Overview

• Texas Governor Greg Abbott has been criticized for deploying deterrence buoys in the Rio Grande River as part of his border control measures, which he claims are necessary due to President Biden's 'open border' policies.
• Thousands of Chinese nationals, along with hundreds of Afghans and other nationalities, have been encountered at the U.S.-Mexico border since the beginning of the fiscal year, raising national security concerns.
• The U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled against Texas' placement of the buoys, affirming a lower court's decision that they violate federal law and pose a threat to navigation and federal government operations on the Rio Grande.
• Mexico has protested against the marine barrier, stating that it violates an international water treaty with the United States and could impact the country's repayment of water owed to the U.S.
• Despite the court ruling, Governor Abbott plans to seek an immediate rehearing by the entire court or possibly by the U.S. Supreme Court.