Texas border crisis escalates: Armored vehicles deployed

Despite a U.S. Supreme Court ruling, Texas Governor Greg Abbott's announcement to continue installing barbed wire along the Mexico border has heightened tensions. Images on social media show heavy armored vehicles, including M1A1 Abrams tanks and M2A2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, being transported to the Mexico border by train.

Under Abbott's orders, the Texas National Guard, primarily stationed in Eagle Pass—a city frequently used by irregular migrants to enter the U.S.—maintained vigilance throughout the day. Although technically part of the U.S. Army, the National Guard, receiving direct orders from the Texas Governor, did not allow federal military units into the Shelby Park area of Eagle Pass. They stood guard along the Rio Grande, ready for any potential migrant crossings.

According to U.S. media, the Department of Homeland Security repeatedly requested access to the area, but the Republican-led state has not complied with the court ruling to hand over border security to federal forces.

Continuing their watch along the Rio Grande even after dark, state guards illuminated the U.S. riverbank with massive lights powered by generators.

Texas officials have not yet retreated from their decision to independently maintain border security, raising questions about the next move by the Washington administration in resolving this jurisdictional conflict.

Following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to remove the barbed wires along the Rio Grande, the dispute between Governor Abbott and President Joe Biden escalated. Despite the court ruling, the Texas National Guard on January 23 refused to allow the U.S. Border Patrol to perform its duties and continued installing barbed wire. Additionally, governors from 25 Republican states issued a joint statement supporting Texas's stance.