Tensions between Texas authorities and the federal government regarding illegal immigration along the southern border are reaching a critical point, with Oklahoma’s Republican Governor Kevin Stitt characterizing the situation as a “powder keg.”
Governor Stitt, speaking on Newsmax, addressed concerns about a potential standoff between state and federal forces, particularly if President Joe Biden decides to federalize the Texas National Guard.
The Supreme Court’s recent decision allowing federal agents to remove razor wire installed by Texas state authorities, including the Texas National Guard, triggered a strong reaction from Governor Greg Abbott.
In a letter released on Wednesday, Abbott invoked Texas’s constitutional authority to defend itself against what he labeled a migrant “invasion.” Two Democratic Congressmen from Texas have raised the possibility of President Biden federalizing the Texas National Guard, thereby removing it from Governor Abbott’s control.
Texas Governor Issues Warning of ‘Powder Keg’ Situation at the Border (Credits: Newsweek)
Expressing solidarity with Governor Abbott, 25 Republican governors, including Governor Stitt, released a statement on Thursday asserting Texas’s constitutional right to defend itself. Governor Stitt emphasized the delicate situation, stating that the tension between federal agents cutting wire and the Texas National Guard erecting it has created a volatile environment.
Host Carl Higbie questioned Governor Stitt on the potential for a showdown between federal and state authorities. Governor Stitt acknowledged the complexity of the situation, highlighting the conflicting orders given to federal agents and the Texas National Guard.
He expressed support for Texas’s right to self-defense and suggested that other Republican-controlled states, including Oklahoma, might send their National Guard in support of Governor Abbott.
Governor Stitt pointed out the challenges President Biden would face if attempting to federalize the Texas National Guard, predicting a difficult situation for the troops torn between following federal orders and protecting their homeland.
Former President Donald Trump also weighed in on the issue, urging other states to deploy their National Guards to Texas for border protection. Trump emphasized the gravity of the situation, calling it a “National Security, Public Safety, and Public Health Catastrophe.”
In the event of federalization, Daniel Miller, head of the Texas Nationalist Movement, encouraged Governor Abbott to expand and militarize the Texas State Guard, which currently cannot be federalized. Thousands of Texas National Guard soldiers are currently involved in Operation Lone Star, an initiative launched by Governor Abbott in 2021 to enhance border security.
Miller, reflecting on the situation, highlighted the longstanding concern that the federal government might use tactics to keep the Texas border open to cartels. He urged greater reliance on the Texas State Guard for border protection, emphasizing its immunity to federalization and direct control by the Governor of Texas.
