Independent presidential contender Robert F. Kennedy Jr. threw his weight behind Texas on Thursday, expressing support for the state's ongoing confrontation with the federal government over border control.
In a pointed critique of the Biden administration, Kennedy faulted its handling of the U.S. southern border, aligning himself with a chorus of voices, predominantly Republican, who have rallied behind Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's battle against the removal of fencing and razor wire at the U.S.-Mexico border.
"Texas is right. Biden's failure to secure the border leaves states no choice but to take matters into their own hands," Kennedy stated in a post on X. "As President, I will end this humanitarian crisis once and for all. I will secure the border and destroy the business model of the drug cartels. A country without borders is not a country at all."
Kennedy's endorsement adds to a growing list of politicians supporting Abbott's efforts to resist federal intervention. The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday dealt a setback to Abbott, ruling in favor of the Biden administration and allowing border agents to dismantle the razor wire installed by Texas.
Abbott, a Republican, defended the fencing, contending that he was compelled to take action due to what he perceives as the Biden administration's inaction. The federal government, however, argued that the state lacks the authority to construct such barriers, asserting that it impedes their ability to manage border affairs.
On Wednesday, Abbott issued a statement accusing the federal government of violating the constitutional agreement on border security with the states, The Hill reported.
Abbott wrote, "The Executive Branch of the United States has a constitutional duty to enforce federal laws protecting States, including immigration laws on the books right now." He accused President Joe Biden of breaching "his oath to faithfully execute immigration laws" and instructing agencies to disregard federal statutes mandating the detention of illegal immigrants, reported Mediaite.
Kennedy, a vocal critic of what he perceives as a "border crisis," condemned Biden's border policies as a "disaster" in a Newsweek opinion piece in September 2023.
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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