Recently, Gov. Greg Abbott told former Fox News host Tucker Carlson that his state is “prepared” to continue fortifying its border with Mexico even if the Biden administration federalized the Texas National Guard. The Lone Star governor labeled it a “bone-headed move” for Biden to interfere with the state’s efforts while trying to gain access to Shelby Park along the southern border.
Gov. Abbott spoke to Carlson over the phone, where he laid out his intentions. “If the administration declares that it plans to federalize the National Guard of the state of Texas, your National Guard, what will be your response?” Carlson asked the Governor.
Abbott noted that he is undeterred by the efforts of the Biden administration, maintaining that Texas will continue to construct fortifications along its border to disincentivize illegal immigration. He further accused the current administration of trying to “attack” him and his state.
“Well, first, I’ll be shocked. That would be a boneheaded move on his part; total disaster. For one, as you might imagine, we are prepared in the event that that unlikely event does occur to make sure that we will be able to continue exactly what we’ve been doing over the past month and that is building these barriers. Whether it be the concertina wire or other anti-climb border barriers, whatever we’ve been building, the Biden administration is now trying to attack us because of it, and we will continue to do exactly what we’re doing to expand our denial of illegal entry into the state of Texas,” Abbott responded.
Abbott further explained to Carlson that he has deliberately attempted to discuss possible solutions to the border crisis with President Biden. However, these efforts have not produced substantive action from the federal government. The Texas governor went on to state that he has exhausted his efforts to cooperate with the Biden administration to fix the border crisis, forcing the state to take matters into its own hands.
“I met him on a tarmac in El Paso and talked to him directly about what was going on. I handed him a letter that had in it immediate solutions that he could take that would immediately secure the border, without the need of any new law to be passed. Despite the fact that I handed him all-together eight different letters, he has refused to ever respond. My point I’m telling you is that we have laid down the precursor of what’s called Article Four, Section Four of the United States Constitution to show that we have been invaded and we have demanded support from the President to safeguard our state and they have refused to do so eight times. And that authorized me to declare an invasion under Article One, Section Ten of the Constitution to make sure that Texas is going to be able to use every tool in our arsenal to defend our state,” Gov. Abbott said.
Amid the controversy between the federal government and Gov. Abbott, 25 other states have announced their support of Texas attempting to secure its own border. Additionally, reports indicate that roughly ten other states have already sent their National Guard to Texas to provide assistance.
