DOJ to sue Texas over floating border barrier; Abbott says ‘see you in

The Department of Justice says it intends to sue Texas Gov. Greg Abbott over its use of a floating buoy border barrier to stop illegal immigration into the state — a move that immediately drew a fiery response from the Republican governor.

“The State of Texas’s actions violate federal law, raise humanitarian concerns, present serious risks to public safety and the environment, and may interfere with the federal government’s ability to carry out its official duties,” the DOJ said in a letter to Abbott, first reported by The Houston Chronicle.

Abbott announced the barrier, consisting of orange buoys and intended to discourage migrants from crossing the Rio Grande, in June and began installing it this month. It is part of Operation Lone Star, a multifaceted operation to tackle the border crisis amid what Republicans say is a vacuum of leadership from the federal government.

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But the move had angered Mexico and the U.S. federal government, as well as immigration activists — who had said the move to defend Texas’ sovereignty was illegal and inhumane.

Texas officials had said that the latest plan will discourage people from attempting to cross the treacherous river. It is expected to take about two weeks to set up the buoys.

“Anytime they get in that water, it’s a risk to the migrants. This is the deterrent from even coming in the water,” Texas Department of Public Safety director Steve McCraw said last month.

But DOJ also cited humanitarian concerns in opposing it, as well as other risks.

“This floating barrier poses a risk to navigation, as well as public safety, in the Rio Grande River, and it presents…