Lawsuit Seeks to Block Governor’s Order Allowing State Troopers to Stop Migrant Transport Vehicles
The Biden administration filed a lawsuit against Texas on Friday, seeking to block the state from enforcing an order allowing state troopers to stop vehicles suspected of transporting migrants, citing concerns over the potential spread of COVID-19. The Justice Department argued that Governor Greg Abbott’s directive would worsen issues related to high levels of border crossings and interfere with federal immigration responsibilities.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in El Paso, asked for an immediate injunction against Abbott’s order, which permits Texas Department of Public Safety officers to stop vehicles on reasonable suspicion that they are carrying migrants. Troopers are authorized to reroute vehicles or even impound them.
Abbott, who is up for reelection next year, responded to the federal complaint with a letter arguing that the state has a constitutional obligation to protect its residents. He contended that the dispute marks a broader constitutional crisis between Texas and the federal government over immigration enforcement.