The State of Texas has been at odds with the Federal government over border security, with the Lone Star State placing razor wire to stop the flow of illegal migrants. To this end, Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) introduced legislation affirming the right of states to protect their international borders.
In late January, the Texas National Guard and Military Department began placing razor wire along their border with Mexico. The Biden Administration sued the state, which was taken to the Supreme Court. The Court ruled that Customs and Border Patrol was authorized to cut down Texas' wire, sparking the governments of several states, including Florida, to issue statements of solidarity with Texas.
As a result, Rep. Gaetz's State Border Security Act would prohibit federal agents from cutting the razor wire down within 25 miles of the southern border.
In a statement to the Daily Caller, Rep. Gaetz said the bill would "codify that states along the Southern Border have the right to protect their territory," adding, "Since the Biden administration refuses to take action, Congress must empower states to defend themselves against the unprecedented invasion at the Southern Border."
Gaetz's bill is a companion to an identical piece of legislation introduced by Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH) shortly after the Supreme Court ruling, where he similarly said, "If Joe Biden refuses to take action, let the states get the job done."
The Florida Congressman has been a ferocious critic of President Biden and his handling of the border crisis, saying last February that House Republicans would have to take it upon themselves to secure the border after visiting Yuma, Arizona.
In June, Gaetz highlighted the trafficking of migrants by sea from the Bahamas into Florida, which he dubbed "the forgotten invasion," and criticized the lack of Federal aid to the Coast Guard for intercepting migrant boats.
Most recently, Gaetz demanded answers from Delta Airlines CEO Ed Bastion at the end of December for the airliner's cooperation with the government to relocate migrants, asking if Delta has received any sort of government reimbursement for transporting migrants, how many they have relocated, and how the tickets are paid for.
