Tensions escalate over immigration issue between Texas, US federal govt

WASHINGTON/HOUSTON -- The immigration issue has recently intensified tensions between the southern US state of Texas and the federal government, exacerbating partisanship and fears of a constitutional crisis in the United States.

The US Supreme Court ruled earlier in January that federal agents could cut the razor wire that Texas has installed at the border of the United States and Mexico.

The razor wire, set up at the order of Texas Governor Greg Abbott, is meant to deter migrants from crossing the border.

Abbott said that the operation was within the constitutional "right of self-defense", and he accused US President Joe Biden of failing to fulfill his constitutional duty to protect the nation's borders by allowing millions of immigrants to enter the country illegally.

"This is not over. Texas' razor wire is an effective deterrent to the illegal crossings Biden encourages", Abbott said on social media. "I will continue to defend Texas' constitutional authority to secure the border and prevent the Biden Administration from destroying our property."