Governor Abbott's border wire expansion stirs controversy amongst New Mexico lawmakers

October 20, 2023

KFOX14 - Governor Abbott's border wire expansion stirs controversy amongst New Mexico lawmakers - 10/20/23

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (KFOX14) â Governor Greg Abbott has put up additional concertina wire along the southern border.

Abbott's actions have raised questions on the legality of having the wire expanded into New Mexico.

KFOX14 spoke with New Mexico Democratic Congressman Gabe Vasquez who expressed his disapproval of the expansion.

"This is really an insult to the community that we all share here collectively, but more importantly the governor's actions are unconstitutional," Vasquez said.

Vasquez said the expansion of the concertina wire affects the community.

"This does impact our community. We should not have these types of political stunts that block two American states from interstate travel and this is just another bone-headed decision," Vasquez said.

In a post on X, Abbott said the expansion was necessary.

KFOX14 reached out to the Texas National Guard to ask about the expansion of the wire and its legality.

A spokesperson sent the following statement:

The Texas National Guard has heavily fortified the border in El Paso with 18 miles of concertina wire. We are now fortifying the border between Texas and New Mexico to block migrants who are entering New Mexico illegally and then crossing into Texas. The effort in El Paso was bolstered by the recent deployment of the Texas Tactical Border Force to El Paso. The Texas National Guard remains focused on operations to prevent, deter, and interdict transnational criminal activity and illegal immigration along the border.

KFOX14 also reached out to New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to ask about any potential actions regarding the expanded wires and her office sent the following statement:

The state stands ready to assist as requested by federal or local partners to ensure individuals are treated with compassion and respect while maintaining public safety. We encourage Gov. Abbott to turn his attention away from a never-ending stream of political stunts and toward working in earnest for the people of the state he was elected to represent.