Republican Representatives Encourage President Biden to Support Texas Instead of Federalizing the National Guard

A group of 24 House Republicans is urging President Joe Biden to join Texas GOP Gov. Greg Abbott’s efforts in securing the southern border and ignoring calls from other Democrats to federalize the state’s National Guard.

“The strong leadership and urgency shown by Governor Abbott and the State of Texas draw a sharp contrast to your administration’s weakness and apparent lack of desire to enforce our nation’s immigration laws,” the lawmakers, led by Rep. Randy Weber of Texas, wrote Thursday in a letter to Biden.

“Governor Abbott understands the scale of the crisis at the border and recognizes the need for strong intervention and adequate resources for the men and women enforcing our border laws.”

Abbott and the Biden administration have been butting heads over border security amid record numbers of illegal immigrants crossing into the U.S. Abbott contends his state has a constitutional right to defend itself from an invasion, but Biden believes the federal government alone is responsible for border enforcement.

Abbott has used his National Guard to put up razor wire barriers along the Rio Grande River that separates the U.S. and Mexico, but the U.S. Supreme Court sided with the Biden administration last month in ruling that Border Patrol agents can cut the wire down.

Tensions could reach a boiling point if Biden heeds calls by Democrats such as Reps. Greg Casar and Joaquin Castro of Texas to federalize Texas’ National Guard.

“Under the United States Constitution that we are each sworn to uphold, Governor Abbott has been granted the authority to maintain and deploy the National Guard for domestic emergencies on Texas soil,” the GOP lawmakers wrote.

“Federalizing Texas troops would be an encroachment on Texas’ constitutionally protected sovereignty. We urge you to reconsider the policies that have created this crisis and, instead, to join Governor Abbott in protecting the American people from this invasion.”

The letter was also signed by Reps. Brian Babin, John Carter, Michael Cloud, Monica De La Cruz, Lance Gooden, Kay Granger, Ronny Jackson, Troy Nehls, Keith Self and Pete Sessions of Texas; Gary Palmer (Ala.); Lauren Boebert (Colo.); Anna Paulina Luna (Fla.); Marjorie Taylor-Green (Ga.); Russ Fulcher of Idaho; Mary Miller (Ill.); Clay Higgins (La.); Andy Harris (Md.); Eric Burlison (Mo.); Chris Smith (N.J.); Chuck Edwards (N.C.); Ralph Norman (S.C.); and Andy Ogles (Tenn.).

“The nation and the world are watching,” the lawmakers wrote. “Thus far, you have opted to prioritize the onslaught of illegal migrants over the well-being of American citizens and the territorial integrity of our nation.

“Mr. President, it is essential that you work with — not against — our nation’s governors as they struggle to pick up the slack that your failed policies have produced.”

Newsmax reached out to the White House for comment.