Amid the struggle between Texas and the federal government in Mexico over immigration law enforcement, clashes broke out between a group of migrants and the Texas National Guard troops over a violation of a barbed wire barrier in El Paso on March 21.

In a video published on social media, the migrants were trying to drag a temporary concertina wire barrier, which was set as part of Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s Operation Lone Star publicly-funded state border security program.

Mexican journalist J Omar Ornelas captioned the video of the incident with: “Hundreds of migrants were pushed south of the concertina wire in the middle of the night by Texas national guard. Hours later they again breached the concertina and made a rush for the border wall in El Paso, Texas.”

Hundreds of migrants were pushed south of the concertina wire in the middle of the night by Texas National Guard. Hours later they again breached the concertina and made a rush for the border wall in El Paso, Texas. #Border #Texas pic.twitter.com/d4sZib29BI

— J. Omar Ornelas (@fotornelas) March 21, 2024

The migrants revealed to El Paso Times that the Texas National Guard soldiers were vigorously pushing them back behind the fencing in US territory.

During the confrontations, some migrants held their hands up high to indicate that they were surrendering while others rushed to the federal border wall.

400 to 600 migrants cross the fence, tightening security 

Between 400 and 600 migrants went through the breached fencing, KERA news in North Texas cited an official from the Department of Homeland Security as saying.

In a different statement published by Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the federal agency announced, “As of 3 pm local time, all migrants from this group have been moved from the site. Additional personnel have been deployed to the scene, and the situation is under control. The US Border Patrol continues to monitor the situation and has increased patrols in the area.”

Texas Governor Greg Abbott revealed in a post after the clashes: “The TX National Guard and Department of Public Safety quickly regained control and are redoubling the razor wire barriers.”

About the surge of illegal immigrants in El Paso:

The TX National Guard & Dept. of Public Safety quickly regained control & are redoubling the razor wire barriers.

DPS is instructed to arrest every illegal immigrant involved for criminal trespass & destruction of property.

— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) March 21, 2024

“DPS is instructed to arrest every illegal immigrant involved for criminal trespass and destruction of property,” he added. 

He further announced today on X that more razor wire has been installed on the border. 

More razor wire installed and more Texas National Guard soldiers deployed in El Paso today.

We continue to redouble and reinforce our efforts.

Texas will keep taking historic action to protect our state—and our nation—from Biden’s disastrous open border policies. pic.twitter.com/J1JPW6PMVy

— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) March 22, 2024

Supreme Court extends block on Texas immigration law

The US Supreme Court has extended its temporary block on Senate Bill 4 (SB 4), allowing Texas police to arrest people suspected of crossing the border illegally. 

At 4:05 pm CT on Monday, March 18, just five minutes after SB 4 was scheduled to take effect, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito issued an order extending the temporary halt, on the law.

Dr. Eddy Carder, a constitutional law professor at Prairie View A&M University said "The decision from Justice Alito, at this point, means that things will remain as they have been over the past weeks," adding that "the law is not going to be applied. It’s not going to be enforceable."

SB 4 grants Texas police the authority to arrest individuals whom they suspect of crossing the border illegally, and migrants could face misdemeanor charges and potential jail time, or they could choose to return to a designated port of entry.

"We applaud this continuation of the stay because we believe this is an unconstitutional bill. And we hope that that will be proven as it moves through the court process," said Rebecca Lightsey, co-executive director of American Gateways.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said in a statement evening of March 18, "The Supreme Court has temporarily halted enforcement of SB 4, but it didn’t halt Texas’ pre-existing authority to arrest for criminal trespass and other violations of the law. Until President Biden steps up and does his job to secure the border, Texas will continue utilizing every tool and strategy to respond to this Biden-made border crisis. This case remains on schedule to be argued at the 5th Circuit on April 3rd."