Texas must remove a floating barrier from the Rio Grande River, per a federal judge. The barrier, meant to reduce illegal border crossing, was found to be in violation of the Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act. The state must relocate the barrier by September 15, with the assistance of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Although the lawsuit continues, the judge found it likely that the federal government will prevail, proving that the barrier constitutes a structure. Placing a structure in navigable waters is in violation of the Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act.
Texas placed the Rio Grande barrier in the river as part of its Operation Lone Star, focused on securing the southern border. The structure is nearly 1,000 feet long and weighs roughly 1,000 pounds. It is attached to over 60 concrete anchors, each weighing 3,000 pounds.
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