Texas Representative Michael Cloud has reintroduced the Prevent Aliens Through Rivers of Lands (PATROL) Act. This legislation aims to prevent the Department of Justice from suing states using the Rivers and Harbor Act, thereby clearing the path for border security measures like the buoy barrier on the Rio Grande.
The state of Texas installed the buoy barrier in 2023 in response to a surge in migration, arguing it was essential for protecting state sovereignty and saving lives. However, the barrier faced legal challenges from humanitarian organizations and the DOJ, who claimed it posed a safety hazard.
The DOJ's lawsuit asserted that the barrier violated the Rivers and Harbors Act, which governs navigable waters. While an appeals court allowed the buoys to remain in place, the case is not expected to proceed under the Trump administration.
The PATROL Act seeks to eliminate the possibility of lawsuits under the Rivers and Harbors Act, allowing Texas and other states to implement similar border security measures without federal interference. Representative Cloud criticized previous administrations for obstructing state efforts to secure the border and expressed support for President Trump's focus on law and order.
The bill has garnered support from conservative groups like NumbersUSA and Heritage Action, who emphasize the importance of state autonomy in border security when the federal government falls short. Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently announced the installation of additional buoys, highlighting the ongoing efforts to strengthen border security.
