A convoy of five large trucks arrived in Eagle Pass, Texas carrying a cargo of buoy balls measuring four feet in diameter. Once assembled, these buoy balls will form a colossal obstacle stretching a thousand feet in length, strategically positioned to impede the journey of migrants crossing the Rio Grande.
Governor Greg Abbott, speaking in June, expressed his optimism about the potential of these buoys, stating, “The implementation of these buoy barriers will enable us to proactively prevent individuals from reaching the border altogether.” He further announced the installation of an experimental border barrier comprised of a thousand-foot string of vibrant red buoys, to be placed in the middle of the Rio Grande within the Eagle Pass vicinity. Abbott also conveyed his belief that this initiative could be replicated, asserting, “We have the capacity to extend this buoy-based barrier for miles on end.”
This venture is the latest endeavor undertaken as part of Abbott’s contentious Operation Lone Star program. Leveraging the resources of the state’s Department of Public Safety and National Guard troopers, the program aims to apprehend migrants on charges of trespassing, among employing various other strategies to dissuade individuals from attempting to cross the border. However, numerous aspects of the expensive $4 billion Operation Lone Star are currently under scrutiny in legal proceedings. The proposed employment of a floating wall, such as these buoys, might face opposition from the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC).
Steven Mumme, an expert at the Baker Institute Center for the United States and Mexico specializing in managing transboundary environmental and natural resources, criticized Abbott’s approach, stating, “Abbott’s actions amount to an irresponsible experiment that disregards both federal and international laws.” Mumme warned that the installation of the buoys would constitute an unlawful alteration of the river’s flow, resulting in a modification of the boundary between the United States and Mexico.
Eagle Pass, located approximately two and a half hours’ drive from San Antonio, has witnessed a significant surge in crossings along the Rio Grande in recent years. Tragically, four migrants lost their lives in the area while attempting to cross the river during the past week. Local officials are concerned that the introduction of the floating wall could further complicate rescue operations.
Abbott contends that the barrier buoys will serve as a life-saving measure by dissuading migrants from attempting to traverse the treacherous and fast-moving river. However, Mumme argues that Abbott’s assumption lacks empirical evidence, as no impact studies have been conducted prior to the installation of this barrier.
According to Mumme, the buoys will be accompanied by netting underneath, intended to prevent migrants from swimming beneath the barrier. Nevertheless, this netting is likely to accumulate river debris, creating an additional hazard for those attempting to cross the river.
Jesse Fuentes, a member of The Eagle Pass Border Coalition, harbors suspicions regarding the stability of the barriers. Fuentes suggests that during frequent instances of river overflow, the inadequately anchored buoys could break free, resulting in their downstream drift and potential collision with critical infrastructure such as border bridges. Consequently, Fuentes is participating in a lawsuit filed against Abbott, the state of Texas, and the Department of Public Safety regarding the implementation of the buoy barrier.
During a press conference held on Friday, Fuentes characterized the barriers as a violation of international law, an environmental stressor exacerbating the river’s already precarious state, and ultimately unnecessary. Fuentes further asserted that this initiative would not contribute to bolstering border security. In his words, “Our community is already secure, as we have aerial surveillance, water patrols, ground units, and constant monitoring from multiple angles.”
{Matzav.com}
