The Biden administration has given the green light to construct a new segment of border infrastructure in southern Texas. And aimed at curbing the surge in immigration.
Approximately 20 miles (32km) of border barriers will erected in Starr County along the Mexican border. Where authorities have witnessed a notable increase in border crossings.
It’s worth noting that building a border wall was a key policy initiative of former President Donald Trump. And faced staunch opposition from Democrats. During his 2020 campaign, President Biden promised not to build any more border wall if elected.
However, the rising number of illegal border crossings has made this issue a sensitive one for the current president. Government data indicates that over 245,000 border crossings have occurred this year, with September expected to break records.
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas cited an “acute and immediate need to construct physical barriers and roads” along the border to deter unlawful entries as the reason for this decision. To facilitate this, dozens of federal laws, including the Clean Air Act and Safe Drinking Water Act, have waived.
Environmentalists have voiced their displeasure, arguing that the construction will disrupt the habitats of endangered plants and animals.
However the proposed barriers will consist of substantial bollards embedded in a concrete base, complemented by gates, cameras, and CCTV equipment. Besically He found secured during Donald Trump’s presidency will be utilized to finance this project.
This marks the first time the Biden administration has utilized its authority to approve new wall construction, a practice that was frequent during the Trump era.
Former President Trump, speaking to Fox News, held President Biden responsible for halting construction and contributing to the border crisis.
President Biden has faced growing criticism regarding his immigration policies following a recent surge of migrants entering the US. According to the latest data, US Border Patrol apprehended 181,059 individuals along the southern border in August, up from 132,648 in July.
Mexico’s President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, noted that 10,000 people arrived at the border in just one week last week alone.
Governor DeSantis will have his next debate with California Governor Newsom.