Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has urged the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit to expedite the resolution of the ongoing concertina wire case in order to safeguard Texas's border security measures. In a letter filed with the court, Paxton highlighted new and crucial facts pertaining to the case.
Paxton emphasized findings from the district court regarding events at the border. The court determined that the three drowning deaths near Shelby Park on January 12 occurred before the federal government reached out to the Texas National Guard or Department of Public Safety, countering any claims that Texas impeded rescue efforts. Additionally, the court's findings contradicted suggestions that Texas's control of Shelby Park led to unsuccessful emergency river operations.
Attorney General Paxton criticized the Biden Administration for allegedly making misleading claims at the Supreme Court about Texas's border security actions. He stated, "Many news outlets amplified these false claims to blame Texas for deaths that occurred at an illegal border crossing in the Rio Grande. That narrative has been completely disproven." Paxton emphasized Texas's commitment to upholding law and order amid what he described as a nationwide immigration crisis resulting from the Biden administration's immigration policies.
Paxton's letter underscores the importance of addressing the concertina wire case promptly and accurately. The Attorney General's efforts aim to ensure the protection of Texas's border security measures while refuting what he believes to be unfounded accusations against the state.