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U.S.-Mexico Border Razor Wire Returns

The Madras Tribune
The Madras Tribune
U.S.-Mexico Border Razor Wire Returns


Razor wire has been “reinforced” on the Texas-Mexico border in a bid to enhance security and curb illegal crossings.

The wire has been reinstalled on the border by the Chihuahuita area after authorities took it down last week for routine maintenance. The Texas Military Department shared a photo on social media of engineers installing triple-strand c-wire to prevent crossings along the border.

New anti-climb barriers are also designed to make it significantly more difficult for individuals to scale the border and cross into the U.S. The barriers feature smooth surfaces, sharp angles, and added height, effectively discouraging climbing attempts.

Texas National Guardsmen reinforce border
Texas National Guardsmen reinforce a stretch of razor wire as seen from Matamoros, Mexico. Putting up the wire has been controversial.

Fernando Llano/AP

The United States Customs and Border Protection has been approached for comment.

Officials began replacing about a mile of razor wire fencing taken down last week on the Rio Grande levee in El Paso, Texas.

Chihuahuita is a neighborhood in El Paso. It is also known as the “First Ward” and is considered the oldest neighborhood in the city.

In January, the Supreme Court ruled that border patrol agents can remove razor wire that was installed by Texas officials along the US-Mexico border. The 5-4 ruling temporarily paused a lower court’s decision that forced law enforcement to stop cutting wire near Eagle Pass, Texas.

Since the razor wire was erected last year to reduce border crossings, state and federal governments have been involved in an ongoing dispute about its legality.

The fencing was authorized and implemented by Republican Governor Greg Abbott. However, the Biden administration requested that agents be allowed to continue cutting the wire, arguing that it harms migrants.

Greg Abbot speaks during campaign stop
Greg Abbot speaks to people during a campaign stop at the Tyler Municipal Rose Garden’s Rose Room. He authorized and implemented the fencing.

Victor Texcucano/TYLER MORNING TELEGRAPH

Abbott shared a post in May on X: “Heavy equipment is used to maintain roads that will make way for future anti-climb barriers in El Paso. Texas will continue to deter and repel illegal entry along the southern border.”

In 2021, Abbott announced Operation Lone Star to stop migrants from entering the United States unlawfully.

“Our priority is the safety and security of Texans,” Abbott said in a statement at the time. “By installing these anti-climb barriers, we are taking a significant step toward reducing illegal crossings and protecting our communities.”

U.S.military place razor wire on border
A member of the U.S. Army adjusts a make-shift razor wire gate near the U.S.-Mexico International bridge. The policy has proved controversial.

Eric Gay/AP

However, immigration advocates and human rights groups have condemned Texas for placing down razor wire to prevent people from seeking asylum. Brad Jones, a professor of political science and a volunteer at Humane Borders described the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border as a “crisis.”

“Immigrants are so easily dehumanized in this country,” Jones told Newsweek.

The human rights advocate hit out at right-wing populists influencing border policy through fear-mongering.

“Once you scare people enough, it’s easy to convince them of draconian policies,” he added.

Newsweek has approached Abbott’s office for comment.

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