The Justice Department is currently conducting an assessment following alarming reports concerning the Texas-Mexico border, where Texas troopers have allegedly been instructed to push migrants back into the Rio Grande and withhold water. Labeling these reports as “troubling”, the Department emphasized the necessity of conducting a thorough evaluation.
Initial Steps towards a Possible Investigation
While this assessment is the first public admission of the Department’s involvement, it stops short of formally announcing an investigation. Nevertheless, this assessment could pave the way for such an investigation. “We’re in touch with DHS and other relevant agencies to evaluate the situation,” stated DOJ spokeswoman Xochitl Hinojosa.
More Complaints Surface
The inspector general for the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has received multiple complaints from DPS personnel deployed along the Texas-Mexico border. The complaints express concern about the treatment of migrants attempting to cross into the United States, according to three sources close to the investigation.
Local Authorities Deny Allegations
In a joint statement with other high-ranking Texas officials, including DPS Chief Steve McCraw, Governor Greg Abbott’s office denied issuing any orders under Operation Lone Star that could jeopardize the lives of those trying to illegally cross the border.
Federal Administration Criticizes Texas
The Biden administration has repeatedly rebuked Governor Abbott’s border actions, labeling his decision to transport migrants to Democrat-led cities without proper coordination as a “political stunt”. White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, called for “basic human decency”, criticizing the inhumane treatment of migrants under Governor Abbott.
Legal Actions Under Consideration
The administration is currently discussing potential legal actions against Texas, with talks beginning last year when Abbott started dispatching migrants to cities nationwide without prior notification.
