The state of Texas in the United States has witnessed an unprecedented crisis concerning undocumented immigrants, as their arrival and crossing through the southern borders of the U.S. continue in large numbers. This crisis has sparked significant controversy between local authorities in Texas and the federal government. Texas is considered the first state in the U.S.A. to assert its independence from the federal government, prompted by several characteristics and criteria that allow it to make unique decisions in favor of the state, which in turn has led to its bold rebellion against the central government in Washington.
Motivations and Determinants:
Texas is unique among U.S. states in various historical, cultural, and geographical aspects that distinguish it from others. Some reasons that make Texas stand out and highlight its uniqueness include:
- Size and Geographical Diversity: Texas is the second-largest state in the U.S. by area, covering over 268,000 square miles. It features a remarkable variety of landscapes, including mountains, valleys, beaches, and plains, which attracts visitors from within and outside the state.
- History and Culture: Texas has a rich history dating back to ancient periods, having been part of Spanish colonies and then Mexico before becoming part of the United States. This history showcases the cultural diversity evident in Texas’s traditions, arts, and cuisines.
- Economic Power: Texas is one of the wealthiest states in the U.S. economically, thanks to its diverse industries such as oil and gas, agriculture, and manufacturing. The state offers attractive job opportunities, drawing people from all over the world.
In the same vein, Texas ranks as the second-largest economic power in the United States, behind California. Once part of Mexico, Texas now boasts a gross domestic product (GDP) of $24 trillion, nearly 9% of the total GDP of the United States.
Texas’s proximity to major advanced countries, such as Canada, South Korea, Russia, Australia, and even Mexico, serves as a catalyst for economic advancement.
The economic output of Mexico is about $8 trillion, illustrating one of the key reasons Texas could potentially seek independence from the U.S., given that it is the eighth-largest economy in the world. Additionally, Texas is home to the largest discovered oil and gas field globally, which is a significant economic asset. Texas alone accounts for 43% of U.S. crude oil production and 25% of natural gas production. Furthermore, Texas generates 20% of America’s electricity through wind and solar energy, solidifying its position as a power hub shaping the future of the United States.
Consequences of Independence:
The impact of Texas’s potential independence on the standing of the United States is significant, given Texas’s status as one of the largest states with a long and complex history involving periods of both independence and dependency. Should Texas separate from the U.S., it would dramatically affect America’s international and domestic standing.
- U.S. Sovereignty: If Texas were to secede, the U.S. would lose a substantial portion of its territory and population, which could negatively affect the nation’s sovereignty and strength as a unified state.
- Foreign Relations: Texas’s independence may lead to changes in America’s foreign relations, as the U.S. would need to engage with a new nation if Texas were to become independent.
- Constitutional Issues: Texas’s secession could raise constitutional questions within the U.S. regarding the right to self-determination for states, leading to ongoing constitutional debates.
- Economic Impact: Texas’s separation would represent a significant economic loss for the U.S. due to the importance of its economy as a major hub for various industries, as previously noted.
- Historical Significance: Beyond the modern implications, Texas’s independence would touch on a part of American history, particularly its previous period as a republic.
Roots of the Crisis:
The White House has requested that Texas allow its federal forces to remove border wires that currently exist between Texas and Mexico to prevent illegal immigration. The unwillingness of Texas Governor to comply has escalated the situation, leading to the support of 21 U.S. states for Texas out of 50. There is an indication of backing from some states for Texas’s independence and a rejection of the federal decision to remove barbed wire, suggesting a definitive division.
Similarly, Texas filed a lawsuit last year to halt the cutting of these wires, arguing that it unlawfully destroys state property and undermines security to assist immigrants in crossing the border. As a result, a federal appeals court ordered border patrol agents in December 2023 to stop this practice while the court proceedings continue. Recently, the Justice Department filed an emergency request asking the Supreme Court to overturn this decision.
It is noteworthy that Texas is currently facing an unprecedented crisis regarding undocumented immigrants, with significant arrivals crossing into the southern U.S. border, fueling considerable debate between local authorities and the federal government.
Tensions continue to escalate between Texas and federal officials due to the ongoing migrant crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court voted to allow federal border patrol agents to remove the barbed wire barrier there, as initiated by the state’s Republican governor.
The American Nation on the Brink of Divisions Among Its States:
The escalating tensions indicate a serious slide within the United States, as the Oklahoma governor has stated that he may send military reinforcements from his state’s National Guard to support Texas. Reports confirm that if this occurs, the state’s National Guard might clash with the U.S. military itself.
Texas has explicitly declared its desire to secede from the U.S. due to its opposition to illegal immigration, which they label as an “invasion,” contrasting with the U.S. practice of allowing it.
In the same vein, President Joe Biden has ordered the removal of barriers built by Texas to prevent immigrant entry, with Texas asserting that the Biden administration collides with it and fails to protect it from the illegal immigration crisis.
Texas has indicated its desire to manage its affairs independently without yielding to the central government’s decisions. It has reiterated its call for secession if the U.S. states do not comply with its requests and respects its choice to reject the removal of barbed wire and allow for a system of illegal immigration that the state opposes. Texas operates under laws and constitutions that cannot be violated to prevent internal disruption.
As a result of the U.S. federal government’s demand for Texas to remove the barriers, Texas residents have created the hashtag #TEXIT, calling intensely for secession, turning it into a trend. The possibility of Texas’s secession is not unlikely as it is enshrined in the state constitution, and it could ally with several states that support it, such as Florida, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Montana, to form a separate political union consisting of five states alongside Texas.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott posted on his social media platform that “Texas will continue to exercise its constitutional right to protect its southern border and defend it… In the absence of President Biden, Texas will remain poised to ensure the safety of Texans and Americans.”
The head of U.S. Customs and Border Protection indicated to CNN that the Supreme Court ruling “allows us access to the border so we can start reaching out as we did before,” stressing that “the rest of the case remains in active litigation.”
A law enforcement source told CNN that federal customs and border protection agents are now prepared to breach the fence “quickly” in response to any life-saving operational matters or critical operational issues, stating they would breach the fence immediately to assist anyone in distress or if deemed “operationally necessary.”
Texas has accused the federal government of failing to fulfill its duties to secure the border, allowing millions of undocumented immigrants to enter the country.
