Migrants walk by a string of buoys placed on the water along the Rio Grande border with Mexico in Eagle Pass, Texas, on July 16, 2023.
Governor Greg Abbott is responding to reports of "inhumane" practices at the Texas-Mexico border. Abbott issued a joint statement on Tuesday along with Texas Border Czar Mike Banks, Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw, and Texas Adjutant General Thomas Suelzer. The statement said in part, "No orders or directions have been given under Operation Lone Star that would compromise the lives of those attempting to cross the border illegally," such as pushing women and children back into the river or denying them water. Abbott blamed the ongoing situation on the Biden administration's open-border policy.
"No orders or directions have been given under Operation Lone Star that would compromise the lives of those attempting to cross the border illegally. The Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas Military Department continue taking steps to monitor migrants in distress, provide appropriate medical attention when needed, and encourage them to use one of the 29 international bridges along the Texas-Mexico Border where they can safely and legally cross," said Abbott. "With migrants from over 150 countries encouraged by open border policies to risk their lives and make this dangerous trek to enter our country illegally, Texas is deploying every tool and strategy to deter and repel illegal crossings between ports of entry. The absence of these tools and strategies—including concertina wire that snags clothing—encourages migrants to make potentially life-threatening and illegal crossings. Through Operation Lone Star, Texas continues stepping up to respond to the unprecedented humanitarian crisis at our southern border."