Migrants Face Arrest and Felony Charges
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed a new immigration law that could result in the arrest and more serious felony charges for non-compliant migrants. The bill is aimed at curbing what Abbott refers to as a “tidal wave” of illegal immigration.
Mexican President Plans Legal Challenge
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has reacted furiously to the new law and has announced plans for a legal challenge. According to Reuters, he believes that Abbott is using this move to gain political popularity, but warns that it could backfire since there are “a lot of Mexicans” in Texas.
Tensions Between Mexico and Texas
This is the latest incident in an ongoing feud between Mexico and Texas, as well as other Republicans, regarding the migrant crisis. Earlier this year, the Mexican Foreign Ministry filed a complaint against Texas over the construction of buoys in the Rio Grande. The ministry claimed that these buoys violated Mexico’s sovereignty and raised concerns about the impact on the human rights and safety of migrants.
Abbott’s Defense
In response to the criticism, Governor Abbott’s spokesperson argued that the drownings of migrants occurred even before Texas deployed barriers in the Rio Grande. They blamed the migrant crisis on the “reckless open border policies” of President Biden and President Lopez Obrador, urging them to secure the border.
Mexico’s Call for Action
President Lopez Obrador has previously called on Mexicans not to vote for Governor Abbott and lawmakers from the Republican Party who support these measures. He has launched information campaigns to inform Mexicans and Hispanics in the United States about Mexico’s stance and to discourage them from voting for Republicans.
Continuing Tensions with DeSantis
Lopez Obrador has also criticized Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is running for president in 2024. He has urged Hispanics in Florida not to vote for DeSantis and other politicians who persecute migrants and show a lack of respect for them.
The signing of this controversial law by Governor Abbott has further strained the relationship between Texas and Mexico. It remains to be seen how this legal challenge and the ongoing feud will impact the already complex issue of immigration between the two countries.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.