Texas Governor Greg Abbott has pledged to resist the Biden administration following a federal directive to dismantle structures on an island that local authorities claim has become a hub for Mexican drug cartels.
In a letter to President Biden and Vice President Harris on Monday, Abbott stated that the U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (U.S. IBWC) instructed the Texas General Land Office (GLO) to revert Fronton Island to its “pre-construction conditions.”
Fronton Island, a 170-acre area on the Rio Grande border between the U.S. and Mexico, has reportedly been a site of cartel activities, including gunfights and illegal immigration.
Abbott detailed the situation, noting that for years, cartels exploited the island’s dense vegetation and damaged structures to stage illegal crossings, monitor law enforcement, hide weapons, plant explosives, avoid capture, and engage in conflicts with rival cartels and authorities.
Authorities once discovered an arsenal on the island, including six assault rifles, a grenade launcher, a rocket launcher, multiple ammunition magazines, and three packages of what appeared to be C-4 explosives. On another occasion, Texas soldiers found an improvised explosive device buried with other weapons and ammunition.
Recently, the Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas Rangers received permission from local authorities to patrol the island.
Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham emphasised the importance of law enforcement access to the island amidst the border crisis, citing past discoveries of ammunition and suspicious devices.
In 2021, Abbott initiated Operation Lone Star to counteract illegal immigration and drug trafficking from Mexico. This operation involved the Texas National Guard and law enforcement setting up barriers such as razor wire fences and floating buoys on the Rio Grande.
Abbott mentioned that the GLO built two sediment bridges, installed concertina wire, and cleared vegetation on the island. The U.S. IBWC, a joint body of the U.S. and Mexican governments, claims the island is federal land, but Abbott asserts it belongs to Texas.
Abbott criticised the Biden administration’s border policies, accusing them of fostering criminal activity that endangers Texas law enforcement and citizens. He argued that the federal government has neglected to enforce laws, even in hazardous areas like Fronton Island.
Fox News Digital attempted to contact Abbott’s office, the White House, and the IBWC for comments.
The dispute between Abbott and the Biden administration intensified when Texas secured the island in October, citing its use by drug cartels. Abbott declared on social media that Texas will not comply with demands to restore the island to its previous state.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Texas Tribune reports on Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s defense of migrant tactics in Eagle Pass, emphasizing his criticism of the Biden administration’s border policies and the deployment of razor wire and buoy barriers amidst legal battles and protests.(read more)
- Texas Rejects President Biden’s Border Proposals focuses on Governor Greg Abbott’s continued efforts to secure the border, condemning President Biden’s proposals as insufficient and highlighting the successes of Operation Lone Star, including substantial declines in illegal immigration into Texas.(read more)
- NPR reports on the border dispute between Texas and the Biden administration, focusing on Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, Texas, which has become the center of a heated battle.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why is Texas Governor Greg Abbott defying the Biden administration?
Abbott is defying the Biden administration over the removal of security measures on Fronton Island, a hot spot for cartel activity.
What is Fronton Island and why is it significant?
Fronton Island is a 170-acre island on the U.S.-Mexico border, known for cartel activity, including illegal immigration, gunfights, and weapon stashes.
What measures has Texas taken on Fronton Island?
Texas has built sediment bridges, placed concertina wire, cleared vegetation, and set up patrols to combat cartel activity on Fronton Island.
What is Operation Lone Star?
Operation Lone Star is an initiative launched by Abbott to combat illegal immigration and drug trafficking from Mexico into Texas.
Who claims ownership of Fronton Island?
The Biden administration claims Fronton Island is federal land, while Abbott asserts that it is owned by Texas.