Migrant crisis pushing Texans to consider 'Texit': Newsweek

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Newsweek
11 Feb 2024 19:37
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A Newsweek survey found that 44% of Texans are more supportive of the state's independence due to the migrant crisis.

Migrants who crossed the Rio Grande from Mexico into the U.S. climb a fence with barbed wire and concertina wire, Monday, Aug. 21, 2023, in Eagle Pass, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

A survey conducted exclusively for Newsweek revealed that the migrant crisis has caused 44 percent of Texans to become either more inclined or significantly more inclined to support the state's full independence.

Survey results also showed that 35 percent felt "neither more nor less likely" to support Texan independence as a result of the border situation, and 16 percent of respondents stated that the crisis made them less inclined to support secession from the US.

Tensions between Texan and US authorities have been on the rise as of late, especially since a Supreme Court ruling on January 22 allowed federal agents to remove razor wire placed along the border. Despite the legal ruling, Texas remains committed to increasing border security measures, with state Governor Greg Abbott declaring that Texas is confronting an "invasion" and cited the state's "constitutional authority to defend and protect itself." These developments have fueled speculation about the possibility of Texas becoming an independent state.

Daniel Miller, president of the pro-independence Texas Nationalist Movement, conveyed to Newsweek that the migrant situation underscores the necessity for Texas to exit the Union, a process he refers to as Texit.

"There is no clearer example of why Texas needs independence than the federal government's destruction of our southern border and their pro-cartel immigration policies," Miller said. "The more the federal government doubles down on its anti-Texas border policies, the stronger our support becomes," Miller added.

"This is why we will win a referendum on Texit."

Texas to persist installing razor wire at border despite court order

In an interview with Fox News' The Story with Martha MacCallum in January, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said that the state will continue to install razor wire along the US-Mexico border.

"We are putting up wire ... everywhere we can. We will continue. We will not stop. If they cut it, we will replace it," Patrick said

"If they cut it, we will replace it," he continued. "I was down there Friday with our troops to thank them, support them, and also to stand with them in the event the Biden administration did send Border Patrol there."

"Wisely, they did not. We're thankful they did not. We don't want a confrontation, but we want this border secure," he added.