Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott told Tucker Carlson in a video interview posted Friday that he is “ready to go” if President Joe Biden decides to take over the National Guard.
Abbott announced on Wednesday that the state of Texas is being protected from illegal immigrants pouring in across the southern border after the Supreme Court ruled that the Biden administration could cut the bellows wire it installed along the state's borders. He scathingly rebuked the government, stating that it has the full constitutional authority to “defend and protect” the United States. The Republican said the state is “ready” in case President Joe Biden heeds Democrats' calls to take control of the Texas National Guard. (Related: President Trump vows to 'work together' with Governor Abbott to secure border)
Mr. Abbott told Mr. Carlson, co-founder of the Daily Caller and the Daily Caller News Foundation, that he would be “shocked, because it was a gutsy move on his part and it would be a disaster. ” he said. “But for one thing, as you can imagine, we're preparing in case that unlikely event happens to make sure we can continue to do what we've been doing for the past month. .That's what builds these barriers: bellows wire and other anti-climb border barriers.”
“We will continue to do exactly what we are doing now to expand the denial of illegal entry to Texas,” Abbott added.
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In an interview from India, Gov. Greg Abbott said 10 other states have deployed National Guard troops to the Texas border and others will follow. Mr. Abbott said he was “prepared” for a confrontation with federal authorities. pic.twitter.com/F58MLoOsAZ
— Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) January 26, 2024
The Texas Department of Public Safety took control of Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, a hotspot for illegal immigration, on Jan. 11 amid an ongoing legal battle between the state and the Biden administration. Abbott reminded the former Fox News host that he signed SB4, which makes it a misdemeanor to enter Texas illegally.
Abbott also said he sent eight letters to Biden asking for help on border issues.
“I talked to the president about the border, we met on the tarmac in El Paso, and we told him directly what was going on,” Abbott told Carlson. “I gave him a letter with an immediate solution that would immediately secure the border without passing any new laws.”
“Even though I gave him a total of eight different letters, he refused to respond,” Abbott continued. “I want to tell you that in order to show that we are being invaded, we have set forth what is called the forerunner of Article IV, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution, and have asked the president for assistance in defending our nation. Having refused to do so eight times, I am authorized under Article I, Section 10 of the Constitution to declare an invasion so that the State of Texas may use all means to defend itself. .”
Abbott also said the National Guard has been deployed to 10 other states that have expressed support for the state, and he hopes more will help as Texas continues to erect barriers. He added that
“It's all going to end next January 20th,” Abbott told Carlson, “because I believe we'll have a new president sworn in and a president who will actually enforce immigration laws across the country.” Told.
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