With Trump In Office, Texas Scrambles to Install More Border Buoys

On January 20, 2025, immediately following President Donald Trump’s inauguration, Texas expanded its border security measures by installing additional buoys along the Rio Grande. Governor Greg Abbott shared footage of these new buoys being deployed, emphasizing the state’s commitment to curbing illegal immigration.

This action aligns with President Trump’s reinstated immigration policies, which include declaring a national emergency at the southern border, resuming border wall construction, and reintroducing the “Remain in Mexico” policy. These measures aim to strengthen border security and reduce unauthorized crossings.

The deployment of buoys has been a contentious issue. In 2023, the Biden administration sued Texas, arguing that the floating barriers violated federal law. While a district court initially sided with the federal government, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals later overruled this decision. With the change in administration, it remains to be seen how federal-state dynamics regarding border security will evolve.

Governor Abbott’s proactive approach reflects Texas’s determination to address border challenges directly. By expanding the buoy barrier, the state seeks to deter illegal crossings and enhance overall border security in collaboration with federal initiatives.