U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) responded to a video showing United States Border Patrol agents cutting through razor wire allegedly on private property to allow illegal immigrants into Texas. CBP stated that the individuals in the video were “subject to U.S. immigration laws.”
The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed that the incident captured in the video, which was shared by Fox News contributor Bill Melugin, occurred on private land.
While the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws is essential, it is the responsibility of the federal government. CBP emphasized that Border Patrol agents will remain diligent in upholding immigration laws. The individuals seen in the video had already crossed the Rio Grande from Mexico and were inside the United States. The legal framework for asylum eligibility, including lawful routes, will apply to those who cross the border unlawfully, with certain exceptions. Individuals unable to prove their right to remain in the United States will face deportation.
Melugin’s video showed Border Patrol agents cutting through razor wire installed by the state of Texas to facilitate the entry and processing of migrants who had crossed the border illegally. He noted that this was the first such incident and that the Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating potential damage to state property. Once migrants are on U.S. soil, they must undergo processing in accordance with federal law.
However, Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has ordered the physical obstruction of migrants entering the state. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the land depicted in the video is privately owned, and the agency has the owner’s authorization to install razor wire and make arrests for criminal trespassing by migrants.
Melugin suggested that Border Patrol agents were likely following instructions but highlighted that this situation could lead to further tensions between Texas and the federal government, as their approaches to border control differ significantly.