Texas Governor Greg Abbott warned on Thursday about the possibility of "drone wars" erupting across the United States-Mexico border.
"Let me foreshadow also another concern we're gonna have really soon, it's already kind of beginning right now, and that's gonna be drone wars," Abbott said on Fox News' America's Newsroom. "The capability of the cartels about getting things across the border through drones already is extraordinary and they're gonna be more aggressive, more sophisticated in the drone attacks."
Abbott was also asked if he believes terrorist organizations, like ISIS, are currently in the United States after crossing the border illegally. The Texas governor said that he didn't have any information to confirm that but noted that FBI Director Christopher Wray warned last month of new threats coming across the border.
"It's ridiculous that anybody has their shoes inspected in an airport these days when terrorists can come right across the border and sneak in and come here," Abbott said.
Newsweek reached out to Abbott's press office via email for comment.
The context:
Republicans like Abbott have repeatedly criticized the Biden administration's policies concerning illegal immigration at the southern border.
The U.S. Supreme Court previously sided with the Biden administration in ordering Texas to remove razor wire and other barriers placed along the state's border with Mexico to deter migrants illegally entering the U.S.
Abbott defied the order and has continued to install these barriers without interruption.
What we know:
Data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection show a decline in the number of illegal migrant apprehensions at the nation's southwest land borders from December 2023 to January and February 2024. However, the current numbers are still higher than those in previous years, like 2020.
Abbott was asked on America's Newsroom why he thinks that President Joe Biden has not attempted to stop Texas from installing barriers along the border, and in response, he said that doing so would "completely dismantle the Biden campaign."
Views:
Last month, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick made similar comments regarding the use of drones by cartels in Texas.
While speaking with Fox News' Fox & Friends, Patrick said that the state has seen a rise in drones across the border, "spying on us, to help send drugs and illegal immigrants across the border."
What's next:
Immigration and security along the U.S.-Mexico border is likely to remain a top issue among Americans ahead of the upcoming presidential election. Biden has repeatedly called on Congress to pass a bipartisan border security bill.
Former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, has continued to criticize Biden's border policies and previously said he'd like to deport hundreds of illegal migrants.
Update 4/4/24, 10:19 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
Update 4/4/24, 11:12 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
fairness meter
To Rate This Article
About the writer
Matthew Impelli is a Newsweek staff writer based in New York. His focus is reporting social issues and crime. In ... Read more
