barrier as the case is litigated.
So Texas appealed to the 5th Circuit, which issued a temporary order preventing the cutting, damaging or removal of the fencing, except in a “medical emergency.” The Biden administration asked the Supreme Court to intervene on an emergency basis, saying the wire has maimed and bloodied migrants and poses a hazard to border agents — a situation that poses medical emergencies.
A lower court set to hear arguments on Feb. 7 could issue a ruling that contradicts the Supreme Court’s decision, reigniting the legal fight.
Razor-Wire Debate
The razor-wire fence has become a potent symbol of the ongoing clash over immigration in the United States.
Gov. Greg Abbott (Photo: Texas Standard/Gabriel C. Perez/KUT)
Proponents, including Gov. Abbott, view it as a vital tool for safeguarding Texans from the dangers of illegal immigration, including drug trafficking, human trafficking and other crime.
Opponents, including the Biden administration and immigration advocacy groups, condemn it as ineffective, dangerous and symbolic of a broader anti-immigration sentiment.
Regardless, the Supreme Court’s recent ruling seems to many to favor the safety of immigrants over the safety of the country. It further raises questions about the balance of power between the federal government and individual states.
Consequently, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton stated in a press release, “I am disappointed that the federal government’s blatant and disturbing efforts to subvert law and order at our State’s border with Mexico will be allowed to continue.”
“Biden’s doctrine of open borders at any cost threatens the safety of our citizens, and we will continue to fight it every step of the way,” he added.