Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently announced the commencement of a "marine barrier installation" in the Rio Grande River. This initiative involves deploying a system of orange buoys to deter illegal crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border. The project, overseen by the Texas Department of Public Safety, is part of Operation Lone Star, a state-led effort to address border security concerns. The barrier is being installed near Eagle Pass, Texas, a location experiencing significant stress on resources due to border crossings.

This action follows other controversial border security measures implemented by Governor Abbott, such as transporting migrants to sanctuary cities and constructing sections of border wall. Texas officials argue that the buoys will discourage individuals from risking their lives in the dangerous river currents. The deployment is expected to be completed within two weeks and will span approximately 1,000 feet.

However, the initiative has faced criticism from various groups. Environmental activists have voiced concerns about the potential ecological impact of the barriers, staging protests and prayer vigils along the river. The ACLU of Texas has also condemned the move, characterizing it as a wasteful expenditure that fails to address the underlying reasons for migration. They argue that the buoys represent a moral failing on the part of Texas.

The barrier's deployment coincides with a period of relatively lower border crossings compared to previous peaks. The Biden administration has highlighted a decrease in encounters since the end of Title 42 and the implementation of a new border strategy. Nevertheless, May saw over 200,000 migrant encounters, prompting the administration to request additional funding and immigration reform legislation from Congress. Republicans have opposed proposals that include amnesty for undocumented immigrants, contending that the Biden administration's policies have exacerbated the border crisis.