A judge this week ruled that the Biden administration must stop removing razor wire from barriers along the Texas-Mexico border, handing a victory to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Stuart Kyle Duncan wrote in a court order filed on Tuesday that a district court "legally erred" when ruling against the state of Texas, which had attempted to block removal of the razor wire.
U.S. District Judge Alia Moses ruled in November that Texas failed to provide enough evidence to show that the Biden administration had violated the law, but Duncan disagreed, writing that the district court "received copious documentary evidence" during hearings, "heard testimony from multiple witnesses," and made "numerous fact findings supporting Texas' claims."
Duncan wrote in the order that "Defendants are ENJOINED during the pendency of this appeal from damaging, destroying, or otherwise interfering with Texas's [concertina]-wire fence in the vicinity of Eagle Pass, Texas, as indicated in Texas's complaint."
Paxton praised the ruling in a statement on Tuesday, according to The Hill.
"I am very pleased the appellate court has forbidden federal agents sent by the Biden administration from destroying our concertina wire fences," Paxton said. "Given the ongoing disaster at the southern border due to the federal government's intentional actions, more than ever it is necessary to take every step we can to hold the line."