The Surge of Razor Wire on the Southern Border

In response to the ongoing migration crisis, Texas authorities have installed more than 100 miles of razor wire (also known as concertina wire) at key migrant crossing points along the southern border. This initiative, part of “Operation Lone Star,” aims to address the challenges posed by illegal crossings. The state, which encompasses over 60% of the U.S. border with Mexico, has reportedly spent over million for the construction and maintenance of these barriers.

Legal Rulings and Political Dimensions

Recently, a federal appeals court ruled against the Biden administration’s efforts to impede the state’s installation of razor wire. This decision was significant, especially since U.S. Border Patrol members cut down a 26-mile section of the wire just months prior. Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, criticized the administration, stating that it has failed to fulfill its constitutional responsibility to manage border security. “Joe Biden completely abandoned his constitutional duty to secure the border. Texas stepped up in his absence to build the wall, repel illegal crossings, and protect our country,” Abbott stated earlier this year.

The Efficacy of Razor Wire

But is the use of razor wire effective in deterring illegal immigration? Andrew Arthur, a law and policy expert at the Center for Immigration Studies, asserts that the answer is a definitive “Yes.” He cites data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which indicates a significant decrease—nearly two-thirds—in illegal migrant encounters across Texas’ border sectors after the installation of the wire.

Arthur explains that Texas began its wire installations in May 2023 in response to the expiration of the COVID-era policy known as Title 42, which previously allowed for the rapid expulsion of migrants. Following a surge in migrant encounters in December, Texas ramped up its fortifications, deploying additional state troopers and equipment to bolster security at the border. “What the wire did… is it shifted that flow west,” he noted, adding that this redirection makes the smuggling route longer and more challenging.

The Drawbacks of Razor Wire

Despite its perceived effectiveness, razor wire has several downsides. Unlike a traditional wall, the wire necessitates continuous monitoring and routine maintenance, with authorities required to replace damaged sections regularly. Arthur highlights that ongoing state trooper involvement might not be sustainable over time, as many officers are stationed far from their homes in Texas. “When I was embedded with a trooper down there, he was from Abilene, which is nowhere near the border, and he had been there for six weeks,” he explained.

Humanitarian Concerns

Concerns about the humanitarian implications of razor wire have also been raised. Arthur argues that the wire serves as a deterrent, potentially safeguarding migrants from perilous crossings over the Rio Grande. Yet, advocates like Dylan Corbett, director of the El Paso-based Hope Border Institute, emphasize the dangers associated with razor wire. Corbett reports that the presence of the wire has led to increased injuries and fatalities among migrants attempting to traverse the border.

Medical professionals associated with Corbett’s organization have treated numerous cases involving injuries caused by the wire itself and projectiles launched by National Guard members. He pointed out that while overall border deaths may be decreasing, incidents in El Paso are rising sharply. “More people are dying here than ever before,” he lamented, attributing this rise to the increased militarization of the border and the complications that accompany it.

Calls for Federal Intervention

Corbett and others are urging the federal government to take definitive action to address the current migration management system. He voiced concerns that without federal oversight, states will continue to implement uncoordinated enforcement mechanisms that not only jeopardize lives but also divert significant taxpayer resources. “The longer we wait, states will continue to engage in uncoordinated and irresponsible enforcement actions on their own,” Corbett warned. He contended that effective management of migration requires a unified approach to mitigate the humanitarian crisis at the border.