In an effort to continue expanding control along the Texas border, Governor Abbott and associates have begun to get creative. Shipping containers are the newest addition to the 1,200-mile border between Mexico and Texas.
Abbott told Freight Waves, a supply chain news outlet, about the undertaking around the Eagle Pass area.
A spokesperson told the outlet, “Abbott directed state agencies … to begin placing large storage containers end to end at low-level water crossings to physically block any illegal immigrants from entry.” The “resourceful” move comes at a time when very little of the border is completely closed-off; approximately 733 miles are open, according to Abbott.
Abbott first announced the wall project on Twitter. The video shows around 20 large shipping containers lined up, accompanied by border patrol. The post was captioned, “Large shipping containers, resources, & personnel are being used to protect communities & property owners.” Feedback in the comments below was mixed, with one user calling the project a “waste of money.” The Governor additional tweeted about using them strategically.
Texas is using large shipping containers as barriers to prevent illegal border crossings, in addition to strategic fencing & building a border wall.
We'll continue to respond in full force to stop the chaos Biden created & secure our border. https://t.co/SioTs5vswc
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) November 4, 2021
Reports show that along with the worldwide supply chain slowing, shipping containers are also in short supply. Fast Company says that sixty percent of all products — about fourteen trillion dollars worth — is shipped via large steel freight containers.
Texas Congressman Troy Nehls says Abbott’s plan was “strategic,” in the way the wall of containers channels migrants towards stronger enforced crossings. “It’s a tool that the governor is using to try to help slow down, curb this invasion,” Nehls stated.
The project, titled “Steel Curtain,” also includes additions to the future border wall. A DPS spokesperson said coils of razor wire will be implemented, and security around the walls will be increased. This comes after Abbott’s $1.8 billion border fund was signed into law in early September.
