Tensions escalate over immigration issue between Texas, US federal govt

Abbott has gained the support of more than 20 Republican governors, as well as former US President Donald Trump.

Biden said the White House is negotiating an immigration bill with members of both parties in Congress to address the "border crisis".

The White House has repeatedly slammed Abbott and other Republicans for using the immigration issue as a political "stunt".

The unprecedented "standoff" between Texas state and the federal government over the southern border is escalating, according to US media reports.

Polls have shown that immigration is one of the top issues for American voters as the country enters an election year in 2024.