Tennessee officials share comments on Texas border crisis

JACKSON, Tenn. — Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, along with 24 other governors, have gathered to show their support with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott as the immigration crisis along the southern border continues to intensify.

Abbott shared it’s the state’s right to protect itself, which has led Tennessee lawmakers to voice their concern.

On January 23, the Department of Homeland Security contacted the State of Texas, demanding that Shelby Park, which is near the Rio Grande River, be made accessible.

The park was then opened to the public. However, Texas placed razor wire along the border and refuses to cut or remove the wire to impede illegal immigration, despite a ruling this week from the Supreme Court of the United States.

Republican Tennessee Rep. Chris Todd says he stands with Gov. Lee and the other Republican governors at this time.

Rep. Todd shares that he and a senator in Texas are working on what they call the “Border Compact” bill.

“It would create a compact between multiple states specifically for the purpose of protecting and assisting the Texas officials protecting their border. That’s one thing we’re looking into,” Todd said.

Rep. Todd said this would help other bordering states and offered physical assistance.

“To step up and help our fellow citizens no matter what state they are in, to protect their property, to protect their lives, and then their way of [living],” Todd said.

Democrat state Rep. Gloria Johnson disagrees with the way the State of Texas is handling this situation.

Rep. Johnson believes there is a different route to go.

“We need to come to a deal on this. The Republicans are refusing to support Biden’s plan to take care of this issue because they rather use it for a campaign than to actually do something and to fix it,” Johnson said.

She also shares that she supports Gov. Bill Lee sending National Guard members to help other states, but thinks that the federal government can help too.

“Yes. Tennessee can send their Guard where they want to send their guard, and where they think their Guard is needed. However, Tennessee by itself cannot solve this problem. What Tennessee needs to do is put pressure on their federally elected officials,” Johnson said.

According to The Associated Press, Texas has added more razor wire to the park.

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