Texas rancher sues DHS and President Biden, claiming federal policies have led to unprecedented illegal immigration, causing significant harm to ranchers and local communities.
TEXAS -A Texas rancher has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and President Joe Biden, asserting that their policies have resulted in "the largest influx of illegal aliens into America in our history."
Source: Freepik
The federal government's actions have directly harmed ranchers and local communities, according to the lawsuit, which was filed on July 31 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas.
The Immigration Reform Law Institute, Kinney County Sheriff Brad Coe, and Atascosa County, Texas, filed the lawsuit on behalf of rancher Michael Vickers. DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Acting Commissioner Troy Miller, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director Patrick J. Lechleitner, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Ur M. Jaddou are among the high-ranking officials named as defendants in the complaint.
The plaintiffs' apprehensions regarding the perceived inability to enforce current immigration laws are underscored by the lawsuit's assertion that "Defendants have adopted unlawful policies that, working in concert, have frustrated Congress's purposes in the immigration laws."
Vickers, who is also employed as a veterinarian, occupies a 1,000-acre ranch in Brooks County, which is situated approximately 70 miles north of the Mexico frontier. His property has sustained substantial damage as a result of the influx of illegal immigrants, as per the lawsuit. The filing alleges that they leave tons of garbage and litter and routinely cause thousands of dollars in damage to fences or gates as they pass through the ranch. Vickers has reported discovering plastic bags and other detritus in the stomachs of his cattle in certain instances.
The lawsuit contends that Congress has implemented a plethora of laws intending to attain operational control of the border, which is defined as the absence of illegal entries. The argument is, however, that the policies of the federal government are intended to facilitate illegal immigration, rather than to prevent it. The lawsuit asserts that the current, massive flood of illegal entries by foreign nationals from around the globe is the direct result of the defendants' policies, which are issued under the authority of these laws.
The lawsuit challenges the termination of the Migrant Protection Protocols, which are commonly referred to as the "Remain in Mexico" program, as well as parole programs for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans. This includes family reunification parole processes. The plaintiffs are requesting a court declaration that these policies are unconstitutional, as well as unspecified costs and attorney's fees.
In an effort to rectify what he terms a "broken" immigration system, President Biden has endeavored to broaden the number of lawful entry points into the United States since assuming office. Nevertheless, critics contend that these policies have resulted in a rise in illicit crossings and a strain on local resources in border communities.
Vickers' lawsuit is indicative of the increasing frustration of certain Texas ranchers and local officials who are feeling overburdened by the repercussions of federal immigration policies. Sheriff Coe stated, "This situation is not solely about politics; it is about the genuine consequences on our safety and livelihoods."
The sheriff pointed our that Texas requires efficient solutions that safeguard our communities and enforce the law.
The lawsuit is the latest in a string of legal obstacles that the Biden administration has encountered in connection with its immigration policies. The ongoing debate regarding immigration reform and border security in the United States is expected to be highlighted as the case progresses.
Local leaders in Texas have expressed their support for Vickers and the other plaintiffs, underscoring the necessity of a comprehensive immigration strategy that strikes a balance between the rule of law and humanitarian concerns.
A local community leader stated, "We must devise a method to guarantee the security of our borders while also treating individuals with dignity and respect."
The outcome of the legal conflict could have substantial implications for immigration policy and enforcement in Texas and beyond as it commences.
The rancher's lawsuit serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle to find effective solutions to immigration issues and the complex challenges confronting communities along the border.
