Texas border floating barrier in Rio Grande can stay for now, court rules
Texas Gov Greg Abbott called court's decision 'justice'
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A federal appeals court has ruled that a floating barrier in the Rio Grande meant to curb the flow of illegal migrants from Mexico into Texas can remain in place for now.
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a previous decision by a panel of the court who said the buoys must be moved in December, saying the court had abused its discretion in granting a preliminary injunction.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott responded to the ruling on social media, calling the court’s decision "justice."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"Biden tried to remove them. I fought to keep them in the water," the Republican wrote. "That is exactly where they will stay."
BIDEN BORDER PLAN OFFERS NEITHER ‘INVESTMENT’ NOR ‘SOLUTIONS’: IMMIGRATION WATCHDOG
The buoy barrier was installed near the border town of Eagle Pass, Texas, with anchors in the riverbed.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Gov. Greg Abbott installed a barrier with floating buoys to prevent the crossing of migrants. (David Peinado Romero/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images, File)
The buoys brought legal challenges from the Biden administration, which accused Texas of putting a barrier on the international boundary without permission in violation of the Rivers and Harbors Act. The Biden administration also said the water barrier raised humanitarian and environmental concerns.
The floating barrier is deployed in the middle of the Rio Grande near the border town of Eagle Pass, Texas, with anchors in the riverbed. (Chandan Khanna/AFP via Getty Images, File)
The Biden administration also is fighting for the right to cut razor-wire fencing at the border and for access to a city park at the border that the state fenced off.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Biden administration has disputed the floating barrier in the Rio Grande. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images, File)
The broader lawsuit in district court is set for a trial beginning on Aug. 6.
Fox News’ Michael Dorgan and The Associated Press contributed to this report.