Texas Governor Abbott says transporting migrants is a public health concern. Critics allege restrictions violate federal law and encourage racial profiling

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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott faces backlash and lawsuits over an executive order issued on July 28 to prevent anyone outside of law enforcement from transporting migrants along the border to the United States. Texas and allow state soldiers to stop and impound vehicles suspected of carrying migrants who may have COVID -19.

US Customs and Border Protection reported more than 1.1 million migrant apprehensions in the first six months of this fiscal year, and a record high of nearly 190,000 apprehensions were recorded in June alone.

According to Abbott’s order, “Buses full of migrants, an unknown number of whom are infected with COVID-19, are being transported to communities across the state of Texas.” Critics fear the governor’s directive could result in widespread racial profiling by soldiers.

The U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit on Friday to block the directive to restrict the movement of migrants, saying Abbott’s order violates intergovernmental immunity and interferes with the federal government’s ability to release and legally transporting migrants.

The DOJ also criticized the governor of Texas for failing to explain how restricting the identity of the person who can carry these non-citizens was relevant in stopping the spread of COVID-19.

A U.S. district court judge on Tuesday issued a temporary restraining order that will remain in effect until August 13.

Why did Governor Abbott issue this order? Does he have the power to do this? Does Texas have the right to interfere with the federal administration in immigration policy?

What are the arguments for and against, and the potential implications of the measures Abbott intends to implement? Would migrant transport restrictions help curb the COVID-19 outbreak in Texas?

If Abbott’s goal is to mitigate the spread of the virus, why has he also ordered a blanket ban on local mask warrants and vaccine requirements?

What happens next in the fight against Abbott’s executive order? What if no further action is taken before the restraining order expires next Friday?

Guests:

“The Source” is a live program broadcast Monday through Thursday from 12 noon to 1 pm. Leave a message before broadcast at (210) 615-8982. During the live show, call 833-877-8255, email [email protected] or tweet @TPRSource.

* This interview was recorded on Thursday August 5th.

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