2024: Republican Governors Unite in Support of Texas’ Border Security Measures
A Joint Statement of Solidarity and Constitutional Defense
In a bold display of unity, 24 Republican governors, led by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, issued a joint statement on January 12, 2024, expressing their unwavering support for Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the state’s constitutional right to self-defense in securing its border. This collective stance marks a significant escalation in the ongoing battle between Republican-led states and the Biden administration over immigration policy.
A Call to Action: Securing the Border and Upholding the Rule of Law
The statement serves as a clarion call for the federal government to fulfill its constitutional duty to secure the southern border, which has witnessed a surge in illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and terrorist threats under the current administration. The governors condemn the Biden administration’s failure to uphold the rule of law, accusing it of attacking and suing Texas for taking necessary steps to protect its citizens from the consequences of uncontrolled immigration.
Razor Wire Fences and the Right to Self-Defense
The governors firmly stand behind Texas’ decision to employ razor wire fences and other security measures to deter illegal border crossings. They argue that these measures are justified under the Constitution’s Article 4, Section 4, and Article 1, Section 10, Clause 3, which grant states the right to self-defense in times of danger. The statement asserts that the Biden administration’s abdication of its constitutional responsibilities leaves states with no choice but to take matters into their own hands to protect their sovereignty and the nation’s security.
A Growing Coalition of Support
The joint statement garnered immediate attention and support from across the country. Governor Abbott expressed his gratitude for the solidarity shown by his fellow governors, emphasizing the importance of a unified front in addressing the border crisis. The statement also resonated with many Americans who share the concern that the Biden administration’s immigration policies are undermining national security and straining the nation’s resources.
A Looming Constitutional Showdown
The statement sets the stage for a potential constitutional showdown between the federal government and the states over the issue of immigration. The Biden administration has repeatedly challenged the legality of Texas’ border security measures, arguing that they violate federal law and infringe on the federal government’s exclusive authority over immigration. However, the governors’ statement asserts that states have the right to protect their citizens when the federal government fails to do so.
The Road Ahead: A Complex and Contentious Issue
The coming months and years will likely witness a protracted legal battle between the federal government and the states over immigration policy. The outcome of this struggle will have profound implications for the future of border security, federal-state relations, and the balance of power between the branches of government.
Full Text of the Joint Statement:
“Today, we, the undersigned governors, stand in solidarity with our fellow Governor, Greg Abbott, and the State of Texas in utilizing every tool and strategy, including razor wire fences, to secure the border. We do it in part because the Biden Administration is refusing to enforce immigration laws already on the books and is illegally allowing mass parole across America of migrants who entered our country illegally.
The authors of the U.S. Constitution made clear that in times like this, states have a right of self-defense, under Article 4, Section 4 and Article 1, Section 10, Clause 3 of the U.S. Constitution. Because the Biden Administration has abdicated its constitutional compact duties to the states, Texas has every legal justification to protect the sovereignty of our states and our nation.
President Biden and his Administration have left Americans and our country completely vulnerable to unprecedented illegal immigration pouring across the Southern border. Instead of upholding the rule of law and securing the border, the Biden Administration has attacked and sued Texas for stepping up to protect American citizens from historic levels of illegal immigrants, deadly drugs like fentanyl, and terrorists entering our country.
We stand with Texas and Governor Abbott in demanding that the Biden Administration do its job and secure the border. We call on the President to immediately reverse his disastrous immigration policies, enforce our immigration laws, and work with us to protect our states and our nation.”
Signatories:
1. Governor Kay Ivey (AL)
2. Governor Mike Dunleavy (AK)
3. Governor Sarah Sanders (AR)
4. Governor Ron DeSantis (FL)
5. Governor Brian Kemp (GA)
6. Governor Brad Little (ID)
7. Governor Eric Holcomb (IN)
8. Governor Jeff Landry (LA)
9. Governor Tate Reeves (MS)
10. Governor Mike Parson (MO)
11. Governor Greg Gianforte (MT)
12. Governor Jim Pillen (NE)
13. Governor Joe Lombardo (NV)
14. Governor Chris Sununu (NH)
15. Governor Doug Burgum (ND)
16. Governor Mike DeWine (OH)
17. Governor Kevin Stitt (OK)
18. Governor Henry McMaster (SC)
19. Governor Kristi Noem (SD)
20. Governor Bill Lee (TN)
21. Governor Spencer Cox (UT)
22. Governor Glenn Youngkin (VA)
23. Governor Jim Justice (WV)
24. Governor Mark Gordon (WY)